16 Dandelion Recipes | The Prairie Homestead (2024)

FAQs

What are the side effects of dandelion tea? ›

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.

Boosting the immune system

For example, one 2014 study found that dandelions help limit the growth of hepatitis B in both human and animal cells in test tubes. However, researchers need to do more studies to determine the impact of dandelions on the immune system.

Not only are dandelion greens safe to eat, but they also provide a range of health benefits. All parts of a dandelion plant are edible, from the top of the yellow flower down to the roots. The green leaves of the dandelion can make a healthy addition to salads, sandwiches, omelets, and more.

Dandelion tea is an excellent source of potassium, a mineral and electrolyte that stimulates the heartbeat. Potassium may help the kidney filter toxins more effectively and improve blood flow. The polysaccharides in dandelion are known to reduce stress on the liver and support its ability to produce bile.

And if you're pregnant, it's best to avoid drinking dandelion tea, as studies on how dandelion can affect a pregnancy are inconclusive at this time. Also, those who have a ragweed allergy should avoid dandelion.

You can eat them cooked or raw. The root is usually dried, ground, and used as a tea or coffee substitute. Dandelion is also available as a supplement in capsule, extract, or tincture form. Currently, there are no clear dosage guidelines, as very little human research has been conducted.

Soak the leaves in cold, salted water for 10 or 15 minutes, then cook them in boiling water until tender (no more than five minutes). Finish by sautéing the boiled greens with some olive oil, onion or garlic. Top with Parmesan cheese. Flowers: Dandelions' sunny blossoms give color to a salad.

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.

The entire plant is edible, from the flowers to the roots. These are some of my favorite recipes that I enjoy each year from the dandelions that grow close to me. *Note: Dandelions are often seen as a scourge destined for eradication, so use caution when gathering.

Can I pick dandelions from my yard for tea? ›

The antioxidants can help you stay healthy and happy all year long. Brew your dandelion tea using roots, flowers, or leaves. You can forage for dandelions in the woods or pluck them right in your own garden.

Dandelions can grow in poor soil conditions and survive periods of drought and can quickly overtake your yard, preventing water and nutrients from reaching your grass and landscaping plants. Dandelion pollen is a common trigger for people with allergies as dandelions produce around 2,500 seeds each year.

Interestingly, a Korean study found that dandelion may have similar effects on the body as weight loss drug Orlistat. Some data shows that this anti-obesity drug can help reduce the amount of belly fat, the most dangerous fat linked to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, some forms of cancer, etc.

The dandelion's supposed medical benefits are alluded to in nicknames like heart-fever grass and live-long. There's also dog-posy and dog-stinker, both of which tie in with the Italian 'dog-pisses'.

Some people use dandelions to enhance psychic abilities. In his Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, author Scott Cunningham recommends the use of dandelion roots in a tea to aid in divination and prophetic dreaming.

By supporting bile production, we're literally supporting oestrogen removal. It can help improve liver function. The liver works in two phases, phase 1 and phase 2, if either of these phases aren't working properly, oestrogen detoxification will be impaired, so dandelion tea is giving this a little boost.

Some compounds in dandelion may decrease triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which are key risk factors for heart disease.

It helps to detox the liver, gallbladder, kidneys and blood, and also regulate bowel motions. The root is used for the liver and colon and the leaves are used as a diuretic to gently flush toxins through the kidneys. Dandelion is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants which helps protect cells from toxin damage.

Interestingly, a Korean study found that dandelion may have similar effects on the body as weight loss drug Orlistat. Some data shows that this anti-obesity drug can help reduce the amount of belly fat, the most dangerous fat linked to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, some forms of cancer, etc.