All rights reserved. Dandelions are highly esteemed in herbalism, and eating them over a long period of time is said to result in clear skin and more energy overall. (If youre unsure of soil toxicity, best not to pick & eat for now.) Hi my name is Aaron I have a heart condition I was just wondering would I be able to just pick dandelion heads and eat them straight away whilst out on my walk thank you. If that doesnt work, just add a teaspoon or 2 to his meal. Dandelions have been valued since, as far as we can tell, they made their dandy debut. Neurogastroenterology and Motility. Pick some yellow dandelion tops, remove the green sepal holding the flowers together, cover them with honey in a jar, label, and cap until the winter solstice on December 21 for a little summertime flower power. Their jagged, spikey leaves give them their name dent de lion, French for lions tooth. Yellow blossoms appear one per hollow stalk. Garden Therapy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. What, exactly, is a weed? One of the kids asks, Umm, why is your mom picking weeds out of the yard? My response, I think she has a lot of water. *crickets*. This means you need to avoid areas near freeways or public parks. Both nutrients also support nerve cell communication and contribute to nervous system function. Some of my many interests: , Ratatouille (Confit Byaldi) From the Ratatouille Movie. What Are the Health Benefits of Japanese Mustard Greens. Even the USDAs Federal Noxious Weed List doesnt classify dandelion as a weed. Salt and pepper There are so many other ways people have used these little plants. Then, add the root into a cup with boiling water and steep for 2-3 minutes. Youll get 112 or 144 percent of the daily value (DV) for vitamin A in a serving, depending on whether you choose raw or cooked. Just saying. Dandelions edible and nutritious leaves grow in a rosette formation very low to the ground, and appear as one of the earliest edible salad greens of the season. Join nearly 100,000 subscribers who love Dogs Naturally to unlock special discounts and premium content. This tea will effectively treatdigestive issues, gallstones, inflammation, muscle aches, and bloating. Great ways to use dandelion leaves include: Dandelion roots are tough buggers and can reach fifteen feet down into the ground. Heres how to make dandelion coffee. Plus that sticky white goo is latex and can have a laxative effect. But pump the brakes on the weed wacker. As you probably know, you can grow it from home. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) was native to Eurasia. Dandelions grow so extensively and have done so for so long that no one is sure where they originated, but the flowers are evident in many cultures. mL 2 H*F`+jmM2Ob0MiRe`f$"?28W)0ol0\E( 2016 Summer-Fall; 13(2-3): 113131. h"L&dhe$&1i,eAM;2~eYbASYYAH2tt T0`)r#C~@T,: As a blend, however, I find dandelion root to be the perfect earthy addition to my morning cup, taking away a bit of the caffeine while providing an additional healthy boost. Insulin is required for your dogs body to efficiently use sugars, fats and proteins. But lets look at that a bit later. Its used to support the liver, kidney, heart and digestive tract. They call them herbs! The greens are also a good source of Vitamins C, A, and K. Dandelions are rich in potassium, giving them a strong diuretic quality as well as making them an excellent blood detoxifier. Then, add a bit of honey to cut the bitterness. Its tooth-shaped leaves are rich in minerals like magnesium, copper, folate, calcium, potassium, manganese, and iron. Dip the flowers in tempura batter and fry them in oil. Mir, M. Amin, et al. Is there any difference between the two, and who, exactly, makes that determination? Dandelion is a nearly perfect whole food source of vitamins and minerals. But herbalists have always looked at weeds much differently than we do. by Thank you, and yes there are a lot of benefits that come with eating dandelions. They are growing all over my yard .Im going to pick some to go on a salad and make some tea .as Im diabetic .thanks for telling me. The vitamin C in dandelion greens assists with the absorption of their iron content. Diseases take hold when there are too many free radicals for the body to manage. Try sauteing them in low-sodium broth along with diced onions or minced garlic, or steam them for a healthful side dish. While chatting away to some of the neighborhood kids, I see my mother out of the corner of my eye with a big bowl. Dandelions spread by their fluff when they go to seed. Thats because it reduces sugar levels and increases insulin sensitivity. Those bright yellow weeds that pop up in the lawn? If you see these signs of toxicity youll want to give your dog dandelion: Dandelion leaves act as a diuretic when your dogs body is retaining too much fluid. Out in the world, dandelion roots do the dirty work of cleaning up, like removing lead from soil. It survives being stepped on, peed on, and paved over. Copyright 2022 Edible Cape Cod. Though Ive never done it myself, Ive read about dandelions being used as a natural fiber dye, and I use parts of the dandelion plant in homemade household and skincare products. Despite thousands of Americans armed with weed wackers, herbicide, and lawnmowers, dandelion is thriving. Settlers enjoyed them as one of the first spring crops available after hard, cold winters. HC"n22i+qg [8N4qEQ HAHl ! }0893:LLe#!Y"XFIXQ-- %O,&J ed:KRMs1Z)L4d4Weq*|A3e^$OM )U"xL;AD4T3Ef-e)cAJ1 u"y6]aqIP:T< A40"mRf@h 2c. The greens will wilt a bit but still maintain their texture. You can use dandelion roots, leaves or flowers. The content on this website is not meant to replace veterinary advice. Instead of worrying about eradicating the weeds from your lawn this year, think of the weeds as a free, highly nutritious food source. In the West, dandelions are gaining popularity as an edible weed. And one plant that Im always excited to see is the humble and prolific dandelion. I hope you enjoyed this instructable, happy eating! Ad Choices. So when you feed your dog dandelion youll boost his immune system and fight free radical damage. The liver is the bodys filter for removing toxins so its important to keep it healthy. A review of studies that looked at a range of liver-protective phytonutrients found dandelion among the wild and semi-domesticated plants with strong potential for liver health. Here are a few popular ways to eat dandelions, including my favorite, dandelion tea. Dont get confused with other members of the sunflower family. The petals have a bittersweet flavor. Dandelions are not poisonous but the pesticides used to try to get rid of them are. Thats because they have polyphenols that are powerful anti-inflammatories. Simply dig up entire plants using a garden trowel and separate the plant into its different parts. They also help digestion, boost antioxidants and act as a diuretic. Dandelions are the most frequently foraged plant. They are enduring, a fact you can attest to if youve ever tried to rid your lawn of them. You should discuss using dandelion with your veterinarian. You could forage dandelion greens from your lawn before the yellow flowers develop, but the greens you buy at the supermarket are more convenient and tender than the wild ones. plants dandelion poisonous non poison list plant 4 years ago. 2019;8(3). The weed my mom was harvesting? This meal will include dandelion root coffee and dandelion salad. And studies show that the entire plant has these properties, though the root and flower are most effective. Her areas of research interest include stress, weight management and women's health. And they should. To find a holistic or homeopathic vet near you or to find one who will do phone consultations, visit The Academy Of Veterinary Homeopathy or the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. Probably because they are not hard to come by and are pretty easy to spot. Here are more infection-fighting herbs that can help your dog . The flower has antioxidant properties and can improve the immune system. Click here to read more about me and the story behind Garden Therapy. Given the success of the herbicide industry in this country, you probably have a long, troubled relationship with dandelions, too. The carb count makes it a good choice for those following a low-carb diet. In fact, a half-cup of dandelion greens has more calcium than a glass of milk! Dandelion root can also treat gallstones and gallbladder inflammation. The easiest way to add dandelion greens to your menu may be to saut them with garlic and a little onion in olive oil. So steer clear of harvesting them from public areas where theyve undoubtedly sprayed weeds. Jin, Y-R., et al. Antioxidants also slow the aging process. It is in this last use, made by roasting, grinding, and brewing dandelions nutty and bitter root alongside my favorite coffee beans, that I enjoy the dandelion plant daily. Research shows dandelion is a hypoglycemic herb that can help manage diabetes. What Are the Health Benefits of Collard Greens, Turnips, Kale & Mustard Greens? If youre using dandelion root for dogs, wait until late in the fall. Learn More. A cup of dandelion greens supplies rich amounts of vitamins that are key to overall good health. Consuming at least 12 milligrams combined of lutein and zeaxanthin daily lowers your risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, according to the American Optometric Association. Joanne is a writer on the Dogs Naturally Content Team. Each serving of dandelion greens boasts a vitamin A content of 11,177 international units and a vitamin K content of 856 micrograms. Yes, you can eat dandelions that grow wild in your yard. For ages savvy eaters have enjoyed every bit of the plant, from root to petal, as a culinary delight and medicine, both. The chemical composition and antioxidant properties of common dandelion leaves compared with sea buckthorn. Youll be picking them for your dog instead of the compost bin. Dandelions are full of vitamins and antioxidants. 2022 - Dogs Naturally Magazine Inc. I find a powder of the roasted roots most helpful in the morning or as a midafternoon pick me up. Please support the hard working holistic vets who make this information possible. Becca Miller lives in the Adirondack Mountains working in food and farming education an freelance writing. However, if you plan to harvest your own greens, make sure you harvest from an area that is not treated with chemicals of any kind. Bitter tonic: This will help with digestion so youll need to get your dog to have some before his dinner. Sherri Brooks Vinton, Published: 8/28/18, Last updated: 8/10/20. 4 ounces fresh goat cheese As with harvesting any wild plant, and particularly ones like dandelions that grow in commonly sprayed areas, take particular care to collect from spaces you know to be chemical-free. This FREE 5-day mini course will help you set up a thriving garden for wellness and joy quickly and easily. Heat the oven 350 F(177 C). Article from Edible Cape Cod at https://ediblecapecod.ediblecommunities.com/drink/eating-wild-getting-root-matter-delightful-dandelion. When I was a kid I remember picking them by the fist full they were everywhere all at once and, unlike other blossoms, no one gave a fig how many you plucked. Dandelion the weed you hate to love. Place your roots on a pan and cook them for 10-15 minutes. Rev Diabet Stud. In many countries, especially in Asia, dandelions are eaten regularly for medicinal and for nutritional values (by the way, my mother is Korean). And there arent really any substitutions. They are far more nutritious than kale or spinach. The physiological effects of dandelion (taraxacum officinale) in type 2 diabetes. Dandelion root also has prebiotic effects, supporting your dogs gut health by feeding the beneficial bacteria (probiotics). 2015 Jan 31. Incorporate dandelion greens into your diet as an excellent source of vitamin C, as well as a vegetarian-friendly source of calcium. Stem: You want to avoid the stem. This provides your entire recommended daily intake of both nutrients, according to the Institute of Medicine. Do the same with the flowers. That makes them great for breaking up the soil and incredibly water resistant. Thanks for the great instructable! I knowyou may be shocked by this, but its true. Use 5g to 30g dried herb (leaves, root or flowers) infused in 8oz water for 10-15 minutes. I guess thats why he lived to be 19. They're low in calories -- each 2-cup serving contains just 50 calories -- and come packed with vitamins and other nutrients important for good health. When they look like charcoal and snap apart easily they are done. With interests in human and canine nutrition and fitness, she is finally using her journalism background to explore interests close to her heart and her dogs. Instead, consider that whatever household or culinary need you may have, my favorite plant is likely right there waiting with something delightful to offer. Each serving also contains 39 milligrams of vitamin C -- 43 percent and 52 percent of the recommended daily intakes for men and women, respectively. Or you can blend leaves in a blender with some water and add to his meal. It has a laxative effect, wrote the authors, that may help rid the body of ingested toxins. Its not very tasty raw and maybe not even my favorite cooked, but dandelion roots have been valued in lean times as an abundant, free, nutritive food source. Plus, you can eat the flower too. The name dandelion comes from the French dent de lion, or lions tooth, and refers to the signature deeply-toothed leaves of this common plant. The fiber content of a 1-cup serving is higher in cooked greens 3 grams of fiber for cooked, and 2 grams for raw. Mature dandelion leaves can be on the bitter side. Dried leaves or root: Crumble dried herb onto your dogs meal. Vitamin C also helps with wound-healing. Romans savored their bitter leaves. Welcome to your new crush. Dandelions, quite simply, are the gift that keeps on giving. In its name we get a glimpse of this mighty plants importance. This FREE 5-day mini course will teach you the small changes you can make to your skincare practices that will make a HUGE difference in how you feel. After the roots are clean and dry cut them up into smaller chunks. And many homeowners go to great lengths including spraying their lawns with toxic applications to keep dandies away. And its always been free. My dog always loved eating dandelion caps as a puppy. For many, dandelions are seen as a scourge on their turf; invaders of the perfectly manicured, mowed, monoculture of green that is the default across so many suburban landscapes. Top with crumbles of goat cheese and dandelion petals, if you like. But the wise eye knows how to spot a gift when they see it. The taste resembles that of a spicier arugula. If you disturb the fluff, youll have a lifetime supply! bearded dragon eating vegetables lettuce dragons baby dandelions veggies The Victorian era National Dandelion Society in Japan developed over 200 varieties to admire. Young greens can be eaten raw in salads or in sandwiches. A cup of cooked dandelion greens is low in calories and carbs while delivering a rich mix of vitamins and minerals. Dandelion, Date, and Blue Cheese Salad with Brown Butter Croutons. To make your tea, youll need to finely chop the dandelion roots first. Taraxacum officinale herb as an antiinflammatory medicine. ;Rr1{ 7Q3O8@/02`|-yJJ>T 5oqnW&CnV4D5-. 2'! Try dandelions in some of these time-tested dishes: To prep the petals youll need to separate them from their bitter green base. You could also use your coffee maker to do this. They taste crunchy and savorytrust me, they are good. For those who do not know I just want to emphasize; do not eat the stem, the white juice in it is caustic. Restaurant recommendations you trust. Yes, thats what we are talking about. Add the mustard and whisk to combine. The effect of taraxacum officinale on gastric emptying and smooth muscle motility in rodents. And, in the opinion of more than a few, dandelions are beautiful. Here are a few more of my favorites: Picture this scene: Im 8 years old and new to the neighborhood. My love of plants healed me from a debilitating illness, so I know the power of garden therapy firsthand. For 20 years, shes been committed to maintaining a multi-dog household reared on raw meat, whole foods and good manners. Dandelions. Lastly place your dandelion root coffee in a cup and plate your salad. Many recipes for roasted dandelion root encourage readers to brew the drink on its own as a full substitute for coffee and there is a long history of dandelions relative, chicory, being enjoyed as a coffee substitute in New Orleans but in my own life I doubt anything will ever fully take the spot of the glorious coffee bean. To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories, To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. As the temperatures warm and the days lengthen, dandelions send up the characteristic sunny blooms that make up so many childrens flower crowns. India cultivates dandelion for use as a remedy for liver problems. The dandelion plant has one bright yellow flower per relatively short, hollow stem, and this is another great way to make sure you have the correct plant, since many of the potential lookalike plants have branching stems, multiple flowers per stem, and in the case of chicory, flowers of a different color. When youve gotten your fill of kale and spinach, dandelion greens offer another nutrient-dense, leafy-green option to add to your regimen. Simply dunk them in a pot of boiling water for a minute, transfer to ice water to halt the cooking, dry and proceed with your recipe bitter be gone! Alternatively, mix chopped dandelion greens with other leafy greens -- such as spinach or romaine lettuce -- for a flavorful and nutrient-dense salad. 1 shallot diced Also you can cover the plant from sunlight while it grows to discolor it and reduce bitterness. Dandelion isnt poisonous to dogs but like most things, you should use it in moderation. Mix the dandelion root into boiling water, after a few minutes turn off the heat. First cut off your roots from the dandelion and soak them in water. Did you make this project? Dandelion greens also provide considerable amounts of vitamins A and K. Both nutrients affect your blood. on Step 8. You can also snip them off with scissors a little more painstaking, but youll have fluffier petals. It moved to wherever travellers took it accidentally South America, India, Australia and New Zealand. Among other functions, calcium builds strong bones and teeth and supports a healthy nervous system. Eating more dandelion can be as simple as sprinkling a handful of chopped leaves into your next salad. Vitamin K regulates the formation of blood clots, while vitamin A supports new blood cell growth. In a large saut pan over medium heat, saut the onions and shallot, seasoned with salt and pepper, until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. If you start now, you will become more tolerant to this bitterness as the summer progresses. Diabetes mellitus occurs in dogs when the pancreas doesnt produce enough insulin. of warm hemp milk and a spoonful of honey. You can find dandelion greens and roots in Asian stores or even in some specialty supermarkets if you are not feeling up to foraging. Dandelions are noted for their ability to stabilize blood sugar, making them an excellent supplement for diabetics. You can use various forms of dandelion to manage diabetes including fresh and dried leaves, tincture, juice or powder. Remember, avoid any dandelions that have been sprayed with fertilizer or any other toxic sprays. If youre lucky (yes, lucky! Officinale essentially means used in medicine: plants bearing the designation officinale" could be found in ancient pharmacies. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Reply First you need to wash the green to get any dirt off of them. Ixn2 DDeufyG iDHaS42!M~S5bOmxtHp[%QwL}!j zzuSF&GeQSoTA) jIGb 570Y^"/z8m*Y W7pC^\W'T;U "#*UY!1Eqo[r\XEX[^8|(XH ]Of`NDx(RXb{~).%C8 ~-OMu (,B@^G*!WGHs9hZiQ}Q=~Uu~,M_C xb6xO;0vRM3|Gr0(A_ {v8uF{?M;piG16CFb#|x{6!{fm reY ! Imagine relying on a plant so much that you hand-carried its seeds across the ocean on a boat without toilets. I grew up very aware of its health benefits; notably its use as a diuretic (my mother always said she had a lot of water when she was retaining water). When the cheery flowers die off and cooler temperatures arrive once more, I return to gathering roots (locating them by the leaf rosettes that are often still around) and do so until the ground is too frozen or snow-covered to find and dig up the plants. 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar The summer solstice comes on June 21. After that, the leaves become bitter. Tip As a kid, I spent endless summer hours armed with a weeder.I was like a child Houdini of the suburbs, disappearing dandelions from the front yard, backyard, and the cracks in the driveway. University of Maine: Facts on Edible Wild Greens in Maine, USDA National Nutrient Database: Dandelion Greens, Raw. Go ahead and let the kids blow on the dandelion puff balls; theyre helping to spread free food for all. Antimicrobial activity of various extracts of Taraxacum officinale. Petals from 2 dandelions for garnish (optional), Never pick roadside plants where fuel emissions and dust will coat your dandies, Never pick plants that have been sprayed or treated with pesticides, Try to get plants that are young and tender; the leaves get bitter as they age, Check local regulations before picking in public spaces, Pick early in the morning when flowers are at their freshest, Use as a spinach substitute in quiche and. WARNING: Make sure your dandelions have not been sprayed with weed killer or anything poisonous. Dandelion thats safe to eat can be plucked from herbicide free suburban or country yards, urban parks, or a sunny trailside on a hike. Learn how your comment data is processed. The root is also a natural diuretic. Grasp the plant at the base and pull up and you will most likely come away with at least six inches of underground goodness. So lets take a closer at some of the ways dandelion can help your dog . In centuries past, herbalists embraced the dandelion as a plant with a list of healing properties. They noted, however, the need for clinical trials. Leaves: Theyre high in potassium and other vitamins and minerals. Dandelion moved to weed status with the pharmaceutical industrys rise in popularity and profit. Bummer to bring up winter just as summer finally arrives, but, if we prepare now, our chances of enjoying January through March will be greater. Taraxacum officinale herb as an antiinflammatory medicine, Antimicrobial activity of various extracts of Taraxacum officinale, Protein, double the amount spinach provides. Allow me to re-introduce the dandelion. Studies show using dandelion also lowers the effects of inflammatory bowel disease. It will get your digestive system pumping and primed for a summer diet of mostly raw vegetables and hot dogs and ice cream. As if offering us several different edible parts and being available year-round wasnt enough, the dandelion plant is also loaded with nutrients and has also been used medicinally across the world for hundreds of years to help treat health issues as varied as poor digestion, skin ailments, and general inflammation. Bitter flavors are great for digestion and curbing sugar cravings. Goldenseal has stronger properties but its being mass harvested. Berkeley Wellness: Types of Cooking Greens, University of Michigan Medicine: Minerals, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Plants Consumption and Liver Health, The 9 best indoor cycling bikes for your home gym.