The Humble Dandelion...For Spring Detox?
When most people think of dandelion, they think of every ambitiously green yard in America.
They think of their childhood.
They think of the common, everyday, scene in every part of suburbia. And the city. And the country too.
Basically everywhere.
Everywhere we go we find dandelion.
If you speak to a master herbalist they'll be quick to tell you that the plants you see in the ground nearest you are the very plants you need in your life.
And for good reason.
Because dandelions are not actually a common weed.
Common, yes.
Weed? Not so much, actually.
But here's the short of the most interesting part of dandelion, and our environment in general.
'They' say we get what we need when we need it. This is just how our universe works (we only notice when we know this, and pay attention, however).
In the winter we naturally eat more. We are less active. And we store away what will keep us warm and comfortable for the colder months.
This includes things that we don't need as well, unfortunately.
Especially in today's world.
Maybe a bit of extra fat, yes.
But more critically, the things that come with living in the modern world, known as environmental toxins from our air, water, food, and anything else that comes near, on, or in our bodies.
Could these be the things that truly keep us from eliminating that winter fat properly in this modern world? Maybe even sickness? And if we skip the cleansing process on a regular basis, could this also contribute to our overall health as we experience it from year to year as we age?
As an herbalist I've learned that as plants once again start blooming in the spring, it's supposed to be an indication for us to get outside a bit more, eat a bit less, and enjoy what was once considered the natural process of cleansing.
Spring cleaning!
If we ate locally, foraged naturally, and knew the plants around us like we used to, this would be a no brainer to everyone still today.
In fact, we probably wouldn't even have to make a conscious effort to partake in this process. We would just instinctively do it.
But the truth is, with our culture the way it is today, this stuff has almost become like secret knowledge.
Though it shouldn't be.
And that's why I'm here.
Back to dandelion.
The very fact that we see it everywhere, every spring, no matter how much some people probably prefer not to see it (again cue the ambiguously green yard) should be, in the least, kind of interesting to us.
As an herbalist who prefers to follow the natural order of things as much as possible, I see it as amazing, actually. Especially when you consider what we know to be true about dandelions when taken medicinally, and even as food.
Which I'm not going to tell you about here because I prefer that you to read the studies below, yourself, instead.
Today, I'm simply writing this little post to nudge you into taking a closer look at what you really ought to know and what you may want to try out while the dandelions are still in abundance, probably right in your own backyard, right this very minute (just remember not to forage in areas that have been sprayed with chemicals!).
So go ahead. Read the following, and consider ways you might be able to incorporate dandelion in your yearly spring cuisine, and maybe even a cleanse or two.
In the very least, see where it leads you.
What have you got to lose?
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STUDIES & RESOURCES:
(The studies below are nowhere near an exhaustive list. Always continue your own research and read the papers within each paper below.)
1) Anti-inflammatory activity of Taraxacum officinale
2) Dandelion (Taraxacum Genus): A Review of Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effects
4) A Comprehensive Review of the Benefits of Taraxacum officinale on Human Health
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