Dandelion

This plant is commonly considered a weed, growing in sidewalk cracks, untended roadsides, and lawns. But it's a magnificent plant with amazing medicinal benefits

Dandelions are herbaceous perennials with deep tap roots. They grow up to a foot tall and flower from April to June.

All parts of the dandelion plant are edible and nutritious. The young leaves are great for greens and can be eaten raw or cooked. Dandelion root is roasted and used as a coffee substitute or can be cooked and eaten. Flowers can be used as salad garnish or battered and fried. Unopened flower buds make pickles similar to capers. Leaves and roots make bitter tea and are used to flavor beverages.

"Puff, Puff goes the Dandelion in the wind" Antoinette Ouattara,MPH,MS

Medicinal Use:

The dandelion plant is highly valued for its medicinal uses. Its bitter roots are effective in treating gastrointestinal and liver problems, whereas the leaves work as a powerful diuretic. This plant is an excellent general tonic and offers benefits to the entire body. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. I prefer using dandelion tea and tincture for internal use. Also, I recommend that my clients use dandelion during the detox program with me. As stated before, dandelion is a natural diuretic that helps the kidneys remove waste, salt, and excess water. It improves liver function by removing toxins.

A list of Medicinal benefits: Dandelion

• Liver Protection and Healing

• Controls Blood Sugar

• Diuretic and Detoxifying the Body

• Helps wound healing and fights the bacteria and fungi

• Prevents Iron Deficiency Anemia-Dandelion have high levels of iron, vitamins, and other minerals.

• Helps to improve Hypertension

• Boosts the Immune System

Warning: Dandelion is generally safe for most people. However, some individuals may be allergic to it. It is advisable not to take dandelion if you have allergies to plants from the same family or similar plants like ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, yarrow, or daisy. Moreover, if you are pregnant, it is recommended to avoid dandelion. If you are nursing, it is best to consult your doctor before taking it.

My favorite Dandelion Tea recipe:

Ingredients:

- 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of roasted dandelion root, chopped into small pieces

- 1 cup of boiling water

Instructions:

1. Pour the boiling water over the chopped roasted or dried dandelion root.

2. Let the mixture steep for 15-20 minutes.

3. Strain the tea and drink. I like to use a tea infuser.

4. Avoid adding sweeteners, as they can reduce the herb's effectiveness.

5. If desired, you may use unsweetened plant-based milk to taste.

For general medicinal use, it's recommended to drink 3 cups of this tea per day.

Your Clean Eating Nutritionist

 Clinical Nutritionist

 Herbalist

 Public Health practitioner

 Holistic Detoxification Specialist

 "Be The Healer For Thyself"

  Antoinette Ouattara,MPH,MS.