by Eve Price

Created on: February 15, 2011

In our urban landscapes, most people fight the little dandelion with fervor.  It is considered an annoying weed to homeowners. It is considered “invasive.”  However, Mother Nature created it with you in mind.  The dandelion is a powerful natural healing plant. 

All parts of the dandelion are edible.  Dandelions can be eaten right off the stalk or made into an herbal tea; either way is effective. The roots contain the highest medicinal properties.What do dandelions contain that make them so healthy?

Dandelions contain Vitamins A, B, C, and D. They also contain minerals, especially potassium and calcium.  Herbalists primarily use them as a de-toxifier and a diuretic.  This article discusses some of the rather unknown benefits of eating dandelions.

Female Issues:

· The flowers of the dandelion were used by the Iroquois Indians to help eliminate the bloating and the cramping associated with menstruation and PMS.
· The Chinese use dandelion flowers for breast problems, such as soreness, or to increase milk flow for nursing mothers.

Weight loss:

How does this little plant help you to lose weight?

· It is known for its ability to cleanse the liver of toxins.  Many dieters start a new diet with a commercial “detoxify” program to rid their bodies of excess waste.  This waste prevents weight loss.  Dandelions provide a natural de-toxifier.
· Dandelion roots contain a fat burner.  It boosts the body’s metabolism, burning fat and causing weight loss.  Chop up the roots, ground them into powder, and make teas with them.
· Since dandelion is also a natural diuretic, the body excretes more urine, helping to rid the body of excess fat cells.  However, this part is found in eating the leaves of the dandelion in fresh salads.

Blood tonic:

· Since dandelions are a high source of iron, eating them helps to resolve blood issues, such as anemia.
· The natural tonic properties increase the health of your blood, which improves your overall health.

Before you spend time and money in getting rid of dandelions, consider harvesting them instead for their healthy natural benefits. However, dandelion must be harvested correctly in order to consume it for the greatest health benefits.

Harvest the new greens in the early spring to eat them.  Later in the season, harvest the larger leaves and dry them for tea.  The blossoms are eaten as green buds, fully opened, the petals are harvested for jelly and tea.  The root is ready once hard frost has killed off the green parts.

Do not discard that white milky sap either; it is useful for removing warts.

CAUTION:  if you have used commercial weed killer on areas of your lawn, do not consume dandelions from those areas.

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