Herbs & Medicines - Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale

Dandelion is a perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It grows from a tap-root that reaches deep into the soil. The plant grows up to a foot in height and flowers from April to June. It produces a yellow flower head consisting of florets. Leaves grow from the base of the plant in an enlongated shape with highly jagged edges. The edges are said to resemble a lion's tooth, giving the plant it's name. Its edible, the entire plant is edible and nutritious. The young leaves are best for greens, since the leaves grow more bitter with age. Young leaves can be cooked or eaten raw. Dandelion root is sometimes dried and roasted for use as a coffee substitute. The roots can also be cooked and eaten. They are bitter with a taste similar to turnip. Dandelion flowers make a nice salad garnish or can be battered and fried. Unopened flower buds are prepared into pickles similar to capers. Flowers can also be boiled and served with butter. Dandelion leaves and roots make a pleasant, but bitter tea. Flowers are fermented to make dandelion wine. Leaves and roots are used to flavor herbal beers and soft drinks. The entire dandelion plant is used medicinally. The bitter roots are good for gasstrointestinal and liver problems, while the leaves have a powerful diuretic effect. The plant makes a great general tonic and benefits the entire body. It is high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Dandelion supports digestion, benefits the kidneys, gallbladder, and liver. It stimulates bile production, helping with the digestion of fats and toxin removal. Use it to treat jaundice and raise energy levels after infections. Its a great detoxifier for the whole body and restores the electroyte balance, which improves liver health and function. Best season to harvest the leaves is in the spring when they are young and less bitter. You can dry them for later use. The roots are best to collect them them when they are 2-3 years old. The roots are larger and more medicinally potent. Leave some of the root intact to allow the plant to grow back again. Consult your doctor for use.