Health Benefits of the Dandelion Herb and Why It's Not Just a Common Weed
Very soon our yards will be filled with little yellow suns sprouting from the Earth. The Dandelion begins to appear in most areas around mid to late March, just when most of us start the process of mowing our yards. However, this nutritious and powerful little plant should not be treated as any ordinary weed and mowed down because it is actually an herb and serves many uses, from medicinal to culinary. The entire plant is edible, from its petals to its leaves and roots. So, let’s explore how this powerhouse can help support our health and well-being.
Medicinal Uses of Dandelion
Dandelion is anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and full of antioxidants that are crucial in keeping the body healthy. This herb contains beta carotene which may protect against cell damage and chronic diseases and polyphenols which help fight inflammation. Blood sugar may also be managed with the Dandelion as it has chicoric and chlorogenic acids, both of which help in secretion of insulin. Key factors in heart disease such as triglyceride and cholesterol levels may be reduced with regular Dandelion use and the herb may be beneficial in lowering blood pressure as it detoxifies certain organs and acts as a diuretic. In Western medicine, diuretics are used to rid the body of excess fluid, which helps decrease blood pressure.
Animal studies have found that the Dandelion helped prevent liver damage in mice that were exposed to a liver injury-inducing compound. A simple Dandelion Extract may reduce levels of excess fat stored in the liver and help improve carbohydrate metabolism which leads to weight loss. In the Appalachian culture, many people make a Spring Tonic which includes herbs that begin growing during this season. The tonics are used to purify the blood and the overall body after a long winter and are known to contain the Dandelion roots for their blood purifying properties and their abilities to break down cholesterol and fat.
The most promising study I found showed that the administration of Dandelion Root Extract to rats over a 4-week period suppressed the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. Test tube studies proved the extract may also slow the growth of cancer cells in the liver, colon and stomach tissue.
Since the Dandelion is anti-bacterial, it is excellent in a salve for burns, cuts, scrapes and sensitive skin issues. Simply pick the blooms of the plant, let them dry for about 24 hours and then put them in a mason jar. Fill the mason jar with a carrier oil, such as Olive or Sweet Almond, and let infuse 4-6 weeks in a cool, dry place. Shake the jar a few times a week during the infusion period. When the oil is ready, strain out the blooms and heat the oil with either Shea Butter or Coconut Oil until the latter melt. Pour in jars or tins and now you have a Dandelion Salve for first aid or sensitive skin use. The salve has a beautiful, deep yellow color, like the one below. You can also add essential oils, such as Tea Tree or Lavender to the melted oils for an extra boost.
The infused Dandelion Oil can also be used to make homemade soap for skin conditions. Massaging the oil on sore muscles and hands (think gardening work during the Spring) helps to alleviate pain and inflammation. If you'd like to learn how to make your own Dandelion Infused Oil, watch my YouTube video, https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iIM-5cvccQc
Dandelion Oil infusing
“What about the milky latex inside the stems,” you ask? It is beneficial in getting rid of warts. Just apply directly on the wart for 2 to 3 weeks. In addition, when dried, the latex can be used as a rubber band if you don’t have one handy.
Culinary Uses of the Dandelion
The Dandelion herb encourages and promotes optimal digestion. The leaf is used as a mild diuretic because it replenishes potassium content. It is also a source of iron, calcium, Vitamins A, K and C, and trace minerals, such as iron and magnesium. Leaves of Dandelion can be added to Wild Herb Salads, along with other wild herbs such as Purple Dead Nettle and Wild Violet. Since the leaves can be bitter, Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar recommends steaming, then marinating them overnight in an Italian Dressing with lots of honey. Honey has a load of benefits, itself, so you’re really getting a bang for your buck here! The Italian Dressing mellows the greens and removes lots of the bitterness. However, if you’re in a pinch, leaves can also be served with an Olive Oil and Lemon drizzle to reduce the bitter taste.
If you’d rather not consume the leaves directly, you can make a tea of fresh or dried Dandelion leaves and blooms. Just place the dried ingredients in a tea cup and cover with boiling water. Honey may be added as a sweetener. Remember, however, that the herb is a diuretic, so don’t drink the tea at night.
The flowers of the plant can be collected, washed and dried, then dredged through an egg and milk mixture and a flour or corn meal mixture and fried as a nutritious, healthy and delicious snack. This is another practice of the Appalachians!
Fried Dandelion
Finally, the roots of Dandelions which may be harvested between November and March, when the plant is dormant, can be dried and ground into a mixture similar to coffee. According to, Folk Magic and Healing, Dandelion root aids in blood circulation and promotes a healthy liver.
It is abundantly clear that the Dandelion is not just a simple yard weed that needs to be mowed down or weed-eaten. This herb is full of nutrients and healing properties and should be treated with respect, like all of the other herbs on our planet. As always, this blog is for informational purposes only, so please consult a doctor prior to taking any herbal or non-conventional medicinal treatments.
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