The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is an abundant “weed” plant that also happens to be edible. In fact, nearly the entire plant can be consumed in one way or another. The only inedible part is the stem, which contains a very bitter, milky substance.
Dandelion plants have low toxicity and are likely safe for most people, especially when consumed as food ( 4 ).
Dandelions are edible weeds. Every part of the dandelion is edible: the flower, roots, stems, and leaves. Dandelion greens slightly resemble arugula, though longer, and have a similar spicy and bitter taste. You can harvest the blooms and leaves to make salads and sautéed dishes and use the roots to make tea.
In a study evaluating dandelion root extract efficacy in drug-resistant human melanoma cells, the root extract was revealed to be non-toxic to normal human cells (while it was toxic to human melanoma cells) [150].
Dandelion leaves to be eaten raw are best when they are fresh and young. As they age, the leaves get increasingly bitter. But they are still edible, particularly if you blanch them before using them in your recipe.
In some people, dandelion can cause increased stomach acid and heartburn. It may also irritate the skin. People with kidney problems, gallbladder problems, or gallstones should consult their doctors before eating dandelion.
Avoid dandelion tea if you're already taking a diuretic as their actions may be compounded. Since dandelion has natural diuretic properties, it may interfere with the action of lithium and similar medications. Dandelion tea should also be avoided if you're taking antibiotics like Cipro, Levaquin, Noroxin, and others.
Though classed as a weed, the dandelion, a member of the daisy family, isn't noxious-defined as causing a threat ecologically, economically or to public health. Instead, the plant's biggest fault is that it spreads easily through the seeds carried on the wind by its trademark gray fluff.
Ecologically they are becoming very important as a food source for domestic and wild species of bees, particularly in early spring because they grow so soon.
Always wash dandelion greens, flowers and roots before preparing. A salad spinner works great to get excess water off leaves and flowers before cooking. Store any harvested parts in the fridge if they're not going to be used right away.
The common dandelion has no poisonous lookalikes. You can use other similar but less widespread Taraxacum species the same way you'd use the common dandelion.
REMEMBER?? If you rub a dandelion under your chin and your skin turns yellow, you like butter -- at least according to an old wives tale found in cultures worldwide. Blow away the dandelion seeds and you can tell the future by counting how many seeds are left, according to other superstitions.
Dandelions are not all bad
Few people are aware of the benefits which dandelions can bring to gardens. Their taproot can bring nutrients in the soil closer to the surface. This will also increase the amount of nitrogen available for surrounding plants.
The dandelion seed head will come out almost completely unscathed and…completely dry! Why not try this little experiment for yourself? It's really easy to do and great to do with children. All you need is a glass of water and a dandelion that has gone to seed - also called a dandelion clock.
Dandelion tea has diuretic properties that means it increase the urine production. As consume more dandelion tea, the excess diuretic effect may harm your kidneys. Hence, it is advisable to consume dandelion tea in a limited amount.
According to Keene, many people drink dandelion tea daily (with some drinking it up to four times per day). “[Drinking dandelion tea] any time of day is completely fine because it is caffeine-free, but there are two times of the day I would recommend not having it,” instructs Ross.
Provide antioxidants
Dandelions contain several different types of antioxidants throughout the roots, leaves and flowers, Geib says. Antioxidants protect your body against free radicals — rogue molecules that can damage your body's cells and make you age faster.
Do not use dandelion if you are taking a blood thinner, such as warfarin. You should also avoid dandelion if you have gallbladder problems, have diabetes or are taking medicine to control blood sugar levels, or are taking a diuretic.
Drinking dandelion tea is considered safe. Opt for using one tablespoon of chopped stems for every five ounces of water. Before making your tea more potent, speak to your doctor. If you plan to drink dandelion tea daily, it's best to talk to your doctor to rule out any possible interactions.
Dandelion tea is an herbal tea made by steeping the various parts of the dandelion plant (Taraxacum officinale) in water. Dandelion leaves, flowers, and roots can all be used to make dandelion tea.
Supports liver health
Moreover, a 2017 study found that a carbohydrate present in dandelions called polysaccharides may indeed help protect the liver against disease and support overall liver function.
When taken by mouth: Dandelion is likely safe for most people when consumed in the amounts commonly found in food. It is possibly safe when taken in larger amounts. Dandelion might cause allergic reactions, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or heartburn in some people.
Mowing dandelions does not contribute to the spread of them, but it also does not stop the spread. To stop the spread of dandelions, you must reduce seed spreading by collecting the dandelion seed heads into a bag and taken out of your yard.
Their wide-spreading roots loosen hard-packed soil, aerate the earth and help reduce erosion. The deep taproot pulls nutrients such as calcium from deep in the soil and makes them available to other plants. While most think they're a lawn killer, dandelions actually fertilize the grass.