Yes, I remember ... I'm supposed to be posting about potatoes! But my excitement of the moment has been taken over by dandelions and since it is their season I just had to let you know what I've been up to with them! I've been out and about planting, mulching, pruning and whatever else one does at this time of year and suddenly realized my lawn was aglow with the beautiful, yellow blossoms of what some would consider a noxious weed. If only they would mend their ways!
So I started digging and gathering and found myself with a basket full of whole dandelion plants ... and with the change of seasons from winter to spring, it is a perfect time of year to take advantage of this wonderful plant's medicine to help us build our strength and energy for the upcoming hard work during the warmer months ahead. I call this a true "spring tonic" plant. Though it can be harvested throughout the year, this is the time of year we really notice it as it runs riot through fields, lawns and meadows. Have you noticed that many health food stores now carry fresh dandelion greens throughout the year? I prefer the ones growing wild around me, but if I can't find any, I'm not above going for the factory farmed varieties, especially if organically grown.
Dandelion roots are high in vitamins and minerals, including iron, manganese, calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, potassium, zinc, vitamins C and A. The leaves are said to be a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins A,B,C and D along with some of the same minerals the roots contain. The whole plant revitalizes the body, builds the blood and gets the liver functioning as it should. It is a bitter and will stimulate the appetite. It is said to be a tonic for the stomach, pancreas, kidneys, lymph and all the other systems of the body. It has been used to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, some cancers, reproductive issues and to absorb heavy metals.
So what did I do with my basket of dandelions?? First, I plucked off most of the flowers, filled a jar with them and have them steeping in olive oil. Susun Weed, in her wonderful book, Healing Wise, says that dandelion oil will "ease the of pain of stiff necks, arthritic joint pain, sinus headaches and back tension ... will promote deep relaxation and facilitate release of emotions locked in ze muscles."
Next, I lightly rinsed the plants without cutting them up and filled two quart mason jars with these whole plants. I filled one jar with brandy for a tincture and the other jar with apple cider vinegar. Both are steeping on my kitchen counter and in about 4 weeks time will be finished medicine. I did have some plants left over and with these I made a decoction, cooking it down slowly for about an hour. I drank it over the next two days sweetened with a bit of honey. There were a few roots left that are in the process of drying.
I'll continue gathering dandelions as they appear adding the greens to salads, make decoctions and also dry some more for winter use. Spring is such amazing fun!!
I love this post. Dandelions are the happiest of weeds.. they always make me smile.
Posted by: susan | April 14, 2009 at 07:53 AM
I didn't know you could make an oil/salve from them or why. Very interesting. Do you plan to make it into a salve or just use it as an oil?
Posted by: Ann | April 16, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Susan, these plants make me smile, too! They have a rich character and many uses.
Ann, I think I may leave some as an oil and make a salve to just see if there might be a difference. Salve can be easier to apply but I also like just using oils sometimes. It's quicker and less fuss ... but it can be messy too or is that just me!?!
Posted by: jzr | April 16, 2009 at 05:12 PM
Yay I have started soaking the dandelions in oil. What a great way to bottle the sunshine!
Thanks Joan.
Posted by: Ann | April 24, 2009 at 10:45 AM