The good side of the dandelion plant.

[flippinout]

Dandelions grow everywhere and most people spend a small fortune to get rid of this plant. But the dandelion has many and varied uses. Below are just a few of them, with a few facts about the plant and the food value of the plant given first.

Dandelions are part of the Chicory family and originally came from Europe and is a food source, drink source and is used as a medicine.

Dandelion is a french name which means lions tooth becase of its jagged edges. Some other names it has gone by include blow-ball, cankerwort, doon-head-clock, fortune-teller, horse gowan, Irish daisy, yellow gowan and one o'clock.

Dandelions are very nutritious, they contain substantial levels of Vitamins A, C, D, and B complex as well as containing iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, copper, choline, calcium, boron, and silicon.

The root of this plant has been used to treat liver and gallbladder problems, also to treat breast diseases, water retention, joint pain, digestive problems, fever and skin problems.

The dandelion is recommended for pregnant women because of all the nutrients that it contains, but consult you doctor before using as a food source.

Dandelions have also been used for headaches, eye problems, gout, and many other physical problems.

Dont use dandelions in any form is you use lithium, insulin or meds that reduce blood sugar levels.

Dandelions have been used for salads, to make wine from, which is quite tasty, and the roots have been dried and roasted and used as a coffee substitute.

All of these facts are enough to make you look at dandelion plants in a whole new way.

[homealone]

I agree with you, I never knew most of what you posted about dandelions. I did know that some people did make wine out of them, though that is about all I did know. Though now I wont be so keen on getting rid of them so quickly. Thanks for the information. I am going to look into this more and see just how I can use them in my home.

[flip_it_fast]

I have relatives who eat dandelion greens. They eat them with cornbread usually. They absolutely love it! I have never tried it but some of my family members swear by it.