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The Hidden Depths of the Dandelion

By Suzi Franks

&Many people know what a dandelion looks like, from it’s distinctive flower seeds aptly called ‘parachute balls’ and used as such in the childhood game of blowing off these fluffy bits ...correct me if I am wrong but I seem to remember it going like this: ‘what time it is Mr Wolf?? One o’clock, two o’clock....’

What the majority don’t know or overlook, is this ‘weed’ they so freely trample on is a powerhouse of nutrients... and all for free if you can pick your own in an area free of chemical sprays and dogs. Or you can sow grow your own personal supply and believe it or not, the humble dandelion comes in three varieties: Broad leaf, ‘Ameliore à Coeur Plein’ and ‘Vert de Montmagny’.

It’s Been called Some Names
Dandelion, Taraxacum officinalis, to give it, it’s correct botanical Latin name, has been known by numerous names in different cultures. But my favorites are: ‘Pissabeds’ an Old English folklore name and various Italian dialects still use this connotation especially in North Eastern parts calling it delicately ‘pisacan’ literally meaning ‘dog pisses’ referring to dandelions diuretic properties!

A Little History
Around the 11th century, Arab physicians were the first to provide written documentation of the outstanding plant and it was their appreciation of its abilities that prompted them into naming it ‘Taraxacon’ with taraxons meaning ‘disorder’ and akos meaning ‘remedy’.

A Nutrient Powerhouse
Dandelion is one of Mother Natures most nutrient rich plants. It has the richest source of betacarotene of any known plant, it’s source of available Vitamin A is only beaten by cod-liver oil and beef oil.
It contains lutein and zeaxanthis, two nutritional superstars at preventing macular degeneration, the leading cause of adult blindness in the World. Not bad for a humble weed!!

Unlocking Dandelion’s Nutrient Treasure Chest
Pick dandelions young beautiful serrated leaves and add them to your salad bowl, add small amounts at first, they can be a little ‘strong’ tasting with all the chlorophyll and nutrients. But if you like spicy rocket then young dandelion leaves are not such a shock.

Older leaves can be steamed or thrown into boiling water to wilt them and eaten like spinach. Roots can be grated like carrots and added to the salad bowl or lightly cooked.

Turn the flowers into wine, using ancient folk recipes and give yourself a nutritious health boosting tipple. You can roast the tender roots and dry them and they will reward you as a coffee substitute or make a ‘tea’ out of them.

Dandelions Medicinal Cupboard
The dandelion plant provides a medicinal cupboard of a remedies and really does live up to its Latin name ‘Taraxacon’
Medicinal properties include:
Gentle diuretic properties which can aid high blood pressure, bloat and water retention responsible for edema in the lower legs. It also contains pectin which also relieves constipation and reduces cholesterol levels.

The fibre it contains is a great constipation reliever and promotes pro-biotic bacteria in the gut and the great thing is, dandelion used for this problem does not drain the body of it’s natural bacteria so it is safe and gentle to use for several months, unlike commercial counterparts.

Research has shown that dandelion leaf extract doubles the amount of bile that the body releases and the root quadruples this effect, another step to promoting healthy bowl and gut health, the bowl works more efficiently with increased bile flow.

Author’s disclaimer
This is just a snippet of dandelions amazing nutritious and medicinal properties and with all information, this article is just that information and should be respected and treated as such. The information provided here is in no way intended to replace professional healthcare advice and dandelion plant should not be used without professional advice. Please be safe and responsible and consult a professional if you think dandelion can assist in your health.

A former ER Nurse with over 15 years experience is now a healer of The Earth. I have now dedicated my life to tending my piece of paradise and returning the chemical torn landscape back to its former glory with lovingly applied organic principles and tender loving care. I am on a quest to help share my knowledge of organic vegetable growing, so you and others may feel the goodness of Mother Nature and eat her bountiful gifts.

Back in the 1940's, my Mom used to serve Dandelion Greens for a vegetable, Suzi. Even today, my sister-in-law still makes a batch of Dnadelion wine every year. I wasn't aware of the other usages.
Thank you for sharing.
Best wishes.
Frederick

Mom always knew best back in the days when women were more in their natural role of healers and home makers. I think the tide is turning and we are gravitating towards this again, thank goodness:) Thank you for sharing and the kind words.

Wow, Suzi. I would have never thought that this weed could be so beneficial. I've heard of dandelion tea though...

Thank you James, I enjoy sharing the knowledge I have. Mother Nature evolved to provide everything we could possible want in the terms of nutrition.
I have been researching the health benefits of vegetables for a few years now and I am constantly amazed at what we don't know about the food we put into our mouths. But, I am on a mission to change all this and the support of you only makes the mission more worthwhile. Thank you:)

Hi Suzi, I loved this article! Your profile picture is about the most beautiful statement for all things mother earth that I have ever seen. I want a poster of the pic

Looking forward to reading many more articles like this one from you. I am opening a organic cafe' in my natural medicine healing center where I will serve many "weeds". I say "One man's weed is another man's medicine!"

WOW!! What great news, I know the cafe' will be a success, the tide has turned and we are no longer satisfied with commercial offerings. Let me know if you would like to use any of the guides I am currently writing on the health benefits of food in relation to certain health conditions like fibromyalgia, heart disease etc:)
And I will see what I can do about a poster of the profile picture my little mind is working on it:)
Thank you for your kind words and I expect photos and regular updates and I can offer you some recipes, all organic and natural:)

My brother grows dandelions in his garden and he and his wife enjoy them in salads and tea. He sent me some seeds from his garden and now I am growing them indoors in my hydroponic system. That is another weed I love.

I would love you to write an article about setting up a home hydroponic system, I didn't see one in your article list and then I can add it to my site as a guest writer. I also want to set up a hydroponic system on a damp, cold side of the house to grow leafy greens. Thank you Janet for the kind words (still mugging the postie every morning for the seeds, still waiting!)

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