Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is also known as dandelion, dandelion or wild chicory. It is a herbaceous plant with a tap root that produces a flower with a characteristic bright yellow color.
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Il dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is also known as dandelion, dandelion or wild chicory. It is a herbaceous plant with a tap root that produces a flower with a characteristic bright yellow color.
The presence of dandelions is very common in the countryside, in meadows and uncultivated fields. Gods can be found dandelion flowers even at the edges of roads and pavements but collection for food use or as a natural remedy must always take place in places away from traffic and pollution.
Both the root and the flower of the dandelion are used. The root is mainly used as a natural remedy while the dandelion flowers also become a precious food ingredient in the kitchen. There collection of dandelion roots takes place from June to September. From October to April, dandelion leaves can be harvested and eaten fresh in the kitchen.
Dandelion is known above all for its purifying, diuretic and laxative properties. Beware of milky sap contained in the stems of dandelion flowers, since if sucked it can cause intoxication in children, as underlined by the guide “Herbs good for health” (Giunti Demetra).
The dandelion is used as a real food or for the preparation of natural remedies like juices e decoctions. For example, with dandelion flowers you can prepare a purifying elixir with light diuretic and laxative properties. Cover the dandelion flowers with very hot water and then leave them to soak overnight. THU you can follow our recipe.
With the dandelion leaves you can prepare tasty pancakes at home. THU find the recipe and other ideas for using wild plants and flowers in the kitchen. It takes fresh dandelion flowers to get a healing wine considered useful for detoxifying the liver. THU all the indications for the preparation.
The decoction prepared with the dried and chopped dandelion root it is considered useful for purifying the liver and helping the spleen to function properly. Regarding dandelion as a natural remedy and the preparation of infusions and decoctions, you can consult your trusted herbalist who will advise you based on your health problems.
Furthermore, the dandelion decoction it is not only used as a purifying drink but also as an ingredient to prepare baths and foot baths useful for improving circulation, for example in the case of varicose veins. Dandelion is also used to make alternative drinks to coffee to counteract afternoon sleepiness.
The dandelion and chicory roots are finely ground to make this drink that we are now rediscovering as a caffeine-free alternative but which for years has represented the 'poor' substitute for coffee in our wartime campaigns. Maybe you didn't know that it is prepared with dandelion a plant-based substitute for honey in home version. THU some useful information for the preparation.
Finally, in agriculture it is useful to plant dandelions at the edges of vegetable gardens as it helps to attract beneficial insects, especially ladybugs. THU all indications for attract beneficial insects in the vegetable garden.
Marta Albè
Read also:
Purifying elixir with dandelion flowers
Detox: the perfect purifying herbal tea
Cleanse the liver: 10 natural remedies
