Wonderful Weeds: Dandelion and ChickweedSome weedy little flowers for you...Dandelion Taraxacum officinaleDon't we just hate dandelions?Sometimes I laugh at all the trouble that people go through to get rid of them (not too mention the noxious chemicals used). Just wait! Before you pull all of them from the garden, you might want to know that they can help aerate the soil and attract worms. hmmm... What's in a dandelion?Oh, my!!! Too many things to list but I'll tell you a few. Dandelion is a bitter, cooling plant that stimulates digestion and provides a number of nutrients. The leaves are high in iron, potassium and other minerals as well as vitamins A, B, C and D. The roots are highest in the liver stimulating bitter glycoside taraxacin in the spring and in the insoluble fiber inulin in the fall. Both dandelion leaves and roots will stimulate the kidneys, liver and digestion however dandelion leaves are the more diuretic (makes yo upee) part while dandelion roots promote liver cleansing and stimulate the digestion more. The English gave dandelions the nickname "Piss-in-Bed" for a reason! Not a bad thing, especially if you want to cleanse yourself. One benefit the plant has over diuretic medicines that cause you to urinate out your stores of potassium and other minerals is that dandelion supplies those nutrients as you consume it. Mind you, if you are prescribed diuretics don't switch over to dandelion without an experienced health care provider monitoring the situation. And you might want to avoid dandelion tea before bed! Well, I must admit they are one of my favorite weeds. Besides being one to enjoy the golden sheen of dandelions covering a fields in late spring, these golden, shimmering blossoms of wicked prolificacy are a treat in the kitchen, a woman's gift to the skin and a nutritious boost to the body. In the kitchen...Gathered in spring, the leaves are a tasty green that provide a multitude of vitamins and minerals. They can be treated as any other greens (i.e. spinach) though I prefer them lightly done in a pan with a bit of butter, a pinch of salt and a splash of vinegar to cut the bitterness. A sweet bonus is to collect unopened blossoms along with the greens. These little buds add a delicacy to the dish that I liken to tender, young asparagus. The greens can also used in salads and soups. Those hearty little flowers can be consumed in other ways as well. I suggest an internet search for dandelion wine recipes to enjoy their epicurean possibilities in other ways. The roots can also be cooked and eaten, much the way carrots are, though there needs to be a bit more dedication to dig and collect them. Best to do in the fall, when they are succulent with their minerals collected through the growing season. The dried, bitter root of dandelion is also an excellent coffee replacement. It can be cut and slow-roasted and then ground and brewed just like coffee. I suggest some chicory root to go with it, and if you like a bit of sweetness, some carob as well. For the skin... Dandelion flowers ready to be picked for infusing into oil.I suggest making an oil of blossoms. This oil can be used in other preparations such as salves but by itself can be a nourishing replenishment for those who do not suffer from oily skin. Dandelion blossom oil is known in particular for its success in diminishing those brown age spots that can plague us as we grow into our wiser years. I've left directions for making a flower blossom oil in my section on drying and storing. You needn't have to go through the efforts of infusing an oil to have your skin benefit from dandelion's properties, however. That sticky white sap that oozes from broken stems can be applied directly to skin blemishes. I remember when my son had some stubborn warts on his knee. Finally, I just applied dandelion sap to them for several days, letting it dry right on the warts, and... voila, in a couple of weeks they had disappeared after months of existance and proliferation!  Dandelion in spring. The unopened buds add a tender sweetness to the sauteed greens.Chickweed Stellaria species Chickweed BlossomThe tiny weed...So easily overlooked, chickweed grows in our yards and along the sidewalks. This petite five-petalled flower has the distinctive characteristic of splitting its petals to look like it has 10 petals on first glance. A beauty in its diminutive state, the cool chickweed cools hot spots and blends nicely with the kitchen spices.  Chickweed's size in perspectiveHot spots...Well, I admit the old-fashioned way is what I would do. Chew chickweed up for a moment and then put her on your sores to draw out toxins. Chickweed can also be used on hot joints and inflamed eyes, although some folks would probably prefer to avoid the salivary implications. A mortar and pestle would do the job well to get an herb ready for topical use. Well crushed and mushed with a little hot water would also do. Like her friend dandelion, she can be used as any other green, (though she is not as bitter!) although her tiny existence would probably make chickweed best suited to adding to salads and sandwiches. Chickweed also has some diuretic properties and her soapy characteristic is known for breaking down fats. next |
