Fwd: [GettingWell] Dishing up Dandelions

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Misty

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" Are the dandelion weeds in my garden the same greens that are

served in fancy restaurants? What's the nutritional value of eating

this plant? "

 

-- Anonymous

 

(Published 08/22/2000)

 

Yes, the dandelions from your lawn are the same as the greens tossed

in salads. The dandelion (Taraxacum officianle) is closely related

to chicory and comes in many varieties. It grows wild all over North

America and Europe, but it is also cultivated as a crop meant for

the table and for medicinal uses. The root, in particular, has been

used as treatment for a wide variety of disorders by ancient peoples

and by Native Americans. In Germany, dandelion root is used to brew

a tea for the treatment of liver disorders and digestive complaints.

According to James A. Duke, Ph.D., author of " The Green Pharmacy, "

dandelion root and greens can also be helpful in treating bladder

infections, infections associated with breast-feeding, pneumonia,

and swelling. The bitter compounds help stimulate digestion and are

mild laxatives. They can also increase bile production in the

gallbladder and bile flow from the liver. This makes dandelion a

useful tonic for those who have slugglish liver function from a poor

diet or alcohol consumption.

 

Dandelion greens are packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C,

D, and B-complex, as well as lecithin, iron, magnesium, zinc,

potassium, manganese, copper, and calcium. The plant is also a

diuretic and can be used to help eliminate excess water from the

body. However, if you take potassium (or a medication affected by

potassium), you may wish to have your potassium levels checked

before regularly eating these greens. People with gallstones should

be cautious, and those who have a history of bile duct obstruction

should stay away from dandelions altogether.

 

If you do decide to eat the dandelions from your lawn, make sure

that they're not coming from an area where dogs relieve themselves --

and don't spray the area with garden chemicals. Pick younger greens

(the younger the less bitter). In addition to using the greens in

salads, you can steam them (both the leaves and flowers) in the same

way that you would cook spinach. Be warned, though -- you may find

them too bitter for your taste. You might like growing different

varieties of dandelion in your garden -- you'll find seeds through

specialty garden catalogs.

 

 

 

 

 

The complete " Whole Body " Health line consists of the " AIM GARDEN

TRIO "

Ask About Health Professional Support Series: AIM Barleygreen

 

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

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