Dandelion roots have lengthy historical past of use as meals and drugs. I’ll share the most effective time to dig dandelion roots, ideas for preserving them, and easy methods to use them. Who doesn’t like free meals and drugs?
Observe: By no means harvest dandelion roots from lawns or different areas handled with herbicides or pesticides. The roots accumulate something sprayed on the soil.
I dug up this pile of dandelion roots whereas harvesting different fall root greens from the backyard.
When Ought to I Harvest Dandelion Roots?
Harvest dandelion roots from late fall by early spring, when the plant is dormant and has saved up vitality within the root. (Spring dandelion greens are much less bitter, if you’re utilizing the entire plant.)
For medicinal use, most sources say fall harvest is finest. In fall, the degrees of inulin (insoluble fiber) are greater and the fructose ranges are decrease.
The freezing of winter converts the inulin to fructose, which makes spring roots extra palatable for consuming. Spring roots are much less bitter and chewy – simply be sure you dig them earlier than the vegetation begin to blossom. Spring roots are additionally greater in taraxacin, which stimulates bile manufacturing.
What’s the Greatest Solution to Harvest Dandelion Roots?
To dig roots, use a dandelion digger or a sturdy fork. Attempt to harm the foundation as little as doable so that you don’t lose a lot sap, which is the place the medicinal properties lie. Deep, wealthy soil produces the thickest, best to reap roots.
I at all times let just a few dandelions go within the backyard, as they’re nice for reaching deep into the soil to convey up vitamins.
Choose giant, vigorous vegetation – small, spindly vegetation have small roots that aren’t actually price harvesting. Generally you discover bigger roots with darkish cores. These are older vegetation, and the roots might be powerful. They’re nonetheless fantastic for making dandelion root tea and medicinal use.
You may chop and freeze the roots to make use of later, however the commonest storage methodology is dehydrating. Rehydrate your dried roots in soups, or use them for teas or tinctures.
How one can Dry Dandelion Roots
Start by scrubbing roots nicely with a vegetable brush, or peeling bigger roots.
Slice thick roots lengthwise into strips of uniform thickness to lower drying time and encourage uniform drying.
Unfold the chopped roots in a single layer on dehydrator sheets. Dry the roots at 95°F (35°C) till brittle.
For those who don’t have a dehydrator, unfold the foundation items in a single layer and place in a dry location with good air movement. Air dry for 3 to 14 days (till brittle). Dried roots will hold for a 12 months or extra.
Don’t have time to dig or a clear spot to reap?
You should purchase clear and prepped roots, teas, and extracts on-line, prepared to make use of, together with:
![Starwest Botanicals Organic Raw Dandelion Root Tea [1 Pound] Bulk Cut & Sifted (C/S) Loose Tea](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41XVVA7ScGL._SL160_.jpg)
How one can Prepare dinner Dandelion Root
For those who don’t thoughts somewhat bitterness, dandelion roots are suitable for eating uncooked. The flavour is mildest in late winter/early spring. Katrina Blair notes in “The Wild Knowledge of Weeds” that she makes dandelion relish with floor roots, apple cider vinegar, and honey. You may as well add the shredded roots to selfmade sauerkraut.
Peel roots from older vegetation earlier than cooking. Youthful roots are fantastic with a great scrub. You may deal with them like different root greens, although some folks could discover the bitterness. My crew is used to the stronger flavors of untamed vegetation.
Lower the cleaned roots into uniform items, and toss with a little bit of oil and salt. Unfold on a baking sheet. Bake the roots at 375℉ (190℃) for about half-hour, till fork tender.
Boil roots for about 10 minutes with a pinch of baking soda within the water. Change the water and boil for 10 minutes extra to scale back bitterness. Eat the cooked roots heat or chilled. The inulin within the roots acts as a prebiotic, selling the expansion of helpful micro organism within the colon.
For those who like daring flavors, merely chop the foundation and add it to soups or stews. The Wild Knowledge of Weeds features a easy dandelion root stew recipe, with the next substances:
- 1 cup recent dandelion roots, shredded
- 2 tablespoons candy white miso
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup scallions, diced
- 1 cup recent yellow squash, shredded
- 6 cups water
- 1 tablespoon recent backyard herbs, minced
Add all substances to a pan and warmth by, stirring to mix nicely. Observe that the uncooked or flippantly cooked roots could produce flatulence for some, because of the inulin content material.
Medicinal Makes use of
Dandelion root has been used to deal with every little thing from arthritis to hangovers. In conventional drugs, dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root is used some ways, together with as a:
- Liver ally and diuretic
- Basic tonic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Digestive stimulant
- Deobstruent (clears and opens ducts)
- Sedative
Most scientific research have been in vitro or animal research. Dandelion root extracts present promise towards cancerous cells, kind 2 diabetes, liver harm, and extra. As a diuretic, dandelion clears extra fluid, reducing blood stress.
In “A complete evaluation of the advantages of Taraxacum officinale on human well being” the authors evaluation 54 research. They discovered that essentially the most generally reported results of dandelion have been hepatoprotective, antioxidant and anticancer actions.
To extract the medicinal compounds from the roots, use a decoction or tincture. Decoctions are water based mostly, whereas tinctures are typically alcohol based mostly. A decoction is basically a powerful tea.
Make a Dandelion Root Decoction
To make a decoction, place one ounce of dried roots or two ounces recent roots (by weight) in a pan with one pint of water. Convey to a boil, cowl, and simmer for 20 minutes. Pressure and compost the spent roots.
See How one can Make Dandelion Tea for recipe variations, together with roasted root tea and therapeutic tea blends for particular illnesses.
Make a Dandelion Root Tincture
To make a tincture, place dandelion root in a jar and canopy with 80 proof (40%) vodka. Cowl tightly and permit to steep 4-6 weeks, shaking every day.
Pressure out plant materials and retailer in a darkish glass bottle. Label and date.
Facet Results and Allergic Reactions
Whereas uncommon, dandelion sap could cause contact dermatitis in delicate people. As a diuretic, it might flush medicines out of your physique sooner. In case you are allergic to vegetation within the daisy household, you might react to dandelion.
Don’t use dandelion root in case you have irritable abdomen or bowel, or in case you have an acute irritation. (supply)
For those who suspect you’ve gotten gallstones bigger than 1.5 millimeters, keep away from utilizing dandelion root. You may by chance flush the stones into the bile ductwork. There they will get caught and trigger a variety of ache.
Observe: All the time discuss to a healthcare skilled earlier than taking any natural drugs if you’re on prescription medicines. This text will not be meant to deal with, treatment, or forestall sickness, or exchange skilled medical recommendation.
Extra Info on Dandelions and Utilizing Wild Crops
Wild vegetation are a beautiful useful resource for individuals who search wholesome, nourishing meals with plentiful vitamin. The flavors may be sturdy, however I discover that the extra I eat, the extra I crave them. I hope you’ll give this humble weed an opportunity in your backyard and your kitchen.
Don’t overlook to take a look at the opposite Wildcrafting posts, together with:
This text is written by Laurie Neverman. Laurie is a lifelong learner with a ardour for pure treatments and holistic therapeutic. She’s efficiently improved her eyesight and cleared her psoriasis.
