The Weed That Feeds

Dandelion!

Taraxacum officinale

Growing up in New Jersey, I was constantly surrounded by yards and fields full of these little yellow flowers from a plant commonly known as dandelion.They were everywhere, and easily took over any space they inhabited. Considered by most to be an invasive weed, many people pulled them up or sprayed weed killer to keep this ambitious plant in check. As a child, I remember picking bundles full of the flowers, placing them in my hair, and I believe a few times chewing on them a bit out of curiosity. Little did I know the  medicinal power that lies within these versatile plants.  

The leaves have a bitter taste, similar to arugula or mustard greens, and are a pleasant and nutritious addition to salads. The flowers are also edible, and can brighten up any salad or dish, or be used to make dandelion wine (a task which I plan to take on once I move to Colorado where dandelions are abundant). The leaves can also be dried and made into a nutritive tea. Dandelion leaves are high in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, B complex, C, D, iron, potassium, and zinc. The roots can be dried, roasted, and made into a tea that closely resembles the flavor of coffee. My favorite herbal coffee recipe is:

Equal parts:

roasted dandelion root

roasted chicory root

raw cacao powder

Grind well, use 1 Tbsp per cup of hot water. Nutritious and delicious!

Dandelion roots have traditionally been used to treat live problems. They can purify the blood and stimulate the production of bile. This action rids the liver and gallbladder of toxins and congestion. It is a sight to see, when my "herbie" friends and I meet at a local brewery for a gathering, before taking a sip of our first beer, most of us pull out a dandelion tincture from our pockets and pass it around. Taking a little dandelion before partaking in your favorite cocktail helps the body rid itself of toxins quicker and more efficiently, thus easing the effects of a hangover! Put that in your "good to know" file for later.

So next time you see those little yellow flowers poking through the grass in your yard or garden, smile and take advantage of her loving and bountiful gifts! Happy spring everyone!