Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) get a bad rep. No one seems to like those bright yellow  flowers that seem to grow everywhere.  They are considered ugly and intrusive. Homeowners spend countless hours and resources trying to get rid of them.  But you know what? Dandelions are more than just weeds! There are so many practical uses for them.

Health Benefits:

Dandelions have been used throughout history in traditional herbal medicine. Native Americans, Chinese, Egyptians and Greeks all know about the health benefits of the humble dandelion.

• Contains vitamins C and A, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc
• Aids in digestion
• Detoxifies the liver. It’s a natural diuretic and flushes out toxins from the body.
• Helps relieve skin disorders, such as eczema and acne
• Helps treat iron deficiencies
• Helps relieve yeast infections.

Food uses

Dandelions are a great source for food. They are free and can be found practically everywhere. Just be sure to pick dandelions that are chemical free and clean.

• Leaves can be used in salads. Collect leaves in the spring when they are the youngest and tastiest.
• Can be sautéed with butter and garlic.
• Try them into soups and stews.
• The leaves and the root can be made into tea.

Beauty

Dandelions can make you look and feel great!

• Eating dandelions can help clear acne and other skin issues
• Can be used to treat dandruff
• Add dandelions to your bath. They help soften your skin.
• The milky white sap from the root can help remove warts

Other uses

• The bright yellow flowers be used to make dyes for crafts, fabrics and even henna paste
• A dark red dye is obtained from the roots
• Dandelions help ripens the fruit quickly when placed in a paper bag with unripe fruit

As you can see, there are many practical uses for dandelion. Don’t think of them as enemies you have to get rid of. Think of them as friends with (health) benefits! Give them a chance. You just might like them!

Related articles

• Nutritional Benefits of Dandelion (healingthymeproducts.wordpress.com)