“I think things should be growing abundant and dandelions should rule the world,”
Drew Barrymore.
Dandelions are in abundance from the end of April. This bright sunny flower is fast working its way back into the affections of gardeners after decades of generally being under attack, being branded a weed and as such being blasted with weed killer. But the Dandelion represents the sun (the flower), the moon (clocks) and the stars (dispersing seeds).
The French word for Dandelion means “pee the bed”. The English name “Dandelion” comes from “tooth of the lion” in French. The weed was given its name because of the way the leaves are etched — some people thought the leaves looked like a lion’s mouth. There are several ,superstitions involving dandelions, including making a wish and blowing off all the dandelion seeds to make a wish come true, through to picking a Dandelion will make you wet the bed.
But the Dandelion has much to offer. Indeed they are considered a Superfood and are some of the most nutritionally dense greens you can eat. They are far more nutritious than spinach or kale and are full of vitamins, Minerals and Antioxidants: Vitamin A, C, E, K, B6, Beta Carotene, Folate, Thiamine, Ribofavin and Minerals; Potassium, Calcium and Manganese. In fact, a half-cup of dandelion greens has more calcium than a glass of milk!
The Dandelion leaves are diuretic which also replaces lost minerals naturally such as potassium. They can stabilize high blood pressure by removing fluid volume in the body. Its high volume of coumarins in the leaves help thing the blood allowing deposits and toxins to be freed up, moved on and eliminated. The leaves remove waste products via the kidneys and the roots remove them via the liver. When harvesting Dandelion Roots look for Dandelion rosettes emerging out of the soil in the early spring, before they’ve gone to flower. If the Dandelions have gone to flower the roots will have shrunk and will be bitter and woody because the as the plant has sent energy up to the flower.
Dandelion Uses:
- Flowers and Leaves can be infused in Apple Cider Vinegar for a Spring Tonic.
- Add Leaves & Petals to your salad. Can be used as a Garnish or in Pesto or Smoothies.
- Make Fritters with whole Dandelion Flowers and a Pancake Mix.
- Infuse into a base oil for a breast massage oil or for sore muscles.
- Add flowers and leaves to your teapot for a delicious tea. For an improved brew add Cleavers and Nettles.
- Dry the leaves to save for later use or tinctures.
- Dry the flowers for later use in Teas. When drying the flowers, dry with the Sepal facing up otherwise they will turn into clocks.
- Roasted Dandelion Root Coffee
- They are delicious in stir fries or steamed veg or soups.
- Try the buds pickled.
- Make Dandelion Wine or Mead
- Add to Cakes or Biscuits.
- Make refreshing Dandelion Soda.
- Make Dandelion blossom syrup/honey.
- Use the stems as straws!