Dandelion 
© Anne Calzada Herbalist

The Dandelion. 

The much maligned plant that people don't realize is a survivor. If you need strength in the physical and need strength in the emotional, Dandelion will help you. It is a restorative tonic.

 This plant is originally from Europe and has naturalized in every flora and fauna. It grows in the country and it grows in the city. It is pandemic. Think stamina.

Dandelions arise amongst the first in Spring with the Aries energy that rises on the Earth. They are not shy and hiding. They are communal and like to go into areas that have disturbed soil and spruce the place up with their sunny disposition. This plant is cheerful!

  All parts of this plant are safe, edible and medicinal. The root contains iron, potassium, and other nutrients. The leaves contain beta carotene, folic acid, potassium and more. The flower contains antioxidants and flavinoids. The sap is antiviral consisting of taraxinic acid. This is why it is used to get rid of warts!

  The first young leaves that arise are tender and sweeter, however I harvest as long as possible even when the leaves get really bitter! That is my favorite! The bitter the better, the Herbalists say. Why? The bitter flavor is cleansing to the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, pancreas and blood. Dandelion cleanses the uric acid and toxins out of the joints and the organs. This will ease joint pain, urinary inflammation, high cholesterol and much more.

  Dandelion makes the perfect diuretic for the kidneys because it increases the output of toxins through urine, however will actually supply potassium to the body as opposed to depleting it. This makes it helpful for lowering blood pressure as well, as the kidneys and the heart work closely to balance this function.

Dandelion root is harvested the first year of the spring or the second year of growth in the fall. Harvest whenever you need to of course, using your own intuition, but these are the general guidelines. The root is roasted and used as a coffee substitute. I have never made this, but I have drank it. It's good, kind of earthy smoky tasting. The root is edible and can be used as any root vegetable would be. The root is dried for tea or you can tincture it with alcohol or vinegar. The root is a digestive bitter and will help to support digestion because of it's cholagouge properties. The bile is stimulated and released and therefore meals are more efficiently digested, especially fats. The root is used to clear heat from the liver and gallbladder. Headaches, muscular tension, P.M.S., irritability, acne, skin rashes. Drinking Dandelion root tea during menstruation will help ease cramps, bloating and general physical and emotional tension. All of these are aided by the cooling energy of Dandelion.

The leaves are eaten as you would use any greens like spinach or lettuce. The flowers are edible and you can put the petals in salads, bread, pancakes. I throw the whole blossom in smoothies. Use the blossoms as a fritter or you can chop them up and use them like you would to make a veggie or meat loaf. Cooking with all of the different parts of Dandelion is only as limited as your imagination is!

I personally use the whole plant when I am making a tincture or vinegar extract. I have made Dandelion flower essence to imbue the strength and sunny energy of this flower vibrationally. It clears emotional stagnation. The blossoms make an awesome wine! Dandelion wine has been made for generations. I have some macerating right now. I have made Dandelion honey and will leave the luscious petals in the honey after maceration, but most people would probably prefer to strain them out! I use the blossoms as an infused oil for massage. I gather the blossoms and infuse them in olive oil. Throw them in a jar and pour the oil over them. Let them sit for a moon cycle or up to six weeks. Strain your oil and add essential oils if desired.

Dandelion releases tension and therefore makes a great massage oil. It is a great massage oil for women. Use your Dandelion oil to massage over the uterus during menstruation when cramps are present. Massaging tender swollen breasts will help to calm inflammation in these sensitive areas. And who wouldn't want to receive a Dandelion/Lavender massage from their beloved after the end of a long day?!

As you can see there is extreme benefit of welcoming this plant into our lives instead of fighting to eradicate it in my opinion. The people need education. They need uplifting in their hearts and they need proper nutrition. Dandelion freely shares her food and medicine with us if we are wise and conscious enough to partake of her beautiful offerings!