Herbal Spring Cleaning in Your Body with Dandelions

Spring is the time to clean, right? Well put down the broom, as I'm talking about spring cleaning yourself internally. Internal cleansing starts with nourishing certain organs in your body, like your liver, to start the detoxification process. The liver, which is the largest internal organ in the body, takes out the most cumulative waste in our blood stream; our very own personal recycling center! Did you know that a healthy liver replaces its cells every 40 days? So we want to make sure it is in tip top shape!

Dandelion is a great liver nourisher and digestive tonic, its simple to use and best of all its free! All parts of the dandelion are medicinal and safe to use in any form, roots, leaves and the flowers. The greatest effects come when eaten or drank 3x a day, but once a day is still effective. The leaves are more nutritious then any other greens, have more beta carotene then carrots, more iron and calcium then spinach,You also get vitamins B-1, B-2, B-5, B-6, B-12, C, E, P, and D, biotin, inositol, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc!!

Some ideas on how to incorporate this incredible plant into your daily diet.

Dandelion greens can be eaten fresh in a salad mixed with other greens, steamed, or dried and drank in a tea. Add to an omlet, fritatta, or stir-fry!

Flowers, can make a delicious wine! Dip them in batter and make fritters, Steam them with other veggies,there are many recipes online. Make a tincture, or tea.

Coffee
Harvest roots in spring or fall before the flowers bloom for maximum nutritional value. the roots grow deep so you'll need a shovel or a root tool to dig up, once youve gathered enough roots wash them thoroughly, dry roots in the oven at 150 deg untill brittle, then roast at 375 for 15 to 20 min untill dark brown. Grind in blender or coffee grinder untill a coffee like consistency. Use about 1 tsp per 1 cup boiling water. Add honey, cream or sugar as you would regular coffee.

Vinegar
Wash whole dandelion plants (leaf to root), chop them up and loosely fill a jar. Add apple cider vinegar to the top, cap tightly, label and date. Let sit for 4 - 6 weeks, then strain off vinegar from dandelion mixture Use over salads or steamed greens as you would any vinegar.

I for one will never look at dandelions the same way again, I am amazed at there healing properties!!!

Written by Denise - aka HappyHippie Moderator, and resident Herb Master

Always consult your physician if you are pregnant, or taking medication before trying herbal remedies.

Related Herbal Links:

Dandelion Teas ........Dandelion in Bulk ..............Dandelion Extract