Dandelion: More Than a Common Weed
Dandelions are often seen as pesky weeds, but they have other uses. Dandelions contain the chemical thiophene used in making rubber and soaps. The leaves also provide vitamins A and C. In addition, they can be harvested for their stems to make baskets or paper.
Its name originated because some believe its leaves resembled the tooth of a lion, but for years, the dandelion has done more than just help bees make honey. While its juices are bitter, many animals consume the plant for various reasons, including its ability to stimulate milk production.
For humans, the benefits derived from the dandelion are pretty different. Some people do blanché the leaves and use them in salads or eat them on sandwiches and in soups, but the plant also serves some medicinal needs.
Its Flowers Can Be Made into Wine or Syrup
The dandelion is also edible and can be dried to make tea. Brewers love dandelions because the flower petals are high in sugar which means fermentation does not require as much work as other flowers used to make wine, such as roses.
To make dandelion wine, you will need about 2 ounces of dried petals per gallon of wine. Therefore, the flowers are best harvested just before they open when the sugar content is at its highest point.
In some parts of Europe, dandelion syrup is used to remedy upper respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma. In addition, it works as an expectorant to get rid of mucus from the body. However, pregnant women should not ingest the plant for a reason mentioned above.
Dandelion syrup has also been used in some parts of the world to help reduce water retention and stop diarrhea. In addition, it can kill intestinal worms in humans and animals and prevent balding when applied topically.
Takeaway
Dandelions indeed are an herb that offers more than just a temporary yellow hue to the lawn. Using dandelion to resolve your medical issues is an excellent alternative to relying on expensive prescription drugs, depending on the severity of the condition. But, of course, it’s always best to check with your doctor and make sure it’s suitable for your needs.
If you are looking to enhance your everyday wellness, dandelion should be considered for its wide variety of health benefits. There is nothing like harvesting your goodies to use in many different ways around the home and garden. As you can see, the dandelion indeed does more than just make honeybees happy!
