The Energetics of Dandelions
Dandelions help clear toxins through urine - earning it the name of "piddly bed." They help clear lymph so remember them to help you clear after colds, infections, viruses and even those pesky post viral flare ups.
Dandelions are already showing their jolly faces.
Tenacious and sturdy, they are a yard pest to some, they have helped many families through rough times. Dandelion root and green soups were common during the Great Depression, WW II and other times of struggle and lack of other, favorite, more desirable foods.
Personally, I welcome dandelions with delight. They are the first herald of Spring and a reminder that it’s time to do a little clean up — not in the yard — I leave them alone, rather they are an asset in restoring Liver and Gallbladder health.
Dandelion has a long medicinal history in western, Chinese, and Ayurvedic herbalism. (There are subtle differences in how each system classifies and uses the herb, which is fascinating, but that's for another email blog.) Almost all parts of the plant can be eaten and have significant benefits to the body. Don’t try eating the seed heads — just blow them to the wind.
Side note — common dandelions are not indigenous to America. We have a couple varieties but you see most often running amok come from Europe. They have naturalized here. They are tenacious and prodigious but not truly invasive — they will stop at certain boundaries, unlike kudzu that will take over everything. Dandelions have been here so long they are mostly excepted. Alaska and few other places list them as an invasive species.
We can look at dandelion's benefits a whole and then see the nuance offered in different parts of the plant.
Dandelion’s energetics and actions
Dandelions are cold, sweet and bitter — this means they clear, and un goo you!
They clear stagnation in the Liver, Gallbladder and Spleen. They promote bile creation and circulation, clear heat, remove toxins, clear jaundice, lymph and reduce inflammation. If you have an 'itis' you may want to add dandelion to your diet.
Just your favorite pasta tossed with asparagus and dandelion greens that have been lightly sauteed in little olive oil or butter, a kiss of lemon juice, salt, pepper. Finish with dandelion blossoms and Parmesan o
The bitter flavor also clears heat from the Fire elements, clearing excess heat from the Heart, Pericardium, Small Intestines and San Jiao.
A few highlights.
Roots are often roasted and used a coffee substitutes that are very nourish to Yin and Blood.
Leaves can be used like spinach but are higher in nutrients. Add them to salads, omelettes, soups - how about dandelion pie - delish.
Blossoms have a greater effect on our head and Heart - clearing they eyes and sinuses while calming anxiety. They are used in wines, teas, oils, oxymels, vinegars, or scattered on salads and pastas. Just lovely.
Wash, chop and dry the roots to grind and use in teas or as a coffee substitute.
As with all foraged foods, make sure your identification is correct and that the plants haven't been sprayed with harmful chemicals.
Happy eating,
April
