All
Edible Backyard
My American Dream
Ogham Tree Lore
Seasonal Living
![]() Spring has sprung! The robins have returned, the worms are stirring beneath the earth, and dandelion flowers are blooming. I love seeing these bright flowers pop up around the yard as the sun gets brighter and warmer. They remind me of sunny days ahead and new life excitedly bursting from their long sleep. There are a lot of suggestions out there to kill dandelions to maintain a well-manicured lawn. Still, no one talks about our ancestors' long relationship with this helpful perennial. Dandelions grow everywhere 'man' lives, and for a good reason. These little baddies are a nutritional food source and pack a punch for health maintenance. According to Gaia Herbs, "Dandelion is a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, and C, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Dandelion leaves are used to add flavor to salads, sandwiches, and teas. The roots are used in some coffee substitutes, and the flowers are used to make wines. Traditionally, dandelion roots and leaves were used to support the liver. Native Americans also boiled Dandelion in water and took it to support healthy excretion from the urinary tract, skin health, and upset stomach. In Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as European herbal Medicine Dandelion was and still is used to support the liver and gall bladder, to promote digestion and to support the detoxification process. The leaves have more of a noticeable effect for supporting healthy fluid elimination." So, as you can see, these cute baddies have a place in our yards, hearts, and stomachs! There is so much more information about the mighty Dandelion and how humans work with this bright perennial with a punch, but I encourage you to do your own exploration. And as always, don't forget to leave some of those pretty yellow flowers for the bees!
0 Comments
|
AuthorCaitlin is a full-time special education teacher with a penchant for the wyrd. When she isn't hanging out with the coolest kids, she's out in her garden tending to her herbs or frolicking with her 2 goats, 40 chickens, 6 ducks, 2 turkeys, 2 dogs, and 6 cats. She understands it's a hoarding situation at this point, but life is too short to worry about boring things like that. Archives
May 2024
|
Location |
|