Dandelion - weed? I say medicinal boon! ✨
Gardeners try their best to keep this weed from taking hold in meticulously manicured lawns, but to an herbalist, dandelion is a true treasure trove of Spring. Dandelion gets its name from the French "dent de lion" meaning lion's tooth indicating the spiky leaves it produces.
The root and the leaves are where the magic is for this gem of Nature's pharmacy. The leaf has an affinity for the urinary system as a powerful diuretic loaded with potassium, therefore detoxifying the kidneys and as a result, making you take extra trips to the loo!
The root, though, steals the stage with it's bitter taste, high mineral content and it's ability to increase mineral flow and detoxify the lymph system, making dandelion root a celebrated liver cleanser. All highly beneficial processes that help usher one into Spring with a lighter gait and clearer mind.
You also could get some from a local apothecary and make your own tea.
2-3 tsps steeped in a cup of water
Boil, then steep for 15-20 minutes, then strain
You can have up to 2-3 cups a day.
Pitta type digestions can use the dandelion greens in a salad, but for those with Vata and Kapha digestions, I suggest lightly steaming the greens (in a water bath for Vata) with a squeeze of lemon. Also for Vata, add a bit of ghee or oil and a sprinkle of pepper and salt to make them more easily digestible.
Nature gives us signs and grows for us the medicine needed at just the right times. Cueing in on what herbs and foods grow seasonally and making it part of your diet (please also take into account your dosha/constitution) is a great way to nurture the health of your gut microbiome and honor the wisdom of Nature.🌱🌻✨