Dandelions are more than just a weed! Most people see them as a nuisance and want to get rid of them, but actually, they should be harvested due to their fantastic health benefits. Dandelions have many health benefits and uses. Every part of the dandelion has medicinal potential, and they have been used in Chinese and Eastern medicine for hundreds of years.

Dandelions contain a high amount of vitamins and minerals and can improve your health.  A cup of dandelions contains over 112% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin A, and 535% of the daily amount of vitamin K.  Dandelion greens are also high in potassium, vitamin C, and calcium.

When you go foraging for dandelions, be sure to use ones from your own yard or any area where you know chemicals have not been used.

7 Ways To Use Your Dandelions

Make a Dandelion Salad

A simple way to add dandelions to your diet is to throw them into your salad.  You can combine your dandelion greens with other greens, lettuce or spinach.  Dandelion greens are commonly used in salads and taste great! The whole plant is medicinal, even the flower can be added to your salad.

Juice Your Dandelions

Another great way to add raw dandelions to your diet is to put them in a juicer. You can add lemon or other fruits for flavor.  Dandelions can also be added to a smoothie if you don’t have a juicer.

Make Dandelion Tea

All you need to do is rinse off the greens and roots, dry them out using a dehydrator or the oven to heat at low temperature, mince them by using a knife or food processor, pour hot water over the dandelions, and strain. 
Dandelion as a Wart Remover – To use dandelions as a wart remover, break open the stem and you should see a white sticky juice/milk which can be applied to the wart daily.

Dandelion Infused Oil

Dandelion oil is an excellent remedy to help relieve aching muscles and joints, it also has a fantastic scent!  To make the dandelion oil, pick a bunch of the flowers and place them in a jar. Tear some of the flowers to loosen the petals and pour oil over the flowers until covered.  Seal the jar and let it sit for about 2 weeks.

Dandelion Soup

Another way to add dandelions to your diet is to throw in pieces of the leaves or root into your soup.  Not only does it add great health benefits, but it tastes delicious!

Dandelion Tinctures

Store-bought tinctures can be quite expensive, yet are very easy to make yourself.  You can use vinegar, glycerin, or alcohol to make the tincture.  To make a dandelion tincture with vinegar, gather the leaves and roots, rinse them off, chop them, and put them in a glass jar.  Pour in the vinegar and seal the jar.  Some recommend shaking the mixture every day while steeping.  On average, steep for about 6 weeks, then strain, and the remaining liquid is your tincture!  

Dandelion tinctures are great for cleansing the liver, and the average dose recommended is 10 to 30 drops per day.  Dandelion roots and leaves aid in stimulating the release of bile from the liver and are used as a natural alternative way to support digestion. 

Do you have a favorite way to use dandelions that isn’t on this list? Share with us on social media!