Dandelions: More than a Weed!

Hi Friends, I was reading this amazing book called alchemy of herbs and I learned something I just had to share. Dandelions are more than a weed. They are full of Vitamin C, K1, Potassium, Magnesium and beta-carotene? They also help with inflammation, promote a healthy gut and liver and have an amazing ability to stimulate a healthy digestive system by increasing saliva with something called HCL(hydrochloric Acid) in your gut. All of this helps break down carbohydrates, protein and fat.

Dandelion leaves have a pleasantly bitter taste which will stimulate the digestive system. The root of the dandelions helps support the digestive system by its action on the liver. Poor digestion due to a sluggish liver may be seen in an inability to digest fats, nausea, gas bloating, and headaches. It can also be related to poor digestion, hormonal imbalance and skin rashes like eczema or acne. The root and the leaves also contain a really high amount of insulin, a type of carbohydrate that supports gut flora.

Dandelion root offers powerful support the the liver by increasing function and decreasing inflammation. The Liver plays an important role in metabolizing hormones. Keeping the liver healthy with gentle herbs like dandelion root can help us maintain a healthy hormonal balance.

Many people with painful arthritis look to the dandelion because it is considered a diuretic and has the ability to relieve fluid build up in the joints. Dandelion Root Tea has been used to treat conditions such as edema and hypertension. The leaves are considered to be a potassium-sparing diuretic. Unlike many pharmaceutical drugs, dandelions are high in potassium and do not promote potassium excretion or deficiency.

With all of this amazing information about the dandelion, why are we KILLING IT? Many people today have dandelions growing right in their yards but are quick to spray with harmful chemicals without knowing all the benefits. With that said, don't go picking dandelions without know what they have been treated with. Also, there are many look-a-like plants so make sure you know a dandelion when you see one. There are many places you can get dandelion root and leaves like herbal shops, but if you happen to come across them on your own make sure they are free from chemicals.

Here are some great recipes for you to try so you can experience all the benefits of the dandelion.

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Harvest the dandelion root - you can also purchase at a local herbalist shop Dandelion roots are stubborn and will be more willing to come out after it has rained. Loosen the earth around the root and grab as deep as you can to pull it out.

Trim the root; you can use the leaves in a juice or as part of a salad.

Clean the roots and remove the stringy, fibrous parts.

Cut the roots into ½ inch pieces to get the best flavor, you should first bake the roots.

Place them in the oven on a baking tray and cook them for about 2 hours at around 250 degrees. You can also cook them on the stovetop in a cast iron pan. They will turn brown and the aroma will start to come out. That’s when they are done.

Remove the roots and chop them fine or grind them with your coffee grinder.

Steep the root powder in a tea infuser or just pop them into a tea pot and add boiling water…let the tea infuse for between 10 and 15 minutes.Drink up and enjoy…

add honey to sweeten it if you find it a little too bitter for you.

DANDELION ROOT VINEGAR

Dandelion root is high in minerals, and apple cider vinegar helps extract the mineral content. You can use this herbal vinegar to make your own salad dressing.

If You choose to make 2 cups you will need roughly 2 cups of fresh root or 2/3 cup of dried root And approx 1 1/2 cups of vinegar.

If using fresh root, fill the jar with the finely chopped root. If your using dried, fill the jar 1/3 full (to allow for expansion).

Fill the jar with apple cider vinegar. Cover with a glass or plastic lid. If using metal use parchment paper in between as the vinegar will corrode the metal.

Infuse for 2 weeks, shaking once a day. Strain when ready. This does not need to be refrigerated but it can be. Use within a year.

Enjoy and tell me what you think in the comments below.