Spring! Spring brings warm days and cool evenings. And things start to grow like the weeds in your yard. But did you know that the dandelion once was a wanted "weed" or should I say herb that people would trade for? They would be a prized item.Dandelion is rich in many nutrients calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, selenium, and zinc. It is a good herb to use as a diuretic. Dandelion has been found to stimulate mucus membranes, sooth the digestive tract, stimulates digestion, absorb toxins from the bowel, and cleaning the kidneys and liver. Careful it also acts as mild laxative.
I have not seen studies to back this up most sites just stating that it is being tested and the results are indicating to have a possible effect ..... To help lower the bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. Helps strengthen the heart and prevent strokes. Help with diabetes. Protection from cancer, including breast and prostate cancers. I don't know if all that is true but it can't hurt if you have these issues to deal with. AS always CHECK with your DOCTOR before using a herb if you have any these conditions or any health conditions. If you have hay fever you maybe not want to try dandelion leaves for the possible allergic reaction.
Eating the Dandelion Leaves:
Young leaves of the Dandelion are the tastiest. Dandelion is only pleasantly bitter if you eat the early spring tender leaves. When the leaf get older the center rib gets tough and very bitter. You can try to blanch the leaves but I found them still to bitter. It is best to tear into pieces, rather than cut, to keep the flavor. Like lettuce
Mix into spring mix salads. Hey even the bagged lettuce mix has the dandelion leaf. I have a friend that is allergic to the leaf and we went out to a nice restaurant and they had dandelion leaves in the salad.
Dandelion can be steamed, added to stir-fries and many other dishes which call for greens or spinach. Can add to spinach dishes with the spinach.
Something else I found was that you could even make a delicious sandwich. I haven't done this but I thought I pass it along..... To make a dandelion leaf sandwich just lay the leaves between slices of bread and butter and sprinkled with salt. Add a little lemon-juice and pepper for flavor.
Dandelion leaves can be used in facial steam, as well as face packs. It is good for skins issues like acne, eczema, psoriasis.
Other parts are used also:
The root is also used as a coffee substitute. Sometime mixed with coffee to help give it a better taste. Of course it is roasted just like coffee beans.
The flowers are used to make dandelion Wine. I never tried or tasted dandelion wine but my parents said it was good, but a pain ti make.
… A man can let his wife know he loves her by giving her a dozen large roses,
while his small grandson can do the same with a fistful of dandelion flowers!
