Dandelions.

Dandelions are my favourite herb as they are the most usefull of them all..

 

Taraxacum leaf is a very potent diuretic and is an excellent remedy for water retention and oedema, particularly when it is of cardiac origin, or hepatogenous oedema (ascites). Its action comparable to the drug Frusemide. The usual effect of a drug which stimulates kidney function is a loss of potassium from the body, which aggravates any existing cardiovascular problem. A high level of potassium is particularly desirable when digitalis heart drugs are being prescribed, because if potassium levels fall, the drugs will produce irritability of the heart muscle. Luckily, Taraxacum is one of the best natural sources of potassium and therefore is a perfectly balanced and safe diuretic. Taraxacum leaf may be applied to urinary disorders in general, especially where worsened by the presence of oliguria. It also has similar actions to the root, but to a lesser extent.

Taraxacum root is a gentle liver tonic and may be used to treat inflammation and congestion of the liver and gall bladder. It can be applied to gallstones, cholecystitis, hepatic and post-hepatic jaundice, congestive dyspepsia with constipation and other toxic conditions such as chronic joint and skin inflammations. The root contains bitter substances which are beneficial to the digestive process and also have an aperient effect. The sesquiterpene lactones may produce the choleretic action. The active principle is taraxacin, which is found in the whole herb, particularly the root, and stimulates bile secretion. The white sap may be applied directly to warts.

 

And you can eat them their are many recipes for Dandelions..here is a simple one for Dandelion soup..

1/2 pound. dandelion leaves
2 qt. chicken soup (any kind)
1 lb. ground beef
1 egg
2 Tbsp. bread crumbs
2 Tbsp. minced parsley
1 Tbsp. minced onions
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
dash of nutmeg
3 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp. sour cream
Bring chicken soup to a boil.
Add dandelions.
Cook gently.
Rice or fine noodles can be added (1/2 cup rice or 1 cup noodles).
Make tiny meat balls out of remaining ingredients.
When greens are tender, add meatballs and cook gently 10 minutes or until meatballs are thoroughly cooked.
Serve hot with crusty French bread

 

Dandelion Egg Salad

4 hard-boiled eggs

2/3 cup dandelion greens, chopped and cooked

1 tsp horseradish

1 Tbsp fresh chives

�½ cup mayonnaise



1. Chop eggs coarsely.

2. Add Dandelion greens, chives, and horseradish. Mix gently.

3. Add mayonnaise and mix just enough to coat ingredients.



Dandelion Pasta Salad

3 cups cooked pasta

1�½ cups diced tomatoes, drained

1 cup dandelion greens, pre-cooked

2 wild leeks, minced, greens and all or 2 Tbsp minced onions

8 olives, sliced

2 Tbsp vinegar

1 Tbsp olive oil

�½ tsp salt