My Darling Dandelion.

The Dandelion is the plant that led me on my herbal journey through life.  Classmates gathering the blossoms for Dandelion Wine was so intriguing.  I was reading Ray Bradbury's book Dandelion Wine.  The plant seemed so magical, mystical and full of possibilities.

The leaf is a potent diuretic.  The roots are super mineralizing for the liver and kidneys.  Both are helpful blood cleansers.  The flowers, oh those magical yellow petals that turn to puff, is a skin soother for sun damaged skin.

Lets start at the bottom, the roots that run are just below the surface of the soil.  With care these can be dug up, rinsed, chopped and then simmered or decocted into a potent.  Will this be a tasty cup.....absolutely not.  This is earthy and when enjoyed I find an open mind, knowing that it is good for me is the best attitude.  There are several products that make enjoying this potent root more enjoyable.  Dandy Blend is one.  Often called a coffee substitute.  It has the bitter taste and when combined can be considered a good alternative when trying to cut down on the caffeine.  All the while supporting excellent kidney and liver health.  The supportive minerals of potassium, calcium and iron are needed daily and this root is potent with them all.

If you add a bit of leaf to the mix.  You now have magnesium.  Made into a beverage in a slightly different way, simply by adding some snipped up leaves to very hot water, letting it steep, will provide a dose of calcium and magnesium together, in an absorbable form.

And the flowers, these can be crafted into a beautiful oil with just a little effort.  Pluck the blossoms from the stem and dry immediately.  A food dehydrator or simply a brown lunch sack on your dashboard, for a small amount, will do.  Just get that moisture out before you place the blosoms in a jar and cover with your favorite oil.  I like almond or apricot kernal.

Do you have to purchase your dandelions from a company?  You can certainly OR you can find a "clean" spot to pick.  Somewhere you can be reasonably sure has not been sprayed with pesticides.  Getting out in the early Spring for a harvest is generally a safe bet.

Get out there. Do a bit of gathering.  Have a bit of fun!!!

Until next time

Cynthia from MedicineWoods