Dandelion, this modest-looking wild plant is often considered a weed, but it’s been used to improve people’s health for a long time. Every part is edible. When you pick dandelions, choose a natural environment where pesticides or other toxins are not used. Separate the roots, leaves, and flowers to get them all in different uses. The roots need to be washed.
Dandelion is high in vitamins A, C, E, and K. It also offers a good dosage of minerals like potassium, iron, magnesium, and calcium. The roots have soluble fiber that supports the gut bacteria in the digestive tract.
Health benefits
Possible health benefits are:
- Support for liver functions
- Help for high blood pressure
- Reducing inflammation
- Lower blood sugar
- Better cholesterol
- Detox
- Improve immunity
- Improving skin health, and may help with acne and eczemas
- Support for digestion
- Support for kidneys
- Diuretic
How to use
You can use all parts of fresh dandelion. There are different uses for this wild plant: you can make or purchase dried dandelion, tinctures, salves, juices, and extracts.
Note: natural remedies are not recommended to be used instead of medical care but for minor health concerns and to support other treatments.
Dandelion roots
You can eat roots as other root vegetables. They are also great for extracting tinctures or drying them for tea.
Tincture:
Wash the roots and chop them into small bits. Put them in a glass container that has a tight lid. Add 40% alcohol like vodka so that all bits are covered. Label the jar with ‘Dandelion tincture’ and date so you don’t forget what you have there. Leave in a dark place at room temperature for 6 weeks.
You can take the tincture 1 teaspoon mixed in water 1-3 times daily.
Greens – leaves and stems
You can use fresh dandelion for example in salads and stir-fries. Leaves you can dry and use as a spice or in tea.
Yellow flowers
Dandelion flowers are great for drinks or cosmetics. It’s great for dry skin and other skin issues.
Dandelion oil extract:
Put the flowers in a glass container that has a tight lid. Add one capful of alcohol to prevent spoilage. Then pour organic extra virgin olive oil until the flowers are covered. Leave in a dark place at room temperature for 6 weeks. Drain the oil and it’s ready to be used on the skin. Or you can leave it to extract more and take the oil you need from the container.
Note that handling flowers will dye your fingers yellow but it is washable. Use cotton gloves if needed.
Dandelion is safe for most people, but if you have any prescription medications, check with a healthcare professional before taking dandelion.
Read also our quick guide about organic food.