I write this article as I sip my tea just before bed. The tea is very “earthy” in flavor, and you can somehow feel it doing something wonderful inside of your body. At least I do.
To make it, all I did when I woke up this morning, was walk outside in my bare feet, dig out the root of the “weed” that my neighbors generally try and poison on their own lawn, and drop the root into hot water to let steep.
To make the root particularly strong, I chop the flowers off (and consume those), and let the root, leaves and stem get the bulk of the nutrients from Nature. You see, removal of the flower, and the prevention of allowing it to seed, my bitter medicine (the dandelion) becomes very tonifying for my body.
Allowing it to enter your body, in a variety of ways, I feel, offers a beautiful arrangement of medicinal wonders to travel the body and provide it with what it needs to detoxify, heal, and thrive.
Below, in no particular order, are some past publications, with science-backed information, that can help you understand the healing powers of the dandelion. Further, I have included resources for harvesting, as well as recipes for this relentless weed found in almost any lawn across the globe. Yes, even though humans try and poison it, and call it bad names, it keeps coming up with its bright yellow smile to greet us in the warmer months. I appreciate the dandelion 🙂
Improve overall health, including liver function and skin problems, with dandelion
According to this article about the dandelion improving liver function, the “Native Americans also boiled dandelion in water and took it to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn and upset stomach.”
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/045053_dandelion_liver_skin_problems.html
The incredible health benefits of purslane, a common edible garden weed
While this article primarily discusses the wild edible purslane, and its offerings of healthy fats, it also states that dandelion “has been recognized as a healthy way to fight cancer without subjecting the body to harm.”
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/047361_purslane_edible_weeds_omega_3_fatty_acids.html
Dandelion greens fight inflammation, show anti-cancer properties in studies
For those suffering from inflammatory issues with the likes of fibromyalgia or arthritis, this article recognizes the anti-inflammatory effects of the dandelion plant. Can a cup of dandelion tea, some dandelion coffee, or a few drops of dandelion tincture be a replacement for anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen?
Learn more: http://www.naturalnewsblogs.com/dandelion-greens-fight-inflammation-show-anti-cancer-properties-studies/
Do dandelion and long pepper extracts have anti-cancer properties?
This article includes a nice video with a Ted Talk from a doctor that has been finding value in dandelions when it comes to cancer. Watch for the touching story of a dog that is no longer suffering from the disease. You will also see that it’s not just dandelion (and long pepper) that are showing promise in multiple studies.
Learn more: http://www.naturalnewsblogs.com/dandelion-long-pepper-extracts-anti-cancer-properties/
Expert Tips On Harvesting Dandelions
Knowing the value of dandelions after reading the above, it doesn’t hurt to read Amy’s tips regarding the harvesting of dandelions for consumption.
Learn more: http://www.naturalnewsblogs.com/expert-tips-harvesting-dandelions/
Eat Your Weeds: 9 Gourmet Dandelion Recipes
This story is not complete without a variety of recipes that include dandelions (flowers, roots, leaves, and so on) as the main ingredient. Everything from tea and coffee, to main course, to desserts.
Learn more: http://www.naturalnewsblogs.com/eat-weeds-9-gourmet-dandelion-recipes/
I have been sipping dandelion tea all day, and the kids enjoyed some cinnamon flower fritters early this morning. I feel great about our healthy ways. I only hope that this collection of articles gets shared far and wide and offers alternatives to those in need. Pass it on! 🙂
Antonia is a science enthusiast with a keen interest in mindfulness practice, health fitness, and health nutrition. She is contributing author for Parenting, Health, Happiness, a blog covering topics of health, education and mindfulness. She also contributes to the nutrition newsletter at RawFoods.xyz. Read Antonia’s health files here, and SUBSCRIBE!
