Dandelion

The amazing little yellow flower that pops up in almost everyone’s yard is not the monster it is made out to be but a true treasure. Dandelion can be used as a food, a powerful medicine and a beautiful dye and a few extra surprises.

The use of dandelion has been recorded for centuries in Arabia and china. Their history here in the United States says dandelions were brought here by colonists to be used for medicine and food source. They became known as the "White mans foot print".

Rank in the top four green vegetable in nutritional value...

According to the USDA, dandelions rank in the top four green vegetables in nutritional value.

It is very rich in vitamin K1, A, iron, magnesium, copper, and several other nutrients.

Easy to identify...

The name dandelion comes from the French word Dent-de-lion meaning lion’s tooth. The leaves have a jagged edge and the flower is a beautiful round and yellow like the sun. Botanical Name is Taraxacum officinale but it is also known as Lion’s tooth or blow ball.

Caution For Using Dandelion

Possible side effects of dandelion

If you have an allergy to chamomile, daisies, ragweed, yarrow or their related plants you should use caution when being exposed to dandelion.

or if you have an allergy to latex as I do you may notice the white milk will irritate your skin. It is a natural latex. I noticed it did burn and itch so I wear gloves. For additional information check out WebMD

If you have Gallstones, Diabetes, are using antibiotics or have low blood pressure use extra caution.

When to pick...

As a food the leaves should be picked in the spring and fall before the flower forms. The older the leaves get the more bitter they become. I wish I would have read that before I picked the first ones I sautéed’ for dinner. “BITTER”. I have also read that after the first hard frost they are not as bitter.

I would suggest if you are going to eat them to pick the young tender ones. All parts of the dandelion can be used. Collect in spring or fall, fresh dandelion roots can be peeled, boiled and sautéed to be served as a vegetable or dried and ground into a coffee.

Dandelion Coffee...

Wash the root well and roast until light brown (darker for a richer flavor).

Add one Tablespoon to 10 ounces of water and simmer for 15 minutes.

Just play around with the time. I like mine stronger you may not want to simmer it that long.

Or you can do it the easy way and buy it from Amazon

Teeccino Gluten Free Organic Chicory Herbal Tea Dandelion Dark Roast Tea Bags, Caffeine Free, Acid Free 10 count

As a medicine...

The use of the healing properties of dandelion have been documented back to the 1500's. This is just a few of the uses... aids in digestion, helps constipation, lower blood pressure, regulates blood sugar, reduces muscle spasms, detoxification aid, improves liver function, improves gall bladder, and can aid in healing bladder infections.

Back Yard Pharmacy

A cup 3 times a day...

As stated in "Back Yard Pharmacy" dandelion promotes the health of the liver and gall bladder and aids in the recovery from hepatitis. Dandelion increases the appetite and promotes digestion. It will heal damaged stomach walls and is a mild laxative for people who have chronic constipation. She recommends to drink three cups of Dandy Blend tea a day. This will also help with bladder and kidney infections.

Dandy Blend, Instant Dandelion Beverage, 25 Single Serving Pouches, 2.5 oz

WV Dandelion Festival...

In West Virginia’s White Sulphur Springs it is celebrated with the WV Dandelion festival every May. WV Dandelion festival

Dandelion as a dye...

It can be used for dying cloth or yarn. You can actually achieve several different colors from yellow to pale green to brown. I will soon be sharing several pages on natural dyes and weaving, something I love and can't wait to get started on.

Tires...

Why a picture of tires????

The Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME in collaboration with Continental are building the first ever pilot system to extract from the Russian dandelion, rubber for making tires. The rubber it produces is supposed to be less effected by the weather and the agricultural impact is that it can be grown easily and close to the production plant making it very cost efficient. This is amazing to me. Think about it land that is not that great can be used for farming creating jobs in their country and reducing the need for importing a raw material. Every part of the dandelion plant can be used for some purpose so no waste. Even if they just left the leaves and flowers to rot after extracting the “milk” it would decay and fertilize the soil that is needed to produce the rubber. Why can’t everyone see how using resources that are readily available with substantial benefits to the economy and the environment worth the research and investment in the long run. To me this is just a win win situation.

Some extra Dandelion tidbits...

Dandelion and honey soap as done by the Nerdy Farm Wife .

Are you looking for an interesting stock investment why not Dandelions stocks?

This is something we are looking into Growing dandelions for profit. I am hoping to sell some at the farmers market and introduce people to their nutritional and medicinal value while making our farm more self sufficient.

Click to learn how to make this beautiful wool yarn dandelion.

If you must remove it from your lawn just...

Aerating your yard will get rid of dandelions. They like compacted soil. So aerating the soil will stop dandelion growth.

Disclaimer: All material on this site are provided for informational purposes only and should not be taken as a substitute for professional medical or health advice. You should never eat a plant that you have not clearly identified eating a plant that is not edible is dangerous.

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