Dandelion flower in grass. Medicinal properties.
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Dandelion Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Recipes

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“I don’t have a green thumb”.  I can’t count the number of times I have been told this.  If this is the case, I invite you to start with a no fail plant, or weed.  Grow a dandelion, or better yet, let it grow and you can reap all of the amazing benefits. 

Dandelion flower in grass. Medicinal properties.

Dandelion is a short lived but hardy perennial.  It can and will grow just about anywhere – from deep in the woods to cultivated fields and rocky hillsides to fertile gardens and yards.  It doesn’t care what kind of soil or how much or little water or fertilizer.  Dandelions can withstand some frosts and freezes.  They don’t even mind overcrowded spaces.  

DANDELION HISTORY

The dandelion is known as the world’s most famous weed.  A member of the daisy family, it is almost indestructible. The word “dandelion” comes from the French “dent de lion” meaning lion’s tooth because of the jagged shape of the leaves.  It was actually named as a joke to “honor” the weed that was a steady nuisance to frustrated homeowners.  However, to homesteaders, the dandelion is no joke.  We should and do hold it in high regard for its many benefits – medicinally, aesthetically, and nutritionally.

Dandelion salve in jar, dried dandelions in green mason jar, and spread around on wooden table, goat milk soap infused with dandelions.

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF DANDELION

All parts of the dandelion have benefits from the flower to the leaves to the root.  First and foremost, dandelions provide antioxidants.  Free radicals are nasty little harmful things produced naturally in the human body.  The free radicals potentially cause acceleration or progression of diseases and aging.  Dandelions provide antioxidants like beta carotene to help protect cells from damage by free radicals.  Think of attaching a roof (antioxidants) to your house (cells in your body) to prevent the rain (free radicals) from getting in and causing damage.  Your house will last a lot longer (age better) if the roof is tight.  This means eating foods (weeds) high in antioxidants can potentially extend your health and your life. 

If that wasn’t enough, dandelions may also help lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, reduce cancer risks, and aid in digestion and weight loss.  Are you convinced yet that dandelions should be an integral part of your spring diet?

USES FOR DANDELION

So how do you use dandelions?  I’m glad you asked.  My favorite way is to harvest the flower, dip in egg and flour (or sourdough starter) and deep fry in lard.  Of course, that may not be the healthiest preparation, but it is the tastiest.  

Here are some of my other favorite recipes and how to use them. You can also watch our video on how to make them here:

DANDELIOn tincture

Roots, leaves and flowers can be tinctured separately for specific purposes.  However, you can tincture the whole plant together.  Just dig up the plant, including root.  Wash gently to remove excess dirt.  The plant can be left whole or chopped up.  Place in a vessel large enough to hold and cover with vodka.  Cover the vessel and store in a cool dark place (two weeks for chopped, one month for whole) Strain into a clean dark jar (amber).  Label and store up to one year.  For general health, take ½ teaspoon twice daily.  Acute skin issues, take ten drops in water frequently throughout the day until the skin clears.  For eczema, psoriasis, gout, digestive issues or liver detox, take ½ to one teaspoon three times daily in water.  For overindulgence in food or drink, take ten drops in water every hour until feeling better. 

DANDELIOn flower infused oil

Harvest enough flowers to fill your clean dry jar.  Pour extra virgin olive oil over until completely submerged.  Cover the jar with a cloth and place in a sunny warm location.  Be sure to keep flowers submerged so they don’t mold. When the flowers are limp and have lost color, strain the oil (about 4-6 weeks at least).  To use, rub oil on tight muscles or stiff joints.  It is also great for dry skin and can even be rubbed on the delicate skin surrounding the eyes.  This oil is also edible and can be enjoyed on salads.  

DANDELIOn tea

Steep chopped young leaves or flowers in one cup of hot water for 5 – 7 minutes.  Strain and enjoy.  Reduces inflammation.  Lowers blood pressure.  Stabilizes blood glucose. Supports immune system. 

DANDELIOn vinegar

Put ½ cup of chopped leaves/flowers in a jar.  Add apple cider vinegar to cover.  Let sit 3-5 days. Use vinegar for salad dressing, hair rinse, baths, and bug bites.  

DANDELIOn salve

3.5 ounces of dandelion infused oil + 0.5 ounces of beeswax pastilles.  Place in heat proof container.  Set in a pan with several inches of water.  Gently bring temperature up until beeswax is fully melted.  Remove from heat and pour into tins/jars.  Let sit until firm.  Rub on dry skin or achy muscles/joints.  

dandelion medicinal uses- person's hand holding two jars of dandelion salve.

References & Additional Sources

We have gathered our knowledge of medicinal herbs/plants from the following resources over the years. Check them out here!

**At Centennial Roots, we prioritize the safety of our followers and encourage informed decisions about health matters. The information on this website is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Centennial Roots is not liable for risks associated with using the information on its site.

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