Dandelion: More Than Just a Weed

Dandelion - Taraxacum officinales
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When we think of weeds, the first one that typically comes to mind is the dandelion. Its bright yellow flowers and fluffy seed heads are a common sight in lawns and gardens everywhere. While many see this ubiquitous plant as a nuisance to be eradicated, the dandelion (Taraxacum officinales) is actually a powerhouse of health benefits, a symbol of resilience, and a surprisingly versatile resource. It's time we reconsidered our view of this "weed" as something negative and think of it as something positive.

The dandelion's tenacious nature is undeniable. It can thrive in the harshest environments, popping up through cracks in sidewalks and persisting despite our best efforts to remove it. This incredible resilience and perseverance are part of what makes the dandelion such a powerful symbol. It reminds us that even in difficult circumstances, we too can find the strength to endure and flourish.  These days with the shift in political climate and a marginalized group wanting to strip away everyone’s rights, we could really use a reminder to be more resilient.  Be the little golden light of hope by being the truest you.  We have always been here and are not going anywhere.

Beyond its symbolic value, the dandelion provides an array of medicinal properties. Traditional herbalism has long recognized the benefits of this plant.  Dandelion is considered a classic spring tonic. The herb has a some laxative properties, a diuretic, and can help improves the function of the liver by promoting secretion of bile. As such, dandelion is an excellent blood-cleanser, especially when combined with burdock, helping rid the system of accumulated toxins and improving bad skin. Dandelion can also be beneficial to those suffering from indigestion or arteriosclerosis.  For benefits that target more on the liver like we mentioned we would want to use the root portion of this plant.  If we are wanting more of the diuretic effects to help support a healthy urinary tract we would want to utilize the leaves.  It's important to note, however, that while dandelions are generally considered safe, the only known contraindications are potential allergies to the plant and if you are dealing with gallbladder inflammation or gallstones.  Any time you want to introduce any kind of herbal supplement into your health routine it is always wise to consult with a healthcare professional or trained clinical herbalist before hand.  Especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Dandelion can even be utilized as a food source and not just for medicinal purposes.  The fresh flowers are traditionally used to make dandelion wine or dandelion beer, beverages that retain the blood-cleansing activity of the herb. You can even just eat fresh buds and flowers as a cleansing, yet fortifying, trailside snack.  The fresh greens are an excellent salad ingredient. It was also very commonly eaten during the Great   Depression when food resources were scarce.  During 1929 was the start of the Great Depression, which caused widespread unemployment and financial collapse, leaving many unable to afford food. This plus the Dust Bowl drought devastating farmland, and economic instability hindered food distribution, leading to severe food scarcity.  People had to find ways to survive and extend what little food they had.  Though they have been eaten well before this event, it became a cheap resource to help get some vital nutrients during this time.  Some of the nutrients that Dandelion provides are vitamins A, B complex, C, Calcium, Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Zinc.  The main dish that was maid was a Dandelion Salad.  Using the leaves and even the blossoms top it off with either Lemon Juice and salt or a balsamic dressing you got yourself a very simple salad.  A dish I have personally made with Dandelion leaves is a simple pesto sauce.  In this Pesto Recipe I replace a portion of the basil with dandelion greens and also swapped out the pine nuts for pistachios.  Not a huge fan of pine nuts, plus they are generally hard to find and really pricy and learned you could easily swap in a different nut.

PESTO RECIPE
1 Cup Fresh Basil
1 Cup Fresh Dandelion Leaves
2 cloves of Garlic
1/4 Cup of pistachios 
1/2 Cup Olive Oil
1/2 Cup grated Parmesan
Juice of half a lemon
salt & pepper to taste

Ensure the Dandelion leaves are thoroughly clean before adding everything into a food processor. 
** Play around with the ratios and find what works for you.  Add more garlic if you want.
** For buying a good Olive Oil check the bottle for a Press by Date.  This will let you know what the oil was made and is best to find one that has been pressed within the year for a better taste. Olive Oil should have a light kind of grassy taste.

So you see this common weed has a plethora of uses and it more handy than you thought.  Please note though you would want to be cautious when harvesting flowers in urban areas, due to the high incidence of chemical applications, along with animal leavings.  Be safe. Be resilient.  And ask for support and guidance from others.

********** Additional Info **********
Parts Used - Roots and leaves
Herbal Actions:
Alterative
Cholagogue
Carminative
Mild Laxative
Diuretic
Tonic
Constituents: Bitter glycosides, triterpenoids, tannins, volatile oils, inulin, vitamins A, B complex, C, Calcium, Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Selenium, Silicon, Sodium, Zinc.
Energetics: Cooling, Drying