It's Dandelion Season

Finally Spring has sprung and we are seeing the signs of new growth, including the beautiful and bright Dandelion. I always see Spring as the season of hope and growth; it has always been my favourite time of the year.

Many people look at the Dandelion and see a weed, an invasive annoying nuisance but that depends on your perception of this natural abundant plant.

Do you recall the old wives tale that Dandelion's make you wet the bed? As a child, were you ever warned if you touch it, it will make you wet the bed? Well, I suppose there's an element of truth here, not literally but the deeper understanding pertains to the ability of its diuretic properties. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19678785/

Dandelion is referred to as many different names; Taraxacum Officinale (Botanical), Pu Gong Ying is its Chinese counterpart but interestingly it is also referred to as Lions Tooth derived from the French meaning of "dent de lion"

Dandelion is one of the best herbs for a spring detox. It is an effective diuretic, and dandelion tea is a great home remedy for fluid retention. In herbal medicine dandelion is used in liver and kidney problems. It relieves digestive complaints and constipation; the roots are often used in home remedies to improve digestion.

The fresh leaves can be added to salads; the flowers to decorate.

You can use the roots in soups and stews, I always add the root to my home made super immune boosting bone broth (totally healing and nutritious) you can also preserve the roots by drying.

Dandelion is high in vitamins A (very high),C,B-complex, D and some K. Nutritionally it also provides a source of Beta-Carotene. Mineral content includes Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, Potassium, Manganese, Choline, Calcium and Boron.

The whole Dandelion plant is edible and generally safe for human consumption, however, in large amounts or allergy it can cause heartburn, diarrhoea, upset stomach, and irritated skin.

Main uses of dandelion are for conditions such as swelling (Inflammation) of the tonsils (tonsillitis), infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs) Dandelion contains chemicals that may increase urine production, prevent crystals from forming in the urine, and decrease swelling (inflammation).

Interestingly and further more recent trials are underway into research into bacterial biofilms and the anti-tumour effect in TCM (Pu Gong Ying) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/302959005_Hepatoprotective_properties_of_Dandelion_Recent_update

The spiritual message from the Dandelion; Its time for a spring clean of the body, its time to cleanse.

I am Strong, I am fearless, even if up-rooted, I know I will come back with strong roots.