Benefit of Dandelion Root – A 2024 guide to using this super flower!

Last Updated on January 4, 2024 by Jeremy

Dandelions…are they weeds or flowers? We see these things take over lawns every spring and the first task people love to do is up-root them, mow them, or spray them. However, we should take another look at this yellow, weedy-flower and discover what the benefit of dandelion root is and the entire plant actually are.

A dandelions’ official name is Taraxacum officinale, which is a Latin word, whose meaning breaks down as follows:

• taraxas – means disorder
• achos – means remedy
• offinale – identifies this plant as an official medicinal plant.

There are many secrets this plant has. The dandelion plant benefits the entire body in many ways with zero plant waste.

Weed or Flower?

This plant belongs to the family of asters, daisies and sunflowers. It is as easy to distinguish as its cousins; the dandelion doesn’t receive the same love and affection. Mostly called a weed, this little powerhouse is definitely the underdog.

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Medicinal Benefits

Let’s have a look at the medicinal benefits this “weed” has to offer; You can use the entire plant, which consists of the roots, stems, leaves and flowers, which are all edible.

• Dandelion Root
  • treats various liver and digestion ailments (ex. hepatitis and jaundice)
  • aids in bile production and helping the flow of stored bile
  • indigestion & heartburn
  • spleen disorders
  • constipation
  • stimulation the appetite
  • anti-inflammatory properties which aid in rheumatism, gout and eczema
  • helps with lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure
  • after the first frost, the root will contain inulin, which might aid in managing diabetes
  • can aid in some symptoms of PMS
• Dandelion Leaves
  • supports the kidneys as a natural diuretic
  • allows body to expel additional fluid from the body if having edema
  • high in potassium so you don’t lose any through the kidneys
  • aids in managing kidney stones
• Dandelion Flower
  • infuse in oil to get a golden hue to aid in the reduction of breast cysts, long-held emotion and improves liver function
• Dandelion Stems
  • filled with a latex-like substance that can rid the body of warts, topically

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Food Uses

Here are all the food uses this power plant gives in the kitchen:

• the root is treated as any root vegetable (young roots high in electrolytes sodium & potassium)
• the roots, leaves and flowers can be infused with vinegar for dressings, sauces and marinades
• the dried and powdered roots can make a substitution to caffeine-free coffee
• the leaves can be eaten fresh in salads or steamed like spinach, added to stir-frys, soups and stews
• can be dried or used fresh for tea
• as the leaves are high in calcium and vitamin C, the flowers are loaded with vitamin D or the “sunshine vitamin”
• the flowers can be used fresh in salads or on their own, fried in garlic butter or dipped in batter and fried

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Other Benefits

The nutritional panel of the dandelion is too abundant in loads of vitamins and minerals. From calcium to manganese and phosphorus, this plant sure packs a punch!

This wonder plant even benefits cosmetically by helping to cleanse and detoxify. To keep your skin clear, a simple tincture or infusion of dandelion leaves is applied to the face. If that doesn’t work, then a facial steam with leaves and flowers will relieve the clogged pores.

Dandelions can also aid in balancing the third chakra, or the solar plexus chakra. Spiritually this plant represents the element of fire and “symbolizes the will to be rooted while being bright and determined enough to step into your center of personal power and light”. **

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Harvesting & Recipes

The only caution before harvesting dandelions’, would be not to pick any of them where they would be subject to chemical spray, or contaminants. Otherwise, harvesting your dandelions would proceed as follows:

• Spring
  • roots (before the plant flowers)
  • young leaves (continue throughout the summer)
• Fall
  • roots (after the first frost)

The flowers can be picked when flowered into full bloom. Gathering the flowers is easy and fun. 44 cups (11L) of flower heads = 24 cups (6L) of flower petals.

At this point you’ll want to make certain to process the flowers immediately after gathering or else it becomes harder to remove the petals.

Some most interesting recipes you can make with the harvested dandelions include:

• Dandelion Wine
• After-dinner Elixir
• Detoxifying Infusion
• Dandelion Jelly
• Dandelion Petal Pancakes
• Dandelion Root Coffee
• Plus, many more…

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Conclusion

This plant has always had a bad rep, but we can change our perception in regard to this miracle plant. Not only does it help us become healthier, but the flowers are also some first foods for our little pollinator friends. So, I ask before you run to spray the “pesky weeds”, think about how they’re not any different to the plants in your garden. In fact, the little plants, naturally, are better!

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Resources

** The Boreal Herbal: Wild Food and Medicine Plants of the North ~A Guide to Harvesting, Preserving, Preparing~ By: Beverley Gray **

Comment below if you enjoyed this article or would like to share some of your dandelion stories!

Earth is Heart!