Who doesn't love welcoming dandelions after a long and cold winter? Fresh dandelion leaf salad, refreshing dandelion flower wine and as for medicine, a gorgeous dandelion tincture.
Not everyone knows this but dandelions are edible and medicinal, from the root to the blooms. Studies have shown that dandelions have both antimicrobial and antiviral effects. Dandelion is also a digestive herb, and a few drops of dandelion tincture taken before meals prevents gas and after meals heartburn.
The word dandelion comes from the Latin word “dens leonis” meaning “lion’s tooth”
From their distinctive yellow petals to their fluffy white seed heads, they are a familiar sight in gardens, meadows, and even sidewalks. But did you know that dandelions have a long history of being beneficial plants to humans?
Benefits Of Dandelion
Dandelions are highly nutritious plants loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fibre and can be eaten from root to flower.
Dandelions are packed with potent antioxidants, which explains many of their medicinal properties.
Dandelions may reduce inflammation due to certain compounds such as polyphenols.
Some compounds in dandelion may decrease cholesterol levels, which is a key risk factor for heart disease.
Some research supports that dandelions and their compounds may support weight control.
Many claim dandelion extract has the potential to prevent the growth of cancerous cells in various organ systems.
Dandelions are also used in traditional medicine to relieve constipation and improve digestive health.
Dandelion supplement forms
Dandelion leaves, stems, and flowers are often consumed cooked or raw. The root is dried, ground, and used as a tea or coffee substitute. Dandelion is also available as a capsule, extract, or tincture.
Currently, there are no specific dosage guidelines but available data suggests the following dosages for different forms of dandelion:
Fresh leaves: 4–10 grams daily
Dried leaves: 4–10 grams daily
Leaf tincture: 0.4–1 teaspoon (2–5 mL) three times per day
Fresh leaf juice: 1 teaspoon (5 mL) twice daily
Fluid extract: 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 mL) daily
Fresh roots: 2–8 grams daily
Dried powder: 250–1,000 mg four times per day
Possible Side Effects
Dandelion plants are low in toxicity and are mostly safe for most people, especially when consumed as food but beware that very little research is done on dandelions so it may not be completely risk-free.
The dandelion plant can cause allergic reactions in people with existing allergies to related plants such as ragweed. Contact dermatitis can also occur in the case of sensitive skin.
According to a previous study, dandelions also interact with medications, including certain types of antibiotics, anticoagulants, and blood sugar drugs.
Dandelion For Children
For gentle kidney and bladder support. The leaves can be dried and made into tea or as one capsule given a day.
Do not give children the root.
You can also give children with urinary tract infections (although seek professional medical advice from your GP as well as urinary tract infections can be painful and serious).
How To Grow Dandelion
Dandelions are hardy, perennial plants that are easy to grow in most climates. They are known for their yellow flowers, which bloom in the spring and summer, and their fluffy white seed heads, which can be blown away in the wind. Here are the steps to grow dandelions:
Choose a sunny or partially shaded location: Dandelions prefer full sun but can also grow in partial shade. Make sure the soil is well-drained and not too acidic.
Plant the seeds: Dandelions can be grown from seed, which can be purchased from a garden centre or harvested from existing plants. Scatter the seeds on the soil and lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil.
Water the seeds: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate, which typically takes 7-14 days.
Thin the seedlings: Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, thin them out to allow more space between each plant. Dandelions can grow up to 12 inches in diameter, so space them accordingly.
Fertilize the plants: Dandelions do not require a lot of fertilizer, but a light application of compost or balanced fertilizer in the spring can help them grow better.
Control weeds: Dandelions are hardy plants that can outcompete other weeds, but they can also become invasive if left unchecked. Pull any weeds that grow near your dandelions to prevent them from taking over.
Harvest the leaves and flowers: Dandelion leaves and flowers can be harvested and used in salads, teas, or other recipes. Pick them when they are young and tender for the best flavour.
With proper care, dandelions can grow easily and become a beautiful addition to your garden or landscape.
How to forage Dandelion
Foraging dandelions is a fun and rewarding activity, as these plants are not only abundant but also highly nutritious. Here are the steps to follow when foraging dandelion:
Identify the plant: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a common weed found in many parts of the world. The plant has a rosette of basal leaves with deeply toothed edges and a hollow stem that grows up to 30 cm tall. Yellow flowers are easy to spot, but it's best to look for them in the spring or early summer when they are in bloom.
Choose a good location: Dandelion grows in many different habitats, including lawns, meadows, and woodland edges. However, be sure to avoid picking dandelions from areas that may have been contaminated with pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals.
Harvest the leaves: Dandelion leaves can be harvested at any time of the year, but they are best in the spring when they are young and tender. To harvest the leaves, grasp them near the base of the plant and pull gently. You can also use scissors to cut the leaves close to the base of the plant. Avoid picking leaves that are discolored, wilted, or damaged.
Harvest the roots: Dandelion roots can be harvested in the fall, when the plant has gone dormant and the energy is stored in the roots. To harvest the roots, use a garden fork or shovel to loosen the soil around the base of the plant. Then, gently pull the plant out of the ground and shake off the excess soil. Wash the roots thoroughly and cut them into small pieces.
Clean and prepare the dandelion: Once you have harvested the dandelion, it's important to clean it thoroughly. Rinse the leaves and roots in cool water to remove any dirt or debris. You can then use the leaves and roots in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, stews, or teas.
It's worth noting that dandelions are a valuable source of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium.
Dandelions As A Tincture
What is a tincture?
A tincture is a concentrated herbal extract simply made using two to three ingredients. Most tinctures are made from alcohol which is one of the best ways to extract the right benefits from any medicinal plant. Non-alcoholic tinctures are made with vinegar and are not as concentrated.
The benefits of Dandelion Tincture
Taking dandelion tincture after meals can prevent heartburn.
This digestive herb can prevent gas when taken before meals.
Many use it as a blood purifier that helps reduce blood cholesterol.
Herbalists love this herb as it promotes clear skin as well.
It is also a cleansing herb that supports kidney and liver functions.
A dandelion tincture is also a gentle diuretic and is used to treat UTIs and water retention.
Equipment Required To Make Homemade Dandelion Tincture
The equipment required to make herbal tinctures is very minimal.
Mason Jars: Regular mason jars work but amber mason jars prevent light damage. Make sure the lid is tight-fitting.
Funnel: A medium-sized funnel with a couple of layers of cheesecloth works best when decanting the finished dandelion tincture.
The tincture must be stored in a dark amber glass bottle with a dropper to protect its medicinal compounds
Lastly, label your tinctures with blank adhesive labels or tags.
Disclaimer: You must always consult your doctor or clinical herbalist before you try any new herbal remedy. There is a possibility of an unintended reaction/consequence/side effect. I am not a practising clinical herbalist and the following is based on my research and experience. If you are foraging in the wild, please be 100% sure of the identification of the plant.
Let’s Make Homemade Dandelion Root Tincture
If you'd like to save the dandelion leaves for salads, use the roots for the tincture. They are better and tougher.
Start digging the dandelion roots as soon as temperatures warm up and snow melts. You will easily find them everywhere when foraging.
To begin with, chop up the dandelion root into small chunks to increase their surface area allowing the alcohol to extract nutrients more easily.
Fill up the mason jar with the chopped roots and pour alcohol until it's covered. The jar should have 2/3 of fresh root and then topped off an inch with vodka. I personally use Smirnoff Vodka because it's inexpensive and tasty, I mean you will be dropping the tincture into your mouth eventually.
Never use rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) as it is poisonous and can make you extremely ill.
Alright, on to the next step. Give the jar a gentle shake and then store it in a cool, dry place which is void of any direct light, like a kitchen cabinet.
The dandelion root tincture needs at least a month to infuse. You can leave it for 2-3 months to gain full potency as well.
Once the tincture is ready, use a fine-mesh strainer to completely, and then store tincture in amber dropper bottles.
Dandelion Tincture Dosage
Here are some recommendations from Backyard Medicine for dandelion tincture dosage:
General Health Maintenance ~ 1/2 teaspoon twice daily.
Acute Skin Eruptions ~ 10 drops in water frequently throughout the day.
Arthritis, gout, eczema, psoriasis & liver trouble ~ 1 teaspoon 3 times a day in the water.
Indigestion ~ 10 drops in water every hour until resolved.
DANDELION ROOT TINCTURE
Prep Time: 10 mins
Active Time: 10 mins
Additional Time: 1 month
Total Time: 2 months 20 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Brimming with digestive, diuretic and beauty properties, dandelion root tincture is a potent and magical medicine to keep handy. Make your own tincture at home using fresh dandelion root now!
Materials
-Fresh dandelion root, roughly chopped (preferred)
- Vodka or any other high-proof alcohol (or vegetable glycerin if making an alcohol-free tincture)
Tools
- Mason Jar (pint) with a tight lid
- Funnel
- Cheesecloth
- Dark amber dropper bottles
- Labels or Tags
Instructions
1. Fill a dry and clean mason jar 2/3 with fresh, chopped dandelion root.
2. Pour alcohol over the dandelion, completely covering them.
3. Screw the lid tightly and gently shake the jar, allowing it to settle naturally.
4. Store in a cool dry place, away from direct light, like a kitchen cabinet, for the next 4-7 weeks.
5. Shake alcohol-based tinctures every few days and glycerite every day. If alcohol levels decrease, top it off.
6. Once ready, decant it using a funnel with cheesecloth lined in it. Place the tip of the funnel in the neck of the dark amber bottle.
7. Pour the tincture and squeeze the cheesecloth for all the extract.
8. Label with its contents, the date it was bottled, the dosage and what it can be used for.
Notes
If you're making the tincture using glycerin, cover the berries with 3 parts glycerin to 1 part distilled water.
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