The next time you see a pesky dandelion interfering with the perfection of your lawn, you might want to reconsider your first reaction to spray it with weed killer. That little weed is actually an incredible source of vitamins and other substances that can be greatly beneficial to your health. Many people still don’t realize that the dandelion is even edible, much less are they aware of the amazing benefits this natural herb can have on their health.

Dandelion contains a significant amount of vitamin A and potassium, as well as moderate amounts of vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, zinc, and manganese. All of these substances can be beneficial to your health, but the dandelion also provides a more specific health benefit. Dandelion can actually act as a gentle and natural diuretic that aids in the function of the entire digestive system, including the function of the kidneys, gallbladder, bowels and more. It can aid in treating constipation and water retention.

Dandelion leaves can be eaten directly from the plant, but their bitter taste makes them less than appealing to the average person. It is better to boil the leaves and add them to salads, vegetable dishes, pasta dishes, and various casseroles. You can also purchase dandelion tablets from various herbal stores and online centers.

Always be sure to consult with your doctor before taking in any new supplement. As beneficial as dandelion can be to your health, it is not for everyone. Those with digestive issues such as gallstones and ulcers should take special care with dandelion and should only ingest it under the supervision of their doctor.

There are quite a few benefits associated with dandelion, and many people can benefit from its use. Now that you are more familiar with the advantages of this herb, the next time you spot a dandelion in your lawn, you might find yourself eating it instead of trying to get rid of it.

I use to eat them quite often in salads. Had an uncle that made a killer dandelion wine too.

I have lost 30 lbs due to taking dandelion root. I also feel much better and people everywhere are telling me that my skin looks great. Taking dandelion is a safe great way to lose weight and keep it off.

They make great tea too.

Who'da thunk it...dandelions...hmmm. I may just give them a try. Are the tablets expensive?

Not at all, I pay $4.95 at The Vitamin Shoppe for a bottle of 100

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Dandelions: Friend or Foe?

Everything you never knew about the lowly dandelion.
How can those pesty weeds that you work so hard to get rid of be good for anything? Think again before you consider the dandelion your garden enemy! According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, dandelions are more nutritious than broccoli or spinach, contain more cancer-fighting beta-carotene than carrots, and are a rich source of calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, thiamine, riboflavin, lecithin, and dietary fiber!

All parts of the dandelion; leaves, flowers and roots are edible, each in their own season.
The young, tender leaves of dandelions can be eaten as cooked greens, used in salads, gravies or in a variety of baked dishes. Pick the tender leaves before flowers bud or else they will become bitter.

Dandelion flowers, from which the bitter stem and green parts need to be removed before using, can be dipped in batter and fried to make fritters or boiled for jellies as well as used in muffins and wines.

Harvest dandelion roots during the fall and winter months. Cleaned, roasted and ground up, dandelion roots make a coffee-flavor, caffeine-free base for hot or cold beverages.

Dandy Facts:
Growing dandelion greens for market generates millions of dollars a year in the U.S.

Many popular herbal teas, weight-loss products and organic vitamin supplements contain dandelions. Check the ingredients.

Fifty five tons of coffee substitutes made from roasted dandelion roots are sold each year in England, Australia, and Canada.

Recipes using dandelions appear in one of every four general cookbooks in the U.S.

Dandelions are a favorite food of hogs, poultry, deer, silkworms, purple finches and gerbils.

Make liquid fertilizer by immersing a handful of dandelion leaves in a pint of water, bring it to a boil, cover and allow it to cool. After it is cooled, strain the liquid off, dilute with four parts of water. For a leaf spray, add one teaspoon of liquid soap (not detergent)