I have loved flowers and books since I was a child. The books gave me written lessons, teaching me about the experiences of others. Flowers, on the other hand, gave me unwritten knowledge and taught me important life lessons. Both were my friends and silent witnesses to my experiences.
Stopping at flowers, their beauty, colour and tenderness accompany us as an integral part of our lives. They bring us joy, comfort our sorrows, ease our pain and give us hope.
Some of them we plant, while others grow naturally, without the need for human interference, yet they offer us many benefits… While the use of medication often causes side effects because of the chemical content, plants grow naturally and give us what our bodies need.
Today, I want to talk about the dandelion. As a child, I loved it for its colour and would pick as many as I could, even if my hands got stained. I still pick them with love but for a different reason. Dandelions have many benefits that are good for health.
Why could we use them?
It is known that because of its medicinal properties, dandelion may help improve the immune system because “it is a strong source of vitamins (A, C, E, K, and B) and minerals (calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, copper, silicon, zinc, manganese.”
It is successfully used worldwide in the food industry as an entirely non-toxic and edible plant and “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has placed dandelion on the list of safe products for people with rare allergies“.
The dandelion is a versatile plant that can be eaten raw or cooked. It is used worldwide as a spice, in the form of soups, and fried in various dishes.
While both the flowers and roots can be used for winemaking, the flowers, leaves, and roots can be used for herbal teas.
- The leaves stimulate the appetite and help digestion and kidney function. They also have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.
I use them to make salat adding a bit of salt and apple vinegar or lemon.
- Dandelion flowers have antioxidant properties.
I use them for dandelion bread, pancakes, honey and syrup or preserve them with sugar for winter tea.
- Dandelion root helps detoxify the liver and gallbladder. They could be used as substitutes for coffee or tea.
I use them in a salad with dandelion leaves and buds.
Also, I prepare pickled dandelion stalks for winter and recently I found another great recipe for pickled dandelion buds. As I love all kinds of pickles, I am excited to give it a try.
With so many benefits from a plant that can be easily found around us, I can only express my gratitude and say, “Thank you” to my dear dandelion.
Love, Manuela
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Sources:
In a Love World 