Please conduct your own research on this. I am not a doctor or specialist of any kind, nor do I pretend to be one. Talk to your medical professional before starting or changing any regimen or consuming any part of the Dandelion plant.
You’ve seen them, haven’t you? Some people spend money trying to get rid of them, but come spring, they start popping up everywhere. You know what I’m talking about. The Dandelion: Wonder Plant or Invasive Weed?
Here in West Tennessee, we usually start seeing the Dandelion in February. Little splashes of yellow start appearing all over yards, fields, the sides of the roads, and just about everywhere. Some see the Dandelion as a pesky little weed that needs to be eradicated, but this little wonder plant is so much more.
Every part of the Dandelion plant is edible. From root to flower, this little guy is highly nutritious and is full of vitamins and minerals that your body needs and uses every day.
The root is rich in fiber and can be eaten like other root vegetables or made into a type of tea. The tea can act as a diuretic, though, so be mindful of that if you drink it. The greens contain calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron, as well as Vitamins A, C, and K, and can be eaten raw in a salad or boiled if preferred. The flower makes a pretty pop of color on a plate and can be eaten raw or fried and can also be used to make Dandelion wine, salve, or jelly.
The health benefits this simple little “weed” possesses are amazing. Some studies being conducted indicate it may help with inflammation and blood sugar levels as well as cholesterol and triglyceride levels, although more research needs to be conducted in humans.
The one thing I stumbled upon in searching for benefits of the Dandelion plant that I had not heard about before was the potential anti-cancer benefits. Please read more about the study conducted by Windsor Regional Cancer Center in Ontario, Canada here: https://www.uwindsor.ca/dandelionrootproject/
Whether you still consider this a weed or not, this little guy deserves some respect. What about you? What do you think about Dandelions?