Suppose your doctor told you, on your next visit, that he has just discovered a miracle drug which, when eaten as a part of your daily diet or taken as a beverage, could, depending on your body chemistry:
prevent or cure liver diseases, such as hepatitis or jaundice;
act as a tonic and gentle diuretic to purify your blood, cleanse your system, dissolve kidney stones, and otherwise improve gastro-intestinal health;
assist in weight reduction;
cleanse your skin and eliminate acne;
improve your bowel function, working equally well to relieve both constipation and diarrhea;
prevent or lower high blood pressure;
prevent or cure anemia;
lower your serum cholesterol by as much as half;
eliminate or drastically reduce acid indigestion and gas buildup by cutting the heaviness of fatty foods;
prevent or cure various forms of cancer;
prevent or control diabetes; and, at the same time, have no negative side effects and act on only what ails you. If he gave you a prescription for this miracle medicine, would you use it?
All of the above functions, and more, have been attributed to one plant known to everyone, it is our common dandelion.
You might have thought it only a useless weed that annoys you when you see them propagating in your nice, green lawn, but there is so much more to this plant.
Do you know the benefits of Dandelion Tea? Dandelion leaves and roots contain substantial levels of vitamins A, C, D, and B complex as well as iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, manganese, copper, choline, calcium, boron, and silicon. These elements are transferred to dandelion tea when the leaves and roots are infused in hot water.
Dandelion Tea is wonderful for keeping optimum liver, kidney and gallbladder functions.
It enhances detoxification by stimulating urination, as well as replacing the potassium lost to the increased volume of urine.
Dandelion Tea is used to help in the health maintenance of those suffering from Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes.
It can be used for treatment of such liver disorders as hepatitis and jaundice.
Some use it for purifying the blood and cleansing the system.
Dandelion Tea can help in relieving digestive disorders such as constipation and diarrhea.
It also has properties that can help cleanse and improve the skin.
The steam from the tea is believed by some, to help call spirit entities. Roots, leaves, and flowers can be used in sachets or dream pillows for psychic dreaming and wishes. The flowers can be sewn into small red flannel bag and worn around the neck for wishes.
As you can see, there is more to this little flower than meets the eye. The cheery yellow flowers and airy white puffs of dandelion seed heads have enjoyed much magic and folklore over the centuries. They have been included in the areas of divination, wishes, good luck, communicating with spirits, and dreams. In magic, the little dandelion is bound to fire and Jupiter.
Many beliefs involve blowing on the seed head to tell us something we want to know, and I would bet you have picked a dandelion or two and done the same with it.
Here are some of the myths and lore of the little dandelion, I would bet you've heard some of them...
If you blow hard on a dandelion seed head and all the seeds blow off, a wish will come true.
If a woman blows hard on a seed head and all the seeds blow off, her lover loves only her. If seeds remain, he is not loyal.
Blow hard on a seed head and the number of seeds left will tell you how many children you will have.
Blow on a seed head and the number of seeds left will tell you how many years you have left.
Blow on a seed head until all the seeds are gone. The number of puffs it took will tell you what time it is. Alternatively, blow three times on the seed head and the number of seeds left will tell the time.
Blow on a seed head and your wish will be carried to your lover.
If you see seeds falling off the seed head when there is no wind, rain is on the way.
Dandelion flowers also have a deep folkloric history, and beliefs include the following:
If a child picks a dandelion flower off the plant, he will wet the bed that night.
To find out if you will be rich, put a dandelion flower under your chin, and the degree of the glow on your chin will be the degree of your financial success.
If you rub yourself all over with dandelion flowers, you will be welcome everywhere you go and your wishes will be granted.
Here is a recipe that uses the dandelion. Make sure if you pick them from the wild, or from your own yard, that they are totally pesticide free and have not been sprayed or treated with chemicals.
Dandelion Scrambled Eggs15 dandelion buds
4 open dandelion flowers (washed)
4 eggs
1 tablespoon butter
Water or milk - 1-2 tbsp.
Melt butter in a medium-sized frying pan. Add dandelion buds and saute until they begin to open. With a fork or whisk, beat the eggs until frothy. Add a bit of milk or water if desired. Pour the eggs into the pan with the buds, and stir continuously until they reach the desired consistency. Garnish with fresh dandelion flowers. Serves 2.
