It seems people think that True Dandelions are weeds that need pesticide to eradicate them. Did you know that Dandelions originated in Europe? The early European colonists considered this plant to be so valuable that they brought Dandelion seeds with them to America.
All parts of the Dandelion are edible and medicinal, this is something that early settlers from Europe knew without a doubt. Dandelions were grown in colonial gardens along with other plants that were both edible and medicinal. As a result, Dandelions spread all across the country, from coast to coast.
Fresh Dandelion leaves and flowers can be eaten in salads. The leaves contain as much Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Thiamin and Riboflavin (Vitamin B1 and B2 respectively) as most multi vitamins. The flowers, leaves and the whole plant has been used to brew mead, beer and wine.
Medicinally, Dandelion is used for digestive, kidney and liver issues. It is a great diuretic which makes it a great herb for urinary and kidney issues. Drinking it as a tea can promote digestive wellness, improve kidney function and when paired with Milk Thistle, can help liver enzymes return to normal.
Dandelion is also an alterative herb, which means it has the capability of resetting one's immune system after being damaged by viruses. It is used in blends for chronic issues like: eczema, acne, arthritis, chronic gastritis and enteritis.
I use it in my Chronic Urticaria formulation, along with Burdock Root, Red Clover, Yellow Dock and Lemon Balm.
I see Dandelions as medicine, not weeds that need to be killed with Round-up. I see them as purposeful and important enough for people to pack them up with their belongings and sail across the ocean with them to a new land.
Plants are our allies, not our enemies
P.S. there are false dandelions out there, a true dandelion will only have one flower per stem and the stem will be hollow