Menstrual Relief | Living in Natures Love

by Renee Lindstrom, GCFP – Living in Natures Love Lifestyles @insideawareness.com

Mortar tea kettle Edible Dye deer

Dandelion

Spring Dandelions

Uses: Culinary, Pot Herb, Medicinal, Dye, Detox, Coffee Substitute, Love Potion, Weight Control, Anti Aging, Tonic

Parts used: Flowers, Leaves, Roots

Preparation: Fresh, Culinary, Dried, Flower Essences, Infused Water, Juicing, Oil, Tea, Tincture, Vinegar

Recipes

Symbolizes: Circle of Life, Hope, Dreams, Well-being and Joy
Language of Flowers meaning: Joy and Faithfulness
Associated with: Binding Love, Crown and Solar Plexus Chakra’s
Element: Air
Governed by: Jupiter

Health & Wellness

Dandelions are increasing in popularity in mainstream health and fitness programs to the point of being called a super food due to the volume of goodness in each plant. I recently discovered that the flowers are a mild pain reliever when they are infused with oil and used on joints, aches and pain. As a Feldenkrais®Practitioner, this is good news for many students and clients. They would be relieved to learn more natural ways of controlling their pain.

Dandelions are a very rich source of beta-carotene and when consumed we convert this into Vitamin A. Their active ingredients are found in both the roots and leaves. Dandelions are a good source of:

Vitamins: A,C, K and B-vitamins
Minerals: magnesium, zinc, potassium, iron, calcium and choline

Their chemical breakdown:

Sesquiterpene lactones (bitters): taraxinic acid (taraxacin), tetrahydroridentin B
- Triterpenoids and sterols: taraxasterol, taraxerol, cycloartenol, beta-sitosterol
- Other: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, tannins, alkaloids, pectin, inulin, starch, potassium, beta carotene, caffeic acid, flavonoids (apigenin)

Interesting to Know that Dandelion leaves are high in vitamin A, vitamin C and have more iron, calcium and protein than spinach!

Conditions Dandelions Have been used for and currently being researched for:

Antioxidant
Digestive Aid
Inflammation
Immune System
Liver Detox and Cleanse
Gallbladder
Laxative
Cancer
Diabetes
Urinary disorders
Acne
Jaundice
Cancer
Anemia

How to use Dandelions

Each part of the plant is edible and can be used for creating medicinal remedies and making tea. The flowers are used for fresh tea and the roots and leaves are mostly used as a dried herb for tea. I have begun to dry the flower petals to use in tea. Fresh leaves and a few flower petals can be tossed into salads.

Did you know that, you can cook the spring roots, leaves, flowers and buds or add the to a smoothie, make wine or use as a coffee substitute?

Buy Dried Dandelion Roots – Product # H2100

Buy Dried Dandelion Leaves – Product #H2100-050

Try stir frying fresh spring leaves with oil and garlic and toss the unfurled flower buds in. As you eat the buds they pop in your mouth! I notice that the bitterness is reduced with cooking. In spring, the roots also are soft and tender and can be added together with leaves into a stir fry or stewed dishes and soups. Add flower petals to a grain dish to add colour and flavour.

Next time you weed your garden set them aside to try them in your own recipes.

Buy Canadian Dandelion Seeds

Read more:

Traditional uses and properties of herbs are for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Every attempt has been made for accuracy, but none is guaranteed. Any serious health concerns or if you are pregnant, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs.