by S. Tenuta
Dandelion is a delight to pick in the early spring, before the flowers bud. Do pick them for
a leafy green salad, or for cooked bitter delight, or to dehydrate and make tea, or process for a tincture. When picking, try to find the least toxic area. Avoid power lines, roadsides and where pesticides were used. It is a great liver detoxifier and support.
Though this plant has propagated so much that people want to spray pesticide on it, it really has many benefits in its natural condition and grown in fertile soil. Following is a list of benefits per Susun Weed’s book called, Childbearing Year.
It is rich in calcium and the factors needed for calcium absorption.
It is a great source of folic acid.
It has a high level of potassium.
It can treat pre-eclampsia.
It can strengthen the liver.
It aids in kidney function better.
These are good points to know for a pregnant mom, but also for the normal person struggling to keep well in our toxic environment. The dandelion can be prepared as an infusion or eaten both fresh and cooked.
3 ounces of cooked dandelion greens contain:
12,000 IU of Vit. A
48 mg of Vit. C
140 mg of calcium
230 mg of potassium
1.8 mg of iron
Choline
Vit. B1 and B2
Trace minerals
For the mother who is breastfeeding her baby, dandelion is helpful in sustaining and increasing lactation. During the last 3 months of pregnancy, Susun suggests taking a tincture of it as it helps avoid jaundice or support the baby’s liver as it processes extra red blood cells after birth…in regards to pathological jaundice.
This is a great time of year to pick your dandelions. I picked some from my garden and dehydrated them for myself. I plan to make tea with the dehydrated leaves.
If you have further questions from me, do contact me at balance@intouchandintune.com