Written by: Kirsten Cowart
Dandelions are one of the most overlooked and yet readily available medicinal plants around and yet, most people you talk to are convinced that they are annoying weeds that need to be pulled up or sprayed with harmful chemicals!
I am here to tell you that the wild world of plants is full of exciting adventures and powerful herbs that are far superior to their domesticated cousins (food you get from the produce section of your local grocery store). Wild foods are packed with remedying nutrients that should give us all the more reason to protect the wilds and be extra cautious about what chemicals we use.
Not only can you eat the leaves, flower and heart of this super versatile plant, but even the roots can be used to make homemade tea and a mocha that can help to satisfy your need for a warm healthy morning beverage.
While I am sure that you can pick up some dandelion tea at your local healthfood store, I am going to tell you that you lose out on the adventure of finding these plants and making the tea for yourself. Even if you only ever do it once, it will be an experience worth having.
Health Benefits Of The Noble Dandelion
This plant is used as a digestive system purifier as well as a digestive stimulant. The root specifically is great for creating bile that can help you to keep your cholesterol levels down while breaking down fat. I like to trim a few leaves off of the plant and add them to my smoothies, juices, salads or even stir fry dishes for their awesome kidney and bladder remedying effects.
The leaves have a mild bitter taste that you will hardly notice after it has been cooked or mixed in with other plants. The yellow flowers actually have a mild sweet flavor to them that I particularly like to sprinkle over my salads.
Warning: Do not forage or eat dandelions that have been sprayed with any types of chemicals.
Dandelion Mocha
If you are trying to cut back on your coffee intake, but still want to enjoy a warm beverage, then I recommend gathering some dandelion roots and making this delicious mocha.
Simply drink this bad boy as you please. If you are looking to cut down your coffee consumption, then when that coffee craving hits, go for this mocha instead. If you are striving to make this work, you can always put a little bit of coffee in to help ease you into this fabulous drink.
What did you think about this tasty drink? Have you come across any other great beverages in any of your travels? If so, then we would love to hear all about them in the comments below!
Sources:
Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs 2012, pgs 124-128
Edible Wild Plants, John Kallas, PHD, 2010, pgs. 270, 277, 278
Glenn was in an accident with a hockey puck that made it so his mouth had to be wired shut! While he was going through recovery he found that Organifi Protein sustained him in a healthy way where he was able to maintain his muscle mass while still be able to loose weight.
-Tragedy Turns to Opportunity, Weightloss and Holistic Health
Glenn was in an accident with a hockey puck that made it so his mouth had to be wired shut! While he was going through recovery he found that Organifi Protein sustained him in a healthy way where he was able to maintain his muscle mass while still be able to loose weight.
-Tragedy Turns to Opportunity, Weightloss and Holistic Health
