The whole story of natural medication from herbs is fascinating and opens doors for us to glimpse into the past.

For centuries,  Nature’s pharmacy, or what we now refer to as natural healing remedies, was the only pharmacy available to people.   In fact modern pharmacology arises from the very study of herbs and their effects and then isolating the active ingredients.

However there is a growing movement today to go back to nature for our remedies.   Some   medicinal herbs are very easy-to-grow and yield big rewards. One of them which grows prolifically in the wild is the common dandelion.

The dandelion is almost the universal pharmacy in one plant.  Perhaps an exaggeration, but it does have a well established reputation as a natural alternative medicine.    The leaves are rich in readily absorbed magnesium making the dandelion a great herb for improving bone health. Magnesium increases bone density, so dandelions may actually help to prevent bone disorders such as osteoporosis. The leaves have a high amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, and even more iron and calcium than spinach!

The white sap from the plant is a styptic and will dry up acne, boils and warts.  The leaves and roots have diuretic qualities which are valued as they do not deplete potassium in the body. In fact dandelion seems to have a beneficial effect on many kidney problems.

The dandelion grows in the wild, from seed. However it can also be propagated from root division.    It is tough, survives many harsh conditions and is not so susceptible to insects and diseases.

Dandelion can be grown indoors in a container and the leaves and roots used to make a medicinal tea possibly far more beneficial than drinking  just plain water.

To make dandelion tea you need to gather  a couple of handfuls of the leaves and steep them in a pint (½ liter) of water  for a few minutes.  If you are using the flowers  just take the petals and place them in hot not boiling water for 20 minutes.  Then add a natural sweetener such as stevia.    Dandelion tea will boost your immune system and stimulate your body to eliminate waste and toxins.

The root of the dandelion can  be made into an alternative to coffee.   Choose roots about finger length and wash them very well and pat them dry in a paper towel.   Then chop them small or put them in a blender until they resemble ground coffee.

Spread your chopped roots evenly on a metal  baking tray.  Bake at 300º to 350º F (148º to 177º C.)  for two hours.  Turn them once to make sure they all roast evenly.   By the end of the cooking process the chopped roots  should feel dry and crispy and have a strong roasted aroma.  Just take care that they do not overcook.  Let them cool and then store them in an air-tight container.   For a darker roast you can repeat the roasting process.  Us these roasted roots fairly soon as over time you will find the  flavor and medicinal benefits begin to fade.

If you have dried the roots and leaves then to make a  cup of herbal infusion tea you need 1 – 2 teaspoonfuls of crushed dried leaves or  ½ to 2 teaspoons of the dried roots.

Pour boiling water over the leaves and leave them for  5-10 minutes.  Strain and drink.  The roots need to be placed in boiling water for 5-10 minutes.  Again strain and drink. Take this drink 3 times a day to get the medicinal benefits.  This drink can be taken cold or hot.

Eating Dandelion
There are several ways you can incorporate dandelion into your diet.

Fresh leaves make a delicious and nutritious addition to salads or sandwiches. They may also be cooked and used in addition to or replacement of spinach or cabbage.   The leaves, are best when they are young and tender.

The flowers can be eaten fresh and  are  used to make wine, tea or jelly.  The young buds can be boiled, pickled, sautéed, or cooked in fritters. Flowers  are sweetest when picked early in the season. They should be used immediately after picking because the flowers will close up quickly.

The roots can be eaten as a vegetable with a turnip-like flavor if dug in early spring. They need to be peeled first as the outer skin is bitter.

Dandelion wine
Dandelion wine has the taste of a dry sherry and is an excellent tonic

For many people dandelion is  just an annoying weed especially in the lawn, however a really healthy lawn will prevent the spread of dandelions.

The dandelion offers so many health benefits perhaps its time we looked at it again, and create a space for it in our home herb garden.

Good herbs gardening!

* Disclaimer: Information on Home Herb Garden about various medicinal uses of herbs is provided for your enlightenment, entertainment and education only.  Please do not use these herbs without expert advice from properly qualified personnel.   See my full disclaimer for more information.