When folks see us gathering dandelions from our yard, they immediately become curious as to what we are doing with them! In today’s day and age, dandelions are viewed as weeds, and many spend lots of time and money attempting to rid their yards of them. Did you know that dandelions—like most “weeds”—are not actually weeds, but extremely beneficial medicinal plants? It is said that up until the 1800’s, people would remove grass to plant dandelions! As a culture, we have since made a complete 180, and will go to any extent to keep our precious lawns dandelion-free.

The War on Weeds

Once were the days where even in the suburbs, yards were used to grow food for families. Bees were buzzing and butterflies dancing from flower to flower was a common sight in every yard. Victory gardens were valued, cultivated, and even encouraged by the government. Eventually, as convenience culture grew more and more pervasive, the idea of using our own properties to grow our own food phased out, because it was no longer necessary with everything available at the grocery stories. Yards began to shift from bountiful gardenscapes to…green grass. In some cultures, a well manicured yard became a sign of wealth and status. Personally, I would much rather have a yard entangled with different native plants, beautiful flowers that attract pollinators, fruits and veggies growing in every area possible to feed and nourish my family! I would love to see long grass, “weed”-filled yards, and victory gardens make a comeback in the suburbs.

I suppose of course people can do with their lawn what they would like, but I can’t help but wonder how many manicure their yards this way simply because it’s what is culturally expected of us. Most people are entirely blind to the horrific damage caused by their application of neonicotinoids and what it’s doing to our soil, our water, the wildlife, and even our own health. Having a few weeds in the very yard your children and dogs play in is a small price to pay for their safety and health. Although we may often stand alone, we would do well to fight against this modern destruction.

Big pharma knew that if the benefits of medicinal plants are no longer every day knowledge for us, or even physically accessible to us, we then become more dependent on synthetic pharmaceuticals and over the counter medicine. This was beneficial to their wallets, and thus began the war on weeds and the rise of Roundup.

The good news is, there is a different way. Recovering both the knowledge of wildcrafted medicine and the growth of these precious herbs is our way out of their corrupt system. Here on our little suburban homestead, we do not spray our own lawn and we let the dandelions, clovers, plantains, violets and crab grass grow wild. We don’t mind it! In fact we prefer it. We pick and preserve everything that is available to us, with great thanks that the Lord has provided safe and effective means of healing through His creation.

Dandelion Benefits

Dandelions are wonderful because all parts of the plants are edible. They can be used for medicinal purposes or food purposes! Dandelions are commonly known for their wonderful detoxifying and digestive supporting properties, but they have many more benefits as well. The properties of each part varies slightly, so let’s look at each one individually.

ROOT

The roots of dandelions may be the most powerful part of the plant.

Beneficial in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Several studies have shown dandelion root to kill cancer cells, one study after just 48 hours of use! (source)
Detoxifies through supporting the liver and acts as a diuretic
Reduces cholesterol
Reduces inflammation
High in antioxidants and fiber
Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties
Contains minerals such as potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, choline and calcium
High in Vitamin A, K, C, and B vitamins
Boosts the immune system
Promotes healthy digestion
And so much more!

LEAVES

Dandelion leaves have a lot of the same beneficial properties as the root, and are super easy to incorporate into your diet.

High in Vitamin A, K, C, and B vitamins
Detoxifying
Contains minerals such as potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, choline and calcium
Rich in a prebiotic called inulin
High in antioxidants
And so much more!

FLOWERS

One of my fondest childhood memories is picking dandelions and rubbing them on my nose so it would turn yellow! Flowers are probably the least-used part of the dandelion, but they are still full of health benefits!

Rich in antioxidants
Rich in vitamins and minerals
Detoxifying
And so much more!

Dandelion Uses

Dandelions may seem like an odd thing to add to your meals- but the health benefits are astounding! You can also use dandelions for medicinal purposes such as making a salve or poultices. Pinterest is full of dandelion recipes, so if you have a yard full of these yellow beauties, you can find plenty of uses for them with a quick search. I enjoy feeding dandelions to my rabbit, putting the flowers and greens in my smoothies or salads, and making salves from the flowers. Here are a few creative ways you can use dandelions in your own home this spring:

ROOTS

Roasted dandelion root tea
Roasted dandelion root powder (coffee alternative)

FLOWERS

Fresh tea
Dandelion wine
Dandelion jelly
Tossed in a salad
Added to a fruit smoothie
Medicinal salve
Dandelion lotion bars

LEAVES

Dandelion Pesto
Green smoothie
Tossed in a salad
Sauteed or steamed
Poultices

An important disclaimer about wild plants and foraging

I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).

It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and consuming any type of new medicinal plant.

If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.

Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant. Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants. Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 7 years. I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research.

For more “weeds that heal” checkout Rachel Weaver’s book Back Yard Pharmacy. I’d love to hear what you do with dandelions or what you plan to try out this spring! Happy foraging :)