Also known as Lion’s tooth or wild endive, Dandelion is an extremely common plant which grows almost everywhere, as any gardener will know! Although it has been labelled a weed, the dandelion is a nutritious plant which contains vitamins A, B, C & D, as well as calcium, potassium, sodium and manganese. During the war years in Europe, is was used exensively as a vegetable, and even today the cut young leaves add flavour to salads and the older leaves can be cooked like spinach.

Healing uses:
Dried dandelion leaves can be used in place of regular tea in a teapot. This creates a pleasant tasting drink which will cleanse the liver, eliminate poisons and wastes from the body, ease constipation and aid in the treatment of rheumatism. There is also some evidence to suggest that regular consumption of dandelion tea will help to suppress the hepatitis virus.
The milky juice from the flower stems of the dandelion can eliminate warts. Just dab a few drops onto the wart daily for several weeks and it will blacken and disappear.
Medical research has shown that dandelion can successfully treat inflammation of the colon (colonitis). Contact a professional herbalist for more information on this use of the plant.

Cautions:
Do not use dandelions if pregnant or breast-feeding.
Diabetics should be aware that dandelion can cause a drop in blood-sugar levels.

Other uses:
The leaves of the dandelion plant make a healthy and delicious addition to any salad. The thick, stalk-like middles of the leaves are bitter, however, and should be removed before eating.
Dandelion roots can be used as a more wholesome substitute for coffee. To make this drink, thoroughly wash the tap-root of the plant, removing the hair-like rootlets. If the roots are to be stored, dry in a cool oven until brittle. When ready to use, roast the roots in a medium oven until brown, then grind and brew in a plunger in place of standard coffee. Dandelion “coffee” has a lovely taste and is caffeine-free, so it does not have the stimulating effect of regular coffee.

Growing Dandelions:
As mentioned earlier, dandelions can be found growing almost anywhere - amongst the grass in lawns, through gravel in driveways, even on roadsides. As it will grow rather prolifically, it is probably best not to cultivate dandelion, but rather gather it where it grows wild. Dandelions give out ethylene gas which is detrimental to the health of other plants, so if you do wish to cultivate it (perhaps in a pot where it cannot spread), keep it isolated.

 

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