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Dandelion leaves can be made into an herbal tea or added to salads, believe it or not, and they are a great source of antioxidants and other health benefits.

-Dandelion leaves contain medicinal properties that can be used as a diuretic.

-The salts in the leaves act as a natural blood-purifier, by destroying the acids and fighting anemia.

-The leaves ease kidney problems.

-The leaves increase activity in the liver, pancreas and spleen.

-Some people claim that the dried, ground root of the weed is a good substitute for coffee, but I have never tried it myself.

To make the tea, wash the dandelion leaves very very well. Place a handful of the fresh or dried greens in a teapot, cover with boiling water, and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then pour as usual. Add a little milk and honey if desired. For use in a salad, the greens can be washed and chopped like any lettuce, however I don't recommend large quantities because there is a bitter taste to them. To avoid this taste, pick them earlier in the spring. As the summer progresses, the leaves become tougher and more bitter.

However, before you go picking dandelions from wherever they spring up, make sure that you are NOT taking them from an area that has been sprayed with any chemicals for the last few years! This will harm you, most certainly! Harvest the leaves (not the flowers) and root from a clean, unpolluted area. Or in some cases, even grocery stores carry them in the vegetable section.

Learn more about this author, K. M. Crowley.
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