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Growing Dandelion
Growing dandelion? You ask. After all, the Dandelion is the Rodney Dangerfield of the herb world.
Most people are dismayed when they see this cheerful little plant sprouting up in their lawns.
But who would have thought this lowly little weed could be so useful?
It is truly a pity that we have been raised with the notion that not only are Dandelions not useful, but they should all be sprayed out of existence.
But not so fast! This wonderful plant can be used medicinally, makes a tasty salad and can also be used to make wine and a coffee substitute.
The leaves of this plant resemble the teeth of a lion, which is how it supposedly got its name - a corruption of the French Dent de Lion or "Lion's Teeth."
But no matter how its name originated, most experts agree that Dandelions have been ranked among the most useful herbals since the sixteenth century.
When harvesting this plant, use the roots and the fresh, young tops.
Growing Dandelion
For the Medicine Cabinet
Dandelion is good for helping liver and kidney disorders.
A Dandelion infusion will strengthen your immune system.
It also works as a mild laxative and eases constipation.
In the Kitchen
Dandelion Root Tea
is a delicious and healthy substitute for coffee.
The young leaves of dandelion make a delicious salad and are also good in sandwiches.
Be sure to pick young leaves, as the older ones will be tough and bitter.
You can also boil the leaves in the same manner as you would spinach.
Then add butter, salt and pepper.
My mom made wine from dandelion once, and it was delicious.
People also once used the roots of the herb to make Dandelion coffee.
According to A Modern Herbal (Volume 1, A-H): The Medicinal, Culinary, Cosmetic and Economic Properties, Cultivation and Folk-Lore of Herbs, Grasses, Fungi, Shrubs & Trees with Their Modern Scientific Uses
, to make the coffee, you must thoroughly scrub the roots and then dry them in a dehydrator.
Roast your roots slightly in an oven until they are the tint of coffee. Then ground.
It is supposed to taste very similar to coffee, although I have never tried it myself.
Growing Dandelion
The herb dandelion will pop up at will, so the issue here is not how to grow it, but how to contain it.
As soon as your Dandelions flower, cut the flowers off at once.
Continue cutting the young leaves as they come up, and you could have a supply of fresh Dandelion throughout the winter.
Buy Dandelion in Bulk
Buy this herb in individual tea bags from your health food store, and you'll pay about $4 for an ounce or less.
But buy this herb in bulk, and you'll get four times the amount for about the same price.
Four ounces just $2.90
Learn About Other Natural Herbs
Grow your medicinal garden easily either indoors or out with this hydropoinics system.
Buy it here.
Do you have a persistent cough you can't seem to shake? Mullein is an excellent remedy for soothing a cough and helping you sleep.
Learn more.
Echinacea builds your immune system and helps to fight infections.
Here are some growing tips.
Balm is a soothing herb that makes a delicious lemony tea and is also good for sleeplessness and nervousness.
Learn more.
If you're looking for an herb that works as a natural insect repellent and is good for treating fevers,
try this herb.
Chamomile not only helps you sleep, but it can also rejuvenate your other ailing plants.
Learn how to grow this herb by clicking here.
Feverfew can ease a fever, is a tonic to your immune system and also works as a natural insect repellent.
Learn how to grow and use feverfew by clicking here.
This Hydrofarm Grow Light System
is easy to set up and makes indoor gardening a breeze.
Fennel is an excellent herb both to grow and keep on hand to ease symptoms such as kidney stones and digestive problems.
Learn more.
Looking for a natural remedy for bladder infections, gout or rheumatism?
Look no further than this simple weed.
If you need an herb that helps heal sores, bruises, hemorrhoids and varicose veins, look no further than
chickweed.
An herb that's excellent for healing mouth sores and balancing hormones is Borage.
Learn how to grow this herb by clicking here.
Not only does bergamot have a delightful smell and make a delicious salad, it is also excellent for relieving cold symptoms.
Learn more.
To ease colic in children and ease the symptoms of a stomachache, consider growing dill.
Start seeds indoors easily with this Hydrofarm Hot House with Heat Mat
If you're looking for a salt substitute as well as an herb to flavor meatloaf and other dishes, consider
lovage.
The next time you have constipation, consider this unappreciated little weed.
Add a delicious smell to your garden and flavor to your salads by growing the herb anise.
Learn more.
The herb hyssop can help ease the symptoms of rheumatism, swelling and help rid your body of toxins.
Learn more.
If you want to get rid of warts, consider growing calendula.
Have the most successful herb garden anywhere, especially in small areas with this helpful book.
Angelica is excellent for giving you more energy and easing digestive complaints.
Learn more.
If you're looking for a remedy to get rid of intestinal worms, consider using
mugwort.
When you are working with the roots of the plant or any other part that has a tough outer shell, you will need to make a decoction.
Learn more.
Making a poultice out of medicinal herbs can be useful to ease pain, reduce swelling or remove warts.
Learn how.
When planning your garden, don't forget to grow herbs. Not only do they smell nice and add flavoring to food, many also have healing qualities.
Learn more.
The next time you have a cold or flu, consider one of these herbs for fighting viral infections.
Learn more.
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