Herbally Yours

Dandelion is considered a noxious weed by most home owners. Early in the spring you will see their jagged green leaves and bright sunny blooms peeking through the still dormant grass. These greens are packed with nutrition and just what your digestive system needs to break the lull that's been created by all those high carb "comfort foods" we seem to crave during the winter. Their taste is somewhat bitter, but they are delicious cooked with a little bit of hot pepper. The blooms are edible and can be prepared in many different ways.

Late in the fall when there's just a hint of frost in the air is the time to harvest the roots. Here on the high plains of Texas we've already had one night when the temperature dropped below freezing, so now is the time to dig the dandelions. The leaves are still green and some may even have flowers on them. I like to dig the whole plant up, wash it good and scrub all the dirt off the root. Then I chop root, leaves and blossoms if there are any and fill a jar about 3/4 of the way full and fill the jar to the neck with apple cider vinegar. If the jar has a metal lid, place a piece of waxed paper or saran wrap over the jar before you put the lid on. Vinegar will react with metal and spoil your dandelion vinegar. Allow this to set out of direct sunlight for about 6 weeks, shaking every day, then strain and bottle the dandelion vinegar for later use as a tonic or to add a little zest to a vinaigrette dressing. Taking this tonic throughout the winter will help keep the kidneys and liver flushed and toned so the digestive system stays in good working order.

Dandelion is a source of potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. The leaves are a richer source of Vitamin A than carrots, and contain some amounts of Vitamins B, C, and D. The root contains bitter glycosides, tannins, triterpenes, sterols, volatile oil, choline, asparagin, and inulin.

History
Dandelions were brought to North America by the early colonists and the indigenous people quickly recognized their medicinal and nutritional value. The designation officinale indicates that it was once officially listed as a medicine. The first mention of Dandelion as a medicine is found in the works of an Arabian physician in the 10th and 11th century.

Actions
Diuretic: A diuretic helps the body with the elimination of urine. Synthetic diuretics can flush out important minerals such as potassium. Potassium and sodium help regulate muscle and nerve function. The loss of these minerals (electrolytes) can cause dangerous muscle weakness and loss of co-ordination, and even heart rhythm disturbances. Dandelion leaf’s balanced content of potassium and sodium make it a safe and effective diuretic, even in cases of edema due to heart problems.
Hepatic: The leaves and roots contain bitter compounds that increase bile production in the gall bladder and stimulate the flow of bile from the liver. Dandelion is a great tonic for people with sluggish liver due to alcohol abuse or poor diet. The increased bile flow can also help improve fat metabolism in the body. It has been used to treat hepatitis and diabetes.