We’ll be celebrating the wonder of this herbal ally all month with special pricing on
Urban Moonshine Bitters which contain organic dandelion root and leaf. You can purchase an Urban Moonshine Dandelion Plant Revolution poster with proceeds benefiting our very own VCIH (
Vermont Center for Integrative Medicine) Clinic.
Join us on Earth Day to celebrate the lovely Dandelion and re-connect with nature through an Herb Walk right outside the Co-op from 12-1pm. Make sure your kids get a dandelion coloring picture. Sample our local Grian Herbs Dandelion extract and dandelion formulas (2-4pm) as well as Urban Moonshine Bitters (the only USDA certified organic bitters anywhere!). We’ll be sampling Urban Moonshine Bitters all day and giving away dandelion buttons and postcards too!
Here’s some information to get you familiar with this wonderful herb...
Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale is a member of the Asteraceae (Daisy Family), and is also known as: Bitterwort, Clockflower, Lion’s Tooth, Piss-a-Beds, and Sun-in-the-grass. It is considered a “bitter” herb, an herb that has a bitter taste and supports the liver and nor
mal digestion.
The origins of the dandelion’s genus name is debated. Some believe that Taraxacum derives from the Persian talkh chakok, ‘bitter herb.” The common name dandelion derives from the French dent de lion, “tooth of the lion,” in reference to the jagged shape of the leaves. In addition to Taraxacum officinale, there are more than one hundred and fifty useful species of Dandelion.
Considered one of the most famous and useful weeds. Dandelion is loaded with minerals, helps us to absorb food better and supports our organs to function correctly by stimulating increased digestive ability. It also purifies, cools, and helps clear the liver and kidneys of stored emotions such as anger. Known to the vulgar as Piss-a-Beds due to its diuretic property, Dandelion leaf is a powerful diuretic (increases the excretion of water from our bodies) with action comparable to that of the drug furosemide. A drug that stimulates kidney function usually causes loss of potassium. Dandelion leaf is not only effective it also is one of the best natural sources of this mineral, doesn’t cause potassium loss and can be used safely whenever a diuretic is needed. It is a valuable general tonic when water retention is present and liver support is required. It may causes allergic reaction in those sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family (Daisy family).
Considered one of the five most nutritive vegetables on earth, the whole plant is edible. The young leaves gathered before the flower stalks appear, may be eaten raw, steamed, or juiced. The root can be cleaned and prepared like carrots or pickled. The roots can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute. Dandelion can also be made into beer or wine.
Folklore tells us that to blow the seeds off the dandelion is thought to
carry one’s thoughts to a loved one.
Here’s a yummy recipe from Danielle Charles’ website
The Teacup Chronicles.
Dandelion Flower Fritters
By Danielle Charles, Clinical Herbalist and graduate of VCIH
Batter:
• 1 free range egg
• 1/3 cup all purpose flower
• 1/4 cup cornstarch (organic)
• salt and pepper
• sunflower oil or butter for cooking
Filling:
• 1.5 -2 cups dandelion flowers
• handful of chopped wild leeks, greens included
• handful of chopped fresh parsley
• chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 cup grated sharp cheddar
Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a dollop of Greek yogurt thinned with lemon juice and a little fresh parsley as a dipping sauce.
Directions:
1. Combine all the ingredients for the batter, adding a generous amount of salt and pepper. Whisk until the batter is smooth and creamy.
2. Add the batter to the filling ingredients so that the filling is nicely coated with batter. There shouldn’t be much extra batter in the bowl – if there is, add some extra filling – you need just enough batter to hold the filling together.
2. Line a large plate with a few sheets of paper towels to have ready next to the stove.
3. Add about 3-4 tablespoons of fat (sunflower oil, ghee, butter, coconut oil or lard) to a frying pan and turn the heat to medium. Test the oil by dripping a small drop of water in periodically. When the water sizzles, the oil is hot enough.
4. Pick up about 1 T portions of batter with a slotted spoon, letting any extra batter drain off. Drop the mixture into the pan and flatten with the back of a spoon, frying for 1-2 minutes per side, or until each side becomes a nice golden brown. Use a spatula to transfer the fritters to the plate once they are cooked. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the pan if needed.
5. Enjoy!
More Dandelion Recipes!
Dandelion Lemonade
Dandelion Coffee
Dandelion elixirs, oils, and delectables from Dandelioness Herbals
Dandelion is generally considered safe even in large amounts and even during pregnancy. Some may be allergic to the fresh latex (milky white juice in the stem) and some may suffer digestive disturbances from eating the plant. Dandelion should be avoided by those with low blood pressure or excessive urination. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have conditions that might be aggravated by use of dandelion.
References:
Culpepper, Nicholas. Culpepper’s Color Herbal. NY: Sterling, 2007.
Hoffman, David. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2003.
Mars, Brigitte. The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health, 2007.
Rose, Jeanne. Herbs & Things. San Francisco, CAS: Last Gasp, 2011.