Growing up, one of my closest friends was Greek. We were neighbours and I spent a lot of time with her and her big fat Greek family. Every spring around this time, her mother and aunt would pile us into the car armed with large black garbage bags and kitchen knives. We would drive out to fields, park on the side of the road and they would spend hours filling up the bags with dandelion greens (Something I wouldn’t advise doing these days due to environmental circumstances). The Greeks love their boiled greens. They clean the leaves and stems of these nutrient-filled weeds, boil them and eat them with olive oil and lemon as a side dish to grilled meat or fish.
Although my friend’s aunt and mother were not herbalists, they knew something that was contrary to popular belief; that dandelions are not a nuisance! Dandelions are a nutrient-rich source of vitamins A, C, and K as well as some vitamin E, folate and small amounts of vitamins B
Fast forward many years and I harvest this wonderful mild and gentle herb, both the flower and leaf, every spring. I include it in herbal remedies because aside from its richness in nutrients, there are many benefits. I add this in medicinal remedies when there is a need to lessen inflammation in the liver, gallbladder, or digestive tract. It is also great for urinary tract infections and cystitis. It is an excellent diuretic herb; helpful for water retention due to heart problems.
This herb must be used with caution during pregnancy, lactation, and with sedative and mood altering medications. Always consult a herbalist before taking any herbal medications.
Stay healthy,
Jen
Although my friend’s aunt and mother were not herbalists, they knew something that was contrary to popular belief; that dandelions are not a nuisance! Dandelions are a nutrient-rich source of vitamins A, C, and K as well as some vitamin E, folate and small amounts of vitamins B
Fast forward many years and I harvest this wonderful mild and gentle herb, both the flower and leaf, every spring. I include it in herbal remedies because aside from its richness in nutrients, there are many benefits. I add this in medicinal remedies when there is a need to lessen inflammation in the liver, gallbladder, or digestive tract. It is also great for urinary tract infections and cystitis. It is an excellent diuretic herb; helpful for water retention due to heart problems.
This herb must be used with caution during pregnancy, lactation, and with sedative and mood altering medications. Always consult a herbalist before taking any herbal medications.
Stay healthy,
Jen