11 of the best uses for Dandelions

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Ok guys …Dandelions are one of my favorite herbs to use for SO many reasons. Best of all you can find them in almost every lawn or backyard and they’re super simple to identify. They are edible and have excellent healing properties.

The whole plant can be used…flowers, leaves and roots and each have a ton of benefits.

Vitamins And Minerals

Dandelion is considered as one of the five most nutritious vegetables on Earth. The leaves and root are cold, bitter, and sweet with a slightly salty characteristic.

• The leaves contain beta-carotene, vitamin B1, B2, choline, inositol, folic acid, C, calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, taraxacin, bitter glycosides, and terpenoids.
• Dandelion root contains calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, choline, flavonoids (lutein, luteolin flavoxanthin, violaxanthin), pectin, inulin, taraxacin, taraxacerin, triterpenes (taraxol, taraxerol, taraxasterol, amyrin), coumestrol, levulin, mucilage, tannin, essential oil, asparagin, lactupicrine, phenolic acids (quinic acid, chlorogenic acid), caffeic acid, gallic acid, and fatty acids (myristic, palmitic, stearic, lauric).

First a little history on this extraordinary herb. Dandelions are perennial plants, which mean they come back year after year. It’s said that Dandelion originated from Asia and Europe. Now they grow pretty much everywhere…grass, wastelands, between rocks and concrete, and sand. The tap roots are long, thick and dark brown on the outside while the inside is a milky white. They have jagged toothed green leaves that grow close to the ground. From the smooth, hollow, leafless stem bears a single beautiful yellow flower. When the flower is mature the seeds on the flower head are carried by the wind landing wherever they go to germinate.

Internal uses of Dandelion

A beautiful flower that most people find annoying and do anything they can do to kill it BUT I wish I had MORE!

The young leaves can be used in a salad. Better picked in the Spring because the leaves can get bitter after that.

Internally, dandelion is traditionally used as a tonic and blood purifier for inflammatory skin conditions, eczema, joint pain, constipation, liver dysfunction including conditions like hepatitis and jaundice, cirrhosis, hypoglycemia, edema associated with high blood pressure and heart weakness, bloating, weight loss, bone health and acne.

As a tonic, Dandelion is said to strengthen the kidneys. It’s a powerful diuretic but it does not deplete the body of potassium.

External uses of Dandelion

Have you ever broke the stem of a dandelion? Those fresh milky white juices is applied externally to a wound to help fight bacteria and prevent infection. It’s antibacterial action inhibits the growth of Staphococcus aureus, pneumococci, meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, C. diphtheriae, and proteus.

Dandelions contain high amounts of Vitamin A and  C, fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus. They are rich in trace minerals, Vitamin K and Vitamin D too. They have more protein than spinach!!!

Culinary Uses

Dried and roasted Dandelion roots are comparable to COFFEE! That’s right friends! NO this does not mean you HAVE to give up your coffee! The roots, when roasted, have an earthy taste similar to coffee but without the acidic bitter taste.

The early Spring leaves (before the flowers bloom) are eaten raw and used in salads. They are less bitter at this time. The flowers can also be used in salads for enhanced nutrient content.

The flowers can be used to make Dandelion Wine & beer. They can be soaked in vinegar and other herbs to make salad dressings. The young flowers have a honey like flavor.

Keep reading for more detailed info on each benefit and an easy recipe for Dandelion Tea. Also find out the uses of each part of the plant.

1. Stomach Bloating

Dandelion is beneficial with the process of digestion. You can use fresh or dried roots of the dandelion to help facilitate digestion which is one of the most common ways to get rid of that nasty bloating. The roots possess a diuretic benefits which are helpful in de-bloating the stomach by frequent urination.

2. Constipation

The roots of the dandelion have mild laxative properties that can help with constipation, gently cleansing and stimulating the bowels with its diuretic properties. Dandelions are not habit forming or addictive.

3. Anti-Inflammatory benefits

Dandelions are anti-inflammatory which can help alleviate joint pain. The roots may be effective in reducing inflammation caused by disease or other health issues, due to the presence of various bioactive compounds like polyphenols within the plant. Over time, excessive inflammation can lead to permanent damage.

4. Liver Cleanse Benefits

Dandelion has very protective benefits against the liver cells and tissues when they are subjected to stress and toxins because of the high levels of antioxidants.

It is also beneficial in getting rid of the excess deposition of fat that often occurs in the liver due to poor metabolism. 

It is very helpful for people with a sluggish liver, which can be responsible for the following symptoms:

• Headaches
• Bad breath
• Fatigue
• Indigestion & abdominal bloating
• Irritability
• Sugar cravings
• Skin problems
• Excess weight

5. Cancer prevention?

There’s much anecdotal evidence linking the dandelion among the successful cancer fighting foods, so much so, that a wide range of clinical tests and trials are currently being conducted at universities around the world.

What these studies are showing, is that the dandelion, most specifically the root of the dandelion, possesses properties that kill cancerous cells. Dandelion Root is rich in polysaccharides, a polymer that inhibits the formation and growth of tumors. By killing cancerous cells before they can multiply and form into colonies, dandelion root helps to ward off many common cancers

You can read more in detail here —> https://www.totalhealthinstitute.com/dandelion-root-surprising-ally-fight-cancer/

6. Weight Loss

Does Dandelion promote weight loss? Some say yes, like celebrated fitness coach Jillian Michaels, and some say no. So why is it effective for promoting weight loss?

Dandelion promotes fat and cholesterol breakdown in the body. It has NO calories (woo-hoo!) This is why you should drink a cup before meals which will make you feel fuller longer.

It also helps with losing water weight, sometimes losing 2-3 pounds in a single week of adding Dandelion Tea to your diet.

7. Bone Health

Dandelions are extremely rich in Vitamin K. They contain over 500 % of your daily value.  It’s an essential fat-soluble vitamin that is much needed for our bones and heart health. Vitamin K is important in bone mineralization. In fact, Vitamin K builds bones better than calcium! This helps protect and make sturdy stronger bones!

8. Digestion

Dandelion is a bitter tonic that stimulates digestion. The root also supports gut flora as it contains constituents such as inulin that act as a prebiotic i.e. the food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Dandelion tea has been used to help relieve minor digestive problems, such as heartburn and indigestion.

9. Blood Pressure

Dandelions diuretic properties lower the fluid content present in our bloodstream, thereby exerting less pressure on our veins. This in turn reduces our blood pressure naturally. Potassium present in dandelion helps to lower sodium which is known to be the cause of high blood pressure in some individuals.

10. Acne

Dandelion root improves acne by improving liver function. The liver works to clean blood and remove toxins from the body, but when it’s not working as well as it should, these toxins can build up and cause infection, or get secreted out of the skin instead of through the digestive system. My daughter suffered from Acne so I started making an organic facial soap for her. It worked great and is now one of my best sellers. You can purchase that here Clear Sailing Acne Facial Soap

11. Prevents Infections

Due to the powerful antioxidants and vitamin C, dandelions can help fight off infections and may also help prevent UTIs.

The fresh juice of Dandelion, stem when broken open, is applied externally to fight bacteria and help heal wounds. The plant has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphococcus aureus, pneumococci, meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, C. diphtheriae, proteus.

The latex contained in Dandelion sap can be used to remove corns and warts.

Dandelion Tea Recipe

4 tsp dried Dandelion root (use your own or buy here for an affordable brand but great quality. I buy a lot of herbs from them) Dandelion Root

2 cups water

1-2 tbsp butter

Vanilla extract, cinnamon stick or an organic sweetener. This is my favorite sweetener Mudhava Organic Agave Five

Ok now, you can use either fresh or dried roots or you can roast them for more flavor.

Raw vs Roasted Dandelion Roots: If you’re looking to maximize the health benefits of dandelion roots, go with raw. Roasted roots makes for a better flavor (I think so anyways) It has an earthy flavor similar to coffee. Some people substitute coffee for roasted dandelion roots to cut down on caffeine and for the health benefits that come with it.

Directions: Get a medium pot and put the dandelion roots in it. Toast the roots on medium-high heat until fragrant and golden brown in color. Add the water and whatever flavorings you are using to the pan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer about 30-45 min and then strain it. Serve and add additional flavoring if you choose, like maple syrup or more vanilla extract to taste. Enjoy!

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