Every year people buy chemical weedkillers to kill unwanted weeds. Most of these unwanted weeds are dandelions.

Weedkillers are not only toxic for you and your pets, but it also kills one of nature’s most precious gifts.

Did you know that dandelions are one of the healthiest herbs?

For centuries, dandelions have been used for medicinal purposes.

They have been used for centuries for digestion, cleansing the liver, easing pain caused by gallstones, and lowering blood pressure.

How can I use dandelions?

Every part of the dandelion is edible.
Dried roots are often used to make tea.
The tea has a very earthy taste that some might not enjoy.
Dandelion tea is a healthy alternative to decaf coffee.

The leaves can be eaten raw. They are popular in salads or as a vegetable addition in soups. They have a mild taste, kind of a cross between romaine and kale.

The yellow flowers and stems are usually served lightly sauteed in butter.
My grandmother used to have us kids go out and collect dandelions.

I’d cringe when she sauteed the flowers and put them in our salads.

I didn’t care for the taste and thought it was really weird to eat weeds.

Also Read: Saying goodbye to coffee

Little did I know that one day I would be relying on them to help me with gallbladder problems.

We try so hard to come up with solutions to cure ourselves of ailments. Sometimes not knowing that just outside our door a solution awaits.

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Dandelion Salve

Can be used on sore muscles, as chap-stick and dry skin.

Author: Iris – Willowbottom

Ingredients

• 1/2 Cup dandelion oil
• 2 tbsp Beeswax pellets
• 1 tbsp Shea butter or coconut oil optional
• 10-30 drops essential oils optional

Instructions

1. Heat Beeswax in a double broiler or in a bowl over a pot of boiling water.

2. When the beeswax is melted add the dandelion oil, shea butter or coconut oil (if using)
3. Whisk together until blended.
4. Remove from heat and add essential oils (if using)
5. Pour into tins or a jar that has an air tight lid and allow to cool.

Recipe Notes

Dandelion oil –

1 cup dandelion flowers

1 1/2 cup oil (olive oil, almond oil, Jojoba oil or any carrier oil you like)

Air dry the flowers overnight (this will remove some of the moisture) 

Place flowers and oil into a sauce pan and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours.

Strain into a jar and allow to cool.

Notes: Make sure the flowers have not been sprayed and have not been grown next to roads or sidewalks where they could have picked up pollutants.

If you are allergic or sensitive to ragweed or related plants, you may be allergic to dandelions.  This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Not intended as medical advice. I am not a medical professional. The information contained on this blog should not be used to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease or health illness. Read my full disclaimer to learn more.