Dandelion- Herb Of The Week.

The dandelion plant is often considered to be just a weed, however this couldn't be further from the truth. Not only do they grow abundantly all over the world, every single part of the plant offers us either food or medicine. It is filled with nutrients such as Vitamins B6, C, K, A, Calcium and iron. It is also a rich source of Vitamin D, dietary fibre and riboflavin.

If like me, you too suffer from digestive issues you will love learning and experimenting with Dandelion, my favourite way to enjoy this plant is in tea form.

So what can Dandelion tea do for you? it acts as a mild diuretic herb and you can make its tea simply by brewing it in hot water. It will help your body rid the water that is trapped in your digestive system stimulating bile flow into your intestine and aids in digestion of fatty foods, which may have also caused bloating. It cleanses the blood and liver, and improves functioning of the the kidneys, pancreas, spleen and stomach. .

It is also said to help with abscesses, anemia, cirrhosis of the liver and believed to help and prevent age spots, being a rich source of potent antioxidant it provides protection against free radical damage, free radicals can cause oxidative stress in the body which is associated with many diseases. Dandelion root also improves blood health by improving mineral absorption.

Dandelion root extract or a a cup of dandelion tea a day is a convenient way to get the many health benefits associates with dandelion root consumption.

Please beware fresh dandelion root tea can affect blood pressure and can have side effects if you are taking medication, and should you suffer from allergies, please check with your medical health professional first, before brewing this tea.

Dandelion flowers have so many uses too, add them to cakes, make a nourishing tea or brew some dandelion wine, there is so much to do.

Here are two of my favourite recipes;

Dandelion Root Tea Detox - (great for weight loss, cleansing and a general feeling of wellbeing)

Recipe

3.1/2 cup of filtered water

2 tablespoons of lemon juice

1 tablespoon of plain sugar free cranberry juice

1 organic dandelion tea bag

Steep the tea for about 10 minutes then let it to cool, blend all your ingredients together and add the dandelion tea bag.

Drink the entire mixture all day for 7 days.

Dandelion Honey Butter - yummy

1/4 cup of dandelion blossoms (measured after being removed from stem)

1/4 cup of butter (salted or unsalted, but unsalted works best)

3 Tablespoons of honey.

Allow butter to come to room temperature to soften.

Combine butter and honey, and whip vigorously with a fork.

Stir in dandelion petals.

Store in a covered jar, in the fridge for up to 3 months.

This dandelion honey butter is just the right amount of sweet, delicate and yummy. Spread some on homemade bread, over bagels, muffins, cornbread. Its even great for tossing over pasta or popcorn.

EnJOY!

Nothing looks as good as healthy feels - Unknown