While most of people keep a vigilant watch over their yards so the bright yellow dandelion flower doesn’t turn into fluffy seed helicopters that spread the dandelion population all over creation, health enthusiasts are actually cultivating the pretty weed in their gardens. Dandelion seeds can now be ordered from mail-order catalogs and it’s all part of the new healthier, green living.
The name of the plant comes from the French "dents de lion," meaning lion's teeth, which describes the jagged leaves. The plant is used by salad lovers and those interested in alternative medicine. Enthusiasts harvest them while the leaves are young and tender because they’re sweeter. The flowers are also edible and add a lot of color to a salad, while the roasted root is used for tea or a coffee substitute.
Natural Healing Herb
No one wants dandelions on a lawn, but consider the natural healing power of this herb. Dandelions are good for the liver and gallbladder because they helps with bile movement. Tea made from dandelion leaves encourages the elimination of toxins in the body.
Low in saturated fat, cholesterol and calories, a cup of dandelions has as much calcium as a cup of cottage cheese and is richer in vitamin A than carrots. A good source of folate, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, iron, potassium, manganese, and vitamins A, C, E, K and B1, 2 and 6, it’s also a good fiber source.
Natural Foods Co-Op Stores
With more people exploring new ideas in nutrition, dandelions are beginning to show up in natural foods co-op stores. Whether eaten fresh in a salad or cooked, they are becoming as popular as spinach and chard. There are several delicious recipes that use dandelions, including jelly and dandelion wine.
Here is a simple recipe for dandelion health tea: Mix two cups of dandelion leaves, one pint of pure water, a quarter cup orange juice, honey or stevia. Simmer leaves and water until it is liquefied, strain, add orange juice and sweeten to taste.
Dandelions: Healthy Herb for Children
For decades, adults have striven to rid the world of dandelions, but to children they’re beautiful flowers and they love to blow on the airy seed heads and watch them float away. Children love the simple dishes made from dandelions such as fried dandelion flowers or a peanut butter and dandelion jelly sandwich. As people learn more about the benefits of the nutrients found in this prolific little plant, the next generation of children will be healthier and happier.
Sarah Anderson - Sarah Anderson is a freelance writer whose interests range from writing poetry to mysteries, home and family to travelling, gardening, ...
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