• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Free Course

Heal Farmacy logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Course
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Course
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Botanicals

    12/2022

    A Guide To Dandelion

    Taraxacum officinale

    Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, says dandelion is one of the greatest tonic herbs of all time. What makes dandelion so special is that it can be used as both food and medicine, every part of the plant is actually edible and in temperate parts of the world it will grow without any effort.

    the benefits of dandelion leaf as food and medicine
    Jump to:
    • Dandelion Overview
    • Health Benefits of Dandelion Root
    • Health Benefits of Dandelion Greens
    • Dandelion Green Nutrition
    • How To Use Dandelion
    • FAQ

    Dandelion Overview

    Dandelion is native to Europe but can be found throughout temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. European settlers brought dandelion to North America. Note, temperate regions occur in the middle latitudes which are regions that span between the tropics and polar regions of Earth.

    Dandelion is part of the Asteraceae family. Other common names for dandelion are cankerwort, common dandelion, lion's tooth, and swine snout. As mentioned the entire dandelion plant can be used, including the roots, leaves, and flowers.

    Health Benefits of Dandelion Root

    Dandelion root is rewarded for its digestive bitters. It has a stimulating effect on the liver which helps induce the flow of bile and cleanses the hepatic system. The root can be used as a diuretic, and tones the kidneys while aiding in proper water elimination.

    Health Benefits of Dandelion Greens

    Let's talk about the health benefits of adding dandelion greens to your diet. Dandelion greens are nutrient-dense and a great source of vitamins and minerals, like calcium, folate, iron, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

    Dandelion has been shown to help control blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes. It is considered an anti-diabetic plant because of its anti-hyperglycemic, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties.

    Dandelion also has diuretic effects because of its high potassium content, which helps increase urine and treat water retention. This also means dandelion greens can help treat high blood pressure due to their diuretic effects. Dandelions also can help control or lower cholesterol because they affect lipid metabolism.

    As mentioned it also has anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce the risk of developing certain cancers and even heart disease. The antioxidants present in dandelion greens can also help protect the body against cancer and metabolic disorders and disease, by keeping the immune system strong.

    Resource

    Dandelion Green Nutrition

    Dandelion greens are one of the most nutrient-dense greens you can eat. In one cup there are 25 calories and vitamins and minerals, like: 

    • Calcium (103 mg)
    • Folate (14.8 µg)
    • Iron (1.7 mg)
    • Potassium (218 mg)
    • Vitamin A (279 µg)
    • Vitamin C (19.2 mg)

    Resource

    How To Use Dandelion

    Dandelion is both food and medicine. The roots, leaves, and flowers of dandelion can be used to incorporate medicinal benefits into your diet.

    Dandelion Greens

    Since dandelion greens are bitter they can be used by mixing in with your tamer salad greens for a similar (but more intense) kick to arugula.

    Dandelion greens can be cooked and this actually reduced bitterness, saute or steam the greens and if you like mix in other greens like spinach or kale. Make sure to add some salt which helps reduce the bitterness and to enhance the meal try adding some garlic or sprinkling with some nutritional yeast.

    Dandelion greens can also be made into pesto, try our dandelion pesto recipe which can then be used on pasta, pizza, sandwiches, toast, stuffed mushrooms, and anything you would put opt to put pesto on.

    Dandelion greens can be infused to make tea.

    Dandelion Flowers

    Flowers can also be used in salads. Used fresh or dried to make dandelion flower tea.

    Dandelion flowers can be infused for tea or made into wine.

    Dandelion Root

    Dandelion root can be added to soups and broths to add additional nutrition and medicinal properties to your meal, just keep in mind the root is also bitter so not much is needed.

    Dandelion root can be decocted and served as a tonic tea. Roasted dandelion root can be used as a coffee substitute since it makes a strong brew similar to coffee.

    FAQ

    What parts of dandelions are edible?

    All parts of the dandelion are actually edible, the leaves, flowers, and roots can all be used as food and for medicinal purposes.

    Can you eat dandelion greens?

    Dandelion greens and the entire plant are edible.

    Interested in learning more about herbal medicine and how to prepare herbal remedies?

    Let us know by signing up below and we will notify you when our herbal medicine course will be released. In the meantime, we will stay in touch by adding you to our newsletter.

    « How To Soak & Activate Nuts & Seeds
    Cilantro Lime Avocado Sauce »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Latest Recipes

    veganuary - join the going vegan challenge this january

    Veganuary: A Guide To Going Vegan This January

    fall grain bowl recipe and garlic herbed aioli recipe

    Fall Grain Bowl Recipe with Garlic Aioli

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe to our newsletter!

    Footer

    A farmacy for healthy eating and living.

    Favorites

    blackened tofu recipe
    blackened tofu steaks with roasted veggies
    mushroom and lentil meatballs (vegan gluten-free) with spaghetti in sauce and topped with fresh basil
    vegan gluten-free chocolate muffins naturally sweetened with dates and bananas

    stay connected

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Copyright © 2023 Heal Farmacy

    Insert/edit link

    Enter the destination URL

    Or link to existing content

      No search term specified. Showing recent items. Search or use up and down arrow keys to select an item.