Growing Dandelion

Growing dandelion? You ask. After all, the Dandelion is the Rodney Dangerfield of the herb world. Most people are dismayed when they see this cheerful little plant sprouting up in their lawns.

But who would have thought this lowly little weed could be so useful? It is truly a pity that we have been raised with the notion that not only are Dandelions not useful, but they should all be sprayed out of existence.

Growing dandelions can be a beneficial addition to your garden. Here's why.

But not so fast! This wonderful plant can be used medicinally, makes a tasty salad, and can also be used to make wine and a coffee substitute. Here's why you should consider growing it in your garden.

Growing dandelions is a great way to make your own coffee substitute.

People Used To Love This Plant

People used to grow dandelions on purpose. It's possible that the Puritans brought dandelion seeds with them on the Mayflower, because not only is the dandelion flower pretty, but it was also useful to them medicinally. 

It wasn't until people began keeping pristine lawns that the perky yellow flowers became a menace to homeowners everywhere. The poor plants can't help it if they can survive just about anywhere - and believe me, they can. I once saw a dandelion plant growing in a rain gutter, and who hasn't seen the cheerful dandelion peeking out of the cracks of an aging sidewalk? 

It's time we gave those poor, cheerful little plants the respect that they deserve.

How the Humble Dandelion Got Its Name

The leaves of this plant resemble the teeth of a lion, which is how it supposedly got its name - a corruption of the French phrase, Dent de Lion or "Lion's Teeth." But no matter how its name originated, most experts agree that Dandelions have been ranked among the most useful herbals since the sixteenth century. Physicians in the past used dandelions to treat a wide number of ailments 

Growing Dandelion
For the Medicine Cabinet

People have used dandelion tonics for centuries to remove toxins and to treat both common ailments and the more dire ones. At one time, dandelions were as popular with physicians as aspirin. 

For example, dandelion is good for helping with liver and kidney disorders. A Dandelion infusion will strengthen your immune system. It also works as a mild laxative and eases constipation.

Dandelion tea is loaded with antioxidants that protect your cells from free radicals, protecting you from cancer and heart disease. It’s also good for helping your body detoxify and can reduce inflammation in your body. 

The tea can also help regulate your blood sugar and soothe the lining in your stomach, allowing your gut to absorb more nutrients. Dandelions were once used for treating kidney stones. Plus, dandelion greens are loaded with vitamins and minerals and soluble fiber.

In the Kitchen

The young leaves of dandelion make a delicious salad and are also good in sandwiches. Be sure to pick young leaves, as the older ones will be tough and bitter. You can also boil the leaves in the same manner as you would spinach. Then add butter, salt and pepper.

My mom made wine from dandelion once, and it was delicious. People also once used the roots of the herb to make Dandelion coffee.

According to A Modern Herbal (Volume 1, A-H): The Medicinal, Culinary, Cosmetic and Economic Properties, Cultivation and Folk-Lore of Herbs, Grasses, Fungi, Shrubs & Trees with Their Modern Scientific Uses, to make the coffee, you must thoroughly scrub the roots and then dry them in a dehydrator.

Roast your roots slightly in an oven until they are the tint of coffee. Then ground the roots. They are supposed to make a brew that tastes very similar to coffee, although I have never tried it myself.

It Can Improve Your Lawn

Yep, you read that right. Dandelions aren't a menace to your lawn; they can actually improve it.  That's because the roots of the dandelion plant grow far and wide. All that growth helps loosen and aerate the soil.

Growing Dandelion

The herb dandelion will pop up at will, so the issue here is not how to grow it, but how to contain it. As soon as your Dandelions flower, cut the flowers off at once. Continue cutting the young leaves as they come up, and you could have a supply of fresh Dandelion throughout the winter.

When harvesting this plant, use the roots and the fresh, young tops.

Learn More About Natural Herb Medicine

Learn More About Natural Health Remedies

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About the Author

My name is Sue Merriam, and I began the journey of self-reliant living more than three decades ago, which enabled me to stay home with my children. Fifteen years ago, I founded Joyful Homesteading to help others save money and face the future without fear. My goal is to give you practical, honest advice so you can save money and experience the joy of simple living. I hope you join me.

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