Would you eat a Dandelion?

Have you ever considered ingesting dandelion? I know it may seem a little flowery , however, there are some major benefits. Before, we get started let me say if you have a seasonal allergic reaction to dandelions growing wild, it is not a good idea for you to ingest any teas with this ingredient. I am allergic, however my husband is not and he uses dandelion regularly.

The history: Looking back, dandelion use has been in effect in the Mediterranean since around the 10th and 11th centuries, and made its way into European use during the 13th century. The Chinese have been using dandelion for at least a thousand years and have found many uses; mainly serving for stomach upsets, appendicitis, and breast milk production. It has been used in Europe and Mexico for fevers, diabetes, intestinal and digestive issues, loss of appetite, flatulence, removing toxins from blood, and bacterial infections.

Be careful: the diuretic properties may speed up how fast any medications are able to pass through your system and they could potentially weaken or strengthen medicines reactions. Also, avoid if your are on blood thinning medications or have blood clotting problems.

This beautiful flower has also been used as two different types of dyes. By using the yellow petals you are able to dye fabrics a pale yellow color; or use the inner ribs of the leaves to make a light purple.

Did you know? That during World War 2, when there was a shortage of rubber, scientist were able to use the Russian dandelion to make a synthetic latex substance. This helped to make it through the war times. However, once the war was over, the rubber shortage ended and so did the use of dandelion latex. Currently efforts are being made to use dandelion rubber to replace traditional rubber when making tires. This is believed to be a more natural alternative.

Benefits: Removes toxins from the bloodstream / Diuretic. Improves digestive and intestinal issues, improves kidney function, aid in the improvement of stomach and liver disorders, gallstones / gall bladder issues, and heartburn.

Diabetes. Helps to lower blood sugar levels. If you currently take medications for blood sugar, please be advised to watch your levels and speak with your doctor - dandelion has been known to increase the effectiveness of diabetes medications.

Skin Irritations / Arthritis. When used as a topical cream dandelion has been known to reduce skin and joint problems due to it's anti-inflammatory properties.

Supernatural uses: When a dandelion orb is blown, the seeds flow through the air and they care your good wishes to your loved ones who are away. Legend leads us to believe, that if you are able to blow all the seeds off in one breath then your love interest will return your feelings. Some believe, in order to tell the time one must blow the dandelion until all the seeds are gone; how many breaths it takes, equals the hour of the day. Dandelions can predict the rain - when rain is coming the dandelions close up like an upside down umbrella.

Friendly herbs/ingredients: Cinnamon, Ginger, Vanilla, Roasted Carob, Oatstraw, Mint, Rosemary, Fennel