Dandelions: Springs Best Friend
Dandelions are magic.
They pop up, year after year, exactly when we need them. And they do so in droves. As bitter herbs, they’re naturally great liver and kidney cleaners- organs which can often become stagnant or gunked up after the winter season. They stimulate digestion and fight edema, as well as general inflammation. These overlooked plants are also delicious, hearty, opulent and cost you not a dime. They’re kind of our best springtime friends, reliable and patient with us as we continue to spray, pull, and fight with them over someones archaic idea of a picture perfect lawn. They just keep coming back, and someday we’ll learn to properly say thank you! They feed us and so many other creatures from flower to root, they offer essential seasonal medicine, and are excellent for our local pollinators. Grateful for this humble plant in its wholeness.
If you live anywhere with plenty of sunshine and a little bit of rain water, you'll begin to notice these small humble beauties popping up here and there. These sweet plants often don't get the respect they deserve, but continue to show up for us year after year regardless. The dandelion, native to this continent, have been recognized by indigenous peoples and folk herbalists for countless generations as an essential spring medicine- for humans, insects and animals alike. Before the flowers begin their full blossom the roots are perfect for tincturing (read on for some instructions), and once the bright yellow bloom does occur, the flower heads can be added to apple cider vinegar to create a potent spring detox. Dandelion flowers are also one of the first foods for the bees and other pollinators as the seasons change.
All parts of this sweet springtime ally can be utilized, including the bitter leaves. The flavor alone tells us that they are natural liver stimulators and aid in digestion. The leaves, along with the rest of the dandelion, contain essential fatty acids and phytonutrients, such as apigenin and luteolin- both real powerhouses for the immune, lymphatic, ductal, reproductive, respiratory and digestive systems.
And when you just want a treat, fry them up! Fried dandelions are delicious- just add coconut oil. Like all plant medicines, be sure to not over-harvest, leave plenty for the bees, beetles, rabbits, turtles and our other wild friends. Dandelions are one of the most fun plants to help propagate too! Once they go to seed, forming as the famous round white orb, you know just what to do. Close your eyes, make a wish and have at it.
