dandilion-for-blog

 dandelion
 Dandelions…..Who knew that plentiful weed that people are always trying to get rid of with dangerous herbicides is actually something very beneficial for our bodies! Who taught us that anyway? Pesticide companies? I actually think grass full of bright yellow flowers is very beautiful in spring.  I also think that mother nature knows best and we should learn more about leaving nature to do its job.
Dandelions are completely edible, both the leaves, flowers and the root. Traditionally used in Native American and Arabic medicinal practices.
  • It improves digestion and aids weight loss.
  • Purifying tonic that eases congestion of the liver and kidney.
  • Dandelions reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.
  • They contain calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, vitamins A, B and C.
  • Dandelions also purify the blood, improving blood circulation.
  • Reduces Acne.

The  best way to use dandelion for detoxing is with dandelion root tea. Dandelion root tea is a bit bitter. Steep the roots for 10 minutes to get the best medicinal quality and add a bit of honey to make it less bitter.

To start thoroughly wash all the dirt off the roots. I cut the roots off and used a veggie brush to scrub them as they are bumpy.

Then chop the roots as small as you can and spread evenly on a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Heat the oven to 180 degrees and bake for about 2 or more hours checking when the root is dried.

When the root cools put it in a coffee grinder and pulsate to get a very small tea-like texture. Place in a glass jar and store in a dark area to keep fresh.

To get the benefits of most herbal teas, pour boiling water over your herbs and steep for at least 10 – 15 minutes.

 

Experiment with making your own “special blend”, herbal teas can be hydrating and beneficial. My favourite blends are with green tea, mint, chamomile, lemon, ginger. Add cinnamon and honey.

Here is my tea ready to steep!

Also, save the leaves and flowers to have in your salad or quickly steam them.

While I was getting my dandelions I also foraged some dutch white clovers for also to  create the tea.

These clovers grow all over New England where I live and most of the United States, possibly in your yard too. Just be sure not to use if you treat your lawn with pesticides.  My yard is pesticide free.

 

My Breakfast the other day was lactose free cottage cheese with dandelion petals and leaves and strawberries.

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White dutch clover is also a detox herb

You may have these growing in your yard, if you don’t use pesticides or chemicals in your yard they are perfectly edible.

Clovers add nitrogen to the soil and farmers use clovers in crop rotation. It’s used to feed livestock and in honey production. Also I fed these regularly to my rabbits who outlived normal bunny years. These clovers are white or pink can be dried and used in tea. Clovers detox the body and are very beneficial as they aid in detoxification, congestion and reducing inflammation.

 

My favorite tea blend is:

jasmine green as the base
dandelion root
calendula flowers
rose flowers
burdock root
a bit of honey

This is Rose my pup she likes to hang out with me and help me forage in the yard. She likes to lay down in fresh cool dirt.

Happy foraging!

moonflower
Resources:

http://www.leaflady.org/health_benefits_of_dandelions.htm

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/dandelion

 

 

 

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