Popping up everywhere, these yellow flowered weeds have built quite the reputation. The perception of it being a nuisance and an unsightly pest is a misconception of a very useful and once thought to be beautiful plant.

Most of the “weeds” in our yards today are advantageous to our ecosystem, including bees and us. The lush green yards we strive for today have ill and lasting effects on our planet, wildlife and people.

Earth Easy states, “Of 30 commonly used lawn pesticides [including herbicides], 19 are linked with cancer or carcinogenicity, 13 are linked with birth defects, 21 with reproductive effects, 26 with liver or kidney damage, 15 with neurotoxicity, and 11 with disruption of the endocrine (hormonal) system. Pesticides leach into and contaminate our water system.” 

Benefits of Dandelion

Health

Every part is edible and incredibly nutritious.

High in vitamin A, C, E and minerals such as iron and zinc.

Root is a liver cleanser and removes toxins

Lawn: Aerates and loosen the soil and fertilizes

Animals

Great for cows and for our meat and dairy from them

One of the first flowers to bloom in spring, the dandelion is an important pollen source   for bees and food source for birds

Ways to Consume

Tea : Root or dried leaf and flower (directions here)

Coffee: Roasted root is similar to coffee flavor

Wine : Sweet and delicious – many recipes online

Sauteed Greens : Can add to pasta or eggs

Salads: Add flower and chopped leaves and add to your salad

  Flower is sweet while the leaves are bitter.

Dandelion Head Fritters : Battered and fried

Here is a cool site with recipes, including Dandelion Lemonade!

Consider backing off on the pesticides that are dangerous for our health and ecosystem, and let dandelions take root in the earth we call our yards. Our bees and birds depend on these weeds along with being beneficial for you and your family!

In health,

Anna Simon, health coach and local dandelion advocate 😉