I am always so amazed at how much better I feel when I start using dandelion in the spring! All that stagnated liver/kidney/stomach energy lifts and I feel renewed!
This craving for bitter flavors always has me out searching for those young green dandelion leaves popping up everywhere about now. I eat them fresh in salads or just munch on them throughout the day sometimes with a dressing of virgin olive oil, lemon juice and sea salt.
This common "weed" of the composite family is a powerful restorative to the liver. It's also rich in minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, selenium and zinc, as well as vitamins B1, B2, B3,and C. Ounce for ounce, dandelion contains more carotene than carrots, more vit A, vit k, calcium and iron than broccoli.
Dandelion leaves act as a diuretic to help cleanse the bladder and urinary tract. They help relieve water retention.
Dandelion also cleanses the blood and liver, and increases bile production. It reduces serum cholesterol and uric acid levels and improves the functioning of the kidneys, pancreas, spleen, and stomach.
Toning the kidneys and liver is one of the best things we can do for our overall health. Especially women! A strong, healthy liver will allow us to process and excrete hormones. It's also vital for a healthy immune system.
All parts of the dandelion plants are usable. EAT THE WEEDS!
Good on you Sunshine! Have been a bit "off" lately, bought some packaged Dandelion tea at the Health shop, but it tastes disgusting!!
Hadnt thought of eating the leaves fresh, thank you, will try that. Theres plenty around.
Happywanderer said
09:27 PM Aug 7, 2010
Reminds me of the Puha we used to eat in new Zealand. Don't know the Aussie name for it but its a weed and you can find it in your back yard anywhere.
Used to stew it up in a pot of pork belly.
It grows tall and has a flower (yellow if I remember rightly) but should be picked when young and not gone to seed.
Watched the gardening show on ABC tonight. The guy was refreshing his lawns and after doing everything else necessary he when round the whole lawn digging out the dandelions to put in the rubbish as he didn't like the yellow flower popping up just after he had mown the lawn.
Happywanderer said
09:28 PM Aug 7, 2010
Should have added, I will be out in the garden tomorrow looking for dandelion leaves to add to my salad.
Gerty Dancer said
02:44 PM Aug 8, 2010
When weeding the lawn, there are two types... the true dandelion has jagged edged leaves with backward pointing "teeth". The other one is common catsear, whose leaves have rounded wavy edges, and little hairs. This is also edible, but may not have the medicinal effect on the liver that dandelion does. The ones shown on Gardening Australia were catsear.
I am always so amazed at how much better I feel when I start using dandelion in the spring! All that stagnated liver/kidney/stomach energy lifts and I feel renewed!
This craving for bitter flavors always has me out searching for those young green dandelion leaves popping up everywhere about now. I eat them fresh in salads or just munch on them throughout the day sometimes with a dressing of virgin olive oil, lemon juice and sea salt.
This common "weed" of the composite family is a powerful restorative to the liver. It's also rich in minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, selenium and zinc, as well as vitamins B1, B2, B3,and C. Ounce for ounce, dandelion contains more carotene than carrots, more vit A, vit k, calcium and iron than broccoli.
Dandelion leaves act as a diuretic to help cleanse the bladder and urinary tract. They help relieve water retention.
Dandelion also cleanses the blood and liver, and increases bile production. It reduces serum cholesterol and uric acid levels and improves the functioning of the kidneys, pancreas, spleen, and stomach.
Toning the kidneys and liver is one of the best things we can do for our overall health. Especially women! A strong, healthy liver will allow us to process and excrete hormones. It's also vital for a healthy immune system.
All parts of the dandelion plants are usable. EAT THE WEEDS!Happy weeding!