THW Dandelion Tea Recipe

Dandelion is one of my favorite flowers. The entire dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) plant, the flower, the stem, and the root, can be used in many ways. I can make dandelion tea, coffee, vinegar, tincture, salve, honey, jelly, oil, food recipes, and wine. I can even use the wispy little seed wands in jewelry making. And, my favorite use of all? I can make wishes by blowing off the seeds in the late season. What child hasn't picked a handful of dandelions and proudly presented them to their mother or father? We all have fond memories of dandelions, even if it's just the memory of a friend or family member cursing them and ruining the look of their lawn.

 

My grandmother would stoop over for hours, plucking this weed from her front yard. But, dandelion or Le Pissenlit, as the French would say, or Dent du Lion (translated as The Lion's Tooth), is more than just a weed. It has a host of medicinal benefits that aim to please.

 

Other names for dandelion are Dent du Lion (Lion's Tooth), Le Pissenlit (French), Blow Ball, Cankerwort, Pissabed, Priest's Crown, Puff Ball, Pu Gong Ying, Pu-kung-ying, Swine Snout, Telltime, White Endive, and Wild Endive.

 

Dandelion is usually harvested in the spring and is among the top six traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. The leaves of dandelions contain vitamin A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), biotin, vitamin C and E, and fiber. The entire plant is rich in calcium, choline, niacin, PABA, potassium, protein, inositol, iron, linolenic acid, magnesium, manganese, resin, sulfur, and zinc. Dandelions contain more calcium than milk or bananas, and 50% have more vitamin C than tomatoes. They are nature's richest source of beta-carotene, which helps to fight Cancer.

 

You can use fresh dandelion leaves in salads, sandwiches, juices, and smoothies. The leaves can also be cooked like spinach in a bit of vinegar. The darker the leaves, the more bitter they taste. This bitterness goes quite well with rich flavors, such as cheese, egg yolk, potatoes, and bacon, making a great breakfast casserole.

 

I was recently called a "backyard lawn weed-grazer" by someone who doesn't believe natural medicine can beat Cancer. I thanked her for the compliment.

 

 

Medicinal Benefits of Dandelion

 

  • It detoxifies the liver, blood, and skin. Since it detoxifies the liver, it helps rid the body of toxins and balance hormones related to female hormonal issues, Diabetes, and Hypoglycemia (as it relates to insulin).
  • Stimulates digestion and increases a healthy appetite.
  • If you no longer have a gallbladder, dandelion can replace the need for over-the-counter enzyme supplements when combined with a healthy fat diet and reduced or omitted dairy and grains.
  • Dandelion is non-toxic, so there's no issue there.
  • It tones the skin and helps to clear acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
  • Relieves upset stomach, intestinal gas, and constipation ( see IBS )
  • Helpful against jaundice and cirrhosis.
  • A mild laxative (the root only)
  • It may help to prevent gallbladder and liver stones. Even if you have no gallbladder, you can still be at risk for liver stones.
  • It helps to heal bruises and sprains.
  • It fights fungal infections, such as warts, and may help to fight viral respiratory infections.
  • Decreases inflammation, likely due to toxin elimination.
  • Dandelion reduces water retention by increasing urine output. It also helps to relieve bladder infections.
  • Lowers bad cholesterol
  • Lowers high blood pressure
  • It helps clear bronchitis and chest congestion associated with the common cold. Relieves the ache of arthritic-type pain, such as osteoporosis.
  • Reduces uric acid levels, relieving Gout.

 

 

Drying Dandelions

 

Your dandelion roots should be from dandelions that are approximately two years old. You'll want to wash the roots (to remove dirt and possible animal contaminants) and cut them into pieces smaller than pea-size. You can use a knife or a food processor. Place the roots at the bottom of a shallow oven pan. An edged cookie pan will do. Let dry at 250°F for 2-3 hours, or until completely dry. You can also use a food dehydrator or dry in the sun for a few hours.

 

You can also order dandelion roots, leaves, and powder (both plain and roasted) through The Herpothecary.

THW Dandelion Tea Recipe

You can make The Herpes Witch Dandelion Tea like any other tea, but the steeping time varies depending on which part of the plant you use.

 

First, heat your water in a pot. When it begins to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add 2-3 teaspoons chopped or ground dried roots to one cup (8 ounces) of simmering water. Cover and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes. Remove the pot, strain, and drink one cup 3 times daily for any condition that might benefit from detoxing (or morning and night for 4-8 weeks).

 

Pour one cup of simmering water over two teaspoons of dried dandelion leaves. Let steep for approximately 10 minutes, then strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups daily to help manage high blood pressure, cystitis, bladder infections, or fluid retention.

 

Steep your tea for up to 20 minutes when using only dandelion flowers.

 

You can also add four teaspoons of ground fresh dandelion leaves to a smoothie, up to three times a day (for only a few days), but avoid this if you're pregnant or nursing (see safety precautions below). 

 

 

Dandelion Safety Precautions

 

Dandelion is safe for pregnant and nursing mothers to eat, as long as it is consumed within normal amounts. A few leaves in a salad or included in a smoothie is ok. If you are allergic to ragweed, you are likely to have a sensitivity to dandelion (as well as sensitivity or allergy to daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds (calendula), chamomile, yarrow, and iodine). All of these plants are related. I mention iodine because dandelions, like seaweed, are a source of iodine and can influence the thyroid gland.

 

Note: Only choose one of these methods of use in a single day.

 

 

Storing Dandelion

 

To store, place your dried dandelion roots, leaves, or flowers in an airtight container in a superb, dry location. If your container is glass, keep it out of direct sunlight as well.