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Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Whenever I sit down to write about an herb I like to think about the herb for a bit, tune into
its energy and allow the spirit of the plant to speak to me. My relationship with dandelion
began long ago. Whenever I think of dandelion my mind can’t help but return straight to
childhood. I can see the cheery yellow flowers like mini-suns covering the front yard of my
childhood. Dandelion was always one of the first to announce the long-awaited arrival of
Spring. As with most children, I didn’t possess the prejudices often developed later in
adulthood. Flowers were simply flowers and they were all beautiful. There simply was no
such thing as a “weed”. I used to pick dandelion bouquets for my mother as often as I
picked black-eyed susans although I found out that the dandelions wilted much quicker
than the black-eyed susans. Even now though, I can’t think of dandelion flowers without
being transported back to a simpler time and smiling to myself.
Fortunately for me I have never lost the joy for my childhood green friends. They’ve
always been beautiful to me and still are. Many homeowners, however, do not share my
profound admiration of the dandelion and instead regard this amazingly powerful source of
nutrition and healing with contempt if not disdain littering the front lawn with its mere
presence. For some, this humble plant is nothing more than a “noxious weed” creating
great dismay as well as the yearly battle for the “perfect lawn”.
Dandelion is far from a “noxious weed” but rather a powerhouse of healing and well being
awaiting the wise person who is open to its healing presence. All parts of this plant are
used medicinally and as a food. Appearing right on time for some internal “spring
cleaning” dandelion root supports the liver in its function and is the perfect ingredient in
any spring cleansing tonic. This root pairs well with other herbs such as burdock and milk
thistle to make a very effective liver cleanse. Dandelion leaves are diuretic and when
harvested during the early spring when the leaves are young and tender, lack the
bitterness often associated with the dandelion leaf. They are a great addition to a
nutritious spring salad. No part of the dandelion is wasted and those pretty little flower
heads are no exception. Many recipes exist for dandelion fritters as well as “dandelion
wine”. Something your grandmother may have made and possibly still does. Another use
for the roasted roots are as a hearty coffee substitute yet infinitely healthier than what you
may be currently using to rouse yourself from bed in the morning.
If you use fertilizer, pesticide or weed killer on your lawn (or even if your neighbor does or
previous owners did) I would not recommend harvesting this herb yourself. Lawn
chemicals are some of the most toxic in the world. One of the best things you can do for
your health and that of your entire family (and your pets) is to forego the use of any of
these products.
Dandelion is available in many health food stores. Best, when you can, to buy the leaves
fresh and organic for optimum nutrition and taste!
Whenever I sit down to write about an herb I like to think about the herb for a bit, tune into
its energy and allow the spirit of the plant to speak to me. My relationship with dandelion
began long ago. Whenever I think of dandelion my mind can’t help but return straight to
childhood. I can see the cheery yellow flowers like mini-suns covering the front yard of my
childhood. Dandelion was always one of the first to announce the long-awaited arrival of
Spring. As with most children, I didn’t possess the prejudices often developed later in
adulthood. Flowers were simply flowers and they were all beautiful. There simply was no
such thing as a “weed”. I used to pick dandelion bouquets for my mother as often as I
picked black-eyed susans although I found out that the dandelions wilted much quicker
than the black-eyed susans. Even now though, I can’t think of dandelion flowers without
being transported back to a simpler time and smiling to myself.
Fortunately for me I have never lost the joy for my childhood green friends. They’ve
always been beautiful to me and still are. Many homeowners, however, do not share my
profound admiration of the dandelion and instead regard this amazingly powerful source of
nutrition and healing with contempt if not disdain littering the front lawn with its mere
presence. For some, this humble plant is nothing more than a “noxious weed” creating
great dismay as well as the yearly battle for the “perfect lawn”.
Dandelion is far from a “noxious weed” but rather a powerhouse of healing and well being
awaiting the wise person who is open to its healing presence. All parts of this plant are
used medicinally and as a food. Appearing right on time for some internal “spring
cleaning” dandelion root supports the liver in its function and is the perfect ingredient in
any spring cleansing tonic. This root pairs well with other herbs such as burdock and milk
thistle to make a very effective liver cleanse. Dandelion leaves are diuretic and when
harvested during the early spring when the leaves are young and tender, lack the
bitterness often associated with the dandelion leaf. They are a great addition to a
nutritious spring salad. No part of the dandelion is wasted and those pretty little flower
heads are no exception. Many recipes exist for dandelion fritters as well as “dandelion
wine”. Something your grandmother may have made and possibly still does. Another use
for the roasted roots are as a hearty coffee substitute yet infinitely healthier than what you
may be currently using to rouse yourself from bed in the morning.
If you use fertilizer, pesticide or weed killer on your lawn (or even if your neighbor does or
previous owners did) I would not recommend harvesting this herb yourself. Lawn
chemicals are some of the most toxic in the world. One of the best things you can do for
your health and that of your entire family (and your pets) is to forego the use of any of
these products.
Dandelion is available in many health food stores. Best, when you can, to buy the leaves
fresh and organic for optimum nutrition and taste!
*None of the above statements are intended to treat, diagnose or cure
any illness. Please consult with your health care practitioner before
taking any herbal supplements.
any illness. Please consult with your health care practitioner before
taking any herbal supplements.
| Herb Of the Moon - March 26 Dandelion |
