STOP THERE...if you think dandelions are a pesky weed...think again...dandelions are a gift from nature! Dandelions are food for you, bees and other animals and pollinators. Dandelions are actually GOOD for you and your lawn...
For the lawn, their wide-spreading roots loosen hard-packed soil, aerate the earth and help reduce erosion. Their deep taproot pulls nutrients such as calcium from deep in the soil and makes them available to other plants. Dandelions actually fertilize the grass and if you look close they really are beautiful and bring cheer and sun into your life. Ironically those little yellow wonders so many try to kill are one the most expensive things to buy in the market or whole food store.
Health wise, beyond making great wine...they can provide many health benefits at little cost to you. Dandelions can help you clear your sluggish system from winter woes and provide calcium and vitamin K to help with bone loss. They also contain iron and magnesium and small amounts of B & E vitamins. They can be eaten or made into a tea and all parts can be used, roots, leaves and flowers.
So if you have them in your yard take advantage of what Nature offers you. Dandelion flowers make a nice soft tea. You can dry them by wilting, in the sun or using a dehydrator. You have to be careful not to over dry with the dehydrator. Do some research and find out all the things you can do with dandelion roots (stronger tea) flowers, and leaves, such as soups, tinctures, winter syrups for health, salads and more. Time to see and let others know of the 'gold'mine in your yard(s)
NOTE: As always, check to make sure of any herbs side effects and drug interactions before you consume them. Natural does not always mean good for YOU.
Nature always wears the color of Spirit
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Laugh often Love large
Dig in the dirt
Grow a garden
and may the sun light your way
Kellie + Herbs & Things
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