Can I Really Eat Dandelion Leaves?
May 6, 2010 2 CommentsAlthough dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a common weed it can be consumed and contains powerful healing properties that are restorative to the liver. The term ‘officinale’ means that the plant has been officially endorsed for it’s medicinal properties, as the weed is very rich in many minerals such as:
- calcium,
- iron,
- magnesium,
- manganese,
- phosphorous,
- potassium,
- selenium
- zinc
Dandelion leaves also contain vitamins – such as vitamin B1, B2, B3, as well as containing more carotene than carrots!
How do dandelion leaves benefit health?
Dandelion leaves can be used as a diuretic and are especially useful during Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) as they can help to decrease water retention. They also help to cleanse the liver.
How do I harvest and eat Dandelion leaves?
The best time to harvest the leaves is early in spring before the flowers have appeared. This is when the leaves are young and don’t taste as bitter as mature leaves. They taste pretty much like other salad greens, but with a bit of a ‘bite’. The leaves can be steamed just in the same way as you would steam spinach leaves, or chopped up and added to salads.
HOW HEALTHY ARE YOU? Look at your tongue
Can dandelion be used as tea
Yes – as a herbal tea. you can add the dandelion roots to freshly boiled water, then add a few dandelion leaves after it has cooled. Leave to steep for 40 minutes then sieve. 2 cups per day are recommended.