The Fabulous Ms. Dandelion

Dandelions by Rosemary Altreche

This most maligned plant is one of our most powerful healers. If gardeners knew that by getting rid of Ms. Dandelion they were throwing out a liver tonic proven to cure diabetes, help anemics, create an anti-cancer environment in the body and alleviate skin problems–they might put those spades and garbage bags down and think again.

I fell in love with dandelions (taraxacum officianalis) as a child. I had heard that it was a so called weed, but that did nothing to stop my ardor for it.  I brought bouquets of it home to my mother and blew on that very same flower to make wishes. When I started my first year as an apprentice with Robin Rose Bennett, my love for dandelions was quickly rekindled.

I have used every part of this wonderful plant. The yellow flowers make a nice oil for easing tension, releasing emotions and moving blocked energy in the body. I had a stubborn blocked milk duct in my breast a few weeks back.  I had tried a few things, but none of them worked. I decided to massage dandelion oil on the engorged part of the breast and nurse my daughter so that her chin faced the swelling. That was the end of the blocked duct.

I have also found that regularly drinking dandelion leaf infusions boosts my energy level tremendously. Blame it on the vitamins A,B,C,D, and the potassium, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. The fresh leaves are also delicious raw in salads or cooked in stir fries. I have also made a vinegar out of them and used that as part of my salad dressing or wherever vinegar is called for. The apple cider vinegar pulls the vitamins and minerals out of the leaves.

Dandelion leaves can also help relieve water retention. I know that I don’t deal with swollen breasts before my menstrual cycle anymore and I think dandelion is directly responsible for that. In fact, I’ve recently noticed that Ms. dandelion is a part of some of the PMS teas on the market. Apparently, toxicity in the liver can contribute to menstrual cramps so drinking dandelion (leaf and root) infusions can definitely help ease moon cycle issues over time.

Now mind you, dandelion is bitter and just like I said in the aloe post, most bitters are great for digestion. Dandelion root is no exception. The root is also known for stimulating appetite, stabilizing blood sugar, and stimulating the flow of bile. I’ve taken to drinking a tea from the roasted root because it tastes delicious.

The truth is that I could go on and on about dandelion and how it has been proven to support the lymph, cleanse the liver, enhance fertility, and tone the kidneys. Instead I will recommend getting your hands dirty:

Dig up those dandelions! Harvest the (fall) roots and gather some leaves (anytime), put them in a jar, cover them with vodka and let the jar sit in a dark place for six weeks. You’ll have yourself a great dandelion tincture. (Please remember to give thanks for the medicine you receive from any plant you harvest. More on this very soon.)

Take the gorgeous yellow blossoms, put them in a glass jar and cover them with extra virgin olive oil. Let that sit for six weeks. Take the blossoms out and squeeze them. Then you’ll have yourself a dandelion oil.

Gather the leaves, put those in a jar, cover them with apple cider vinegar. Let that sit and use the vinegar in foods when you get ready.

Pick the spring leaves and put them in salads.

You can also order dried dandelion root and leaf from a reputable source. (My favorite is Healing Spirits Farm) Put a handful of leaves and some of the root in a quart mason jar. Fill the jar with just boiled water and let it sit for eight hours. Drink, drink, drink.

Am I a dandelion fanatic? Indeed I am. This cooling plant somehow manages to bring just the right amount of fire to my life. Enjoy ingesting this plant for a month and I bet you’ll never stop singing its praises.

Oh-One indulgent thing I really want to try is making dandelion wine. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Field of Dandelions by Rosemary Altreche

Dandelion/Dents de lion (the lion’s teeth)

we weed them out
overlook their untamed deliciousness
too grown, too manicured, too potted we
don’t caress their silver
afros with wishes and breath
smiling as our dreams rise delirious
in the mouth of the wind

baby suns
cool stars
wild, unstoppable things
the truth of us
when we don’t overlook it
the bitter honeyed soul of us
if we don’t dig it up.

5/14/08
Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie