2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
May is just around the corner - the month of dandelions. A lot is known about the beneficial properties of these flowers, but what do we know about the roots of the plant? How to procure them and use them correctly?
Dandelions have been of interest to herbalists at all times. They were used to heal the liver and relieve digestive system problems. All parts of the plant were used for the case - flowers, leaves and roots. All of this can be eaten. But the roots are considered more valuable for medicinal purposes. They contain large amounts of vitamins A, B and D. The roots are rich in minerals - iron, potassium and zinc, which help to remove toxins from the body and maintain liver function.
Collecting Dandelion Roots Correctly
Dandelion is a powerful detoxifier. For medicinal purposes, dandelion roots collected in the fall are used. It is best to collect them after heavy rain has passed. It loosens the soil near roots that grow deep. It is in the tough and long roots of the plant that the nutrients are contained. During the autumn harvesting of roots, the insoluble fiber of inulin is higher in them than fructose.
When using the roots in cooking, it is best to harvest the spring roots and preferably before the dandelions bloom. At this time, they contain little fiber, they taste less bitter. Dandelion roots contain a substance that stimulates bile production and liver function.
How to harvest dandelion roots correctly?
* It must be collected away from highways and contaminated areas treated with chemicals.
* Choose the largest and most active plants. Leave small flowers to bees, beetles and birds.
* Use a fork or a special root remover to gently pry up wet soil. At the same time, it is important not to damage the roots and preserve their original appearance as much as possible, otherwise they will quickly deteriorate.
* After the root is removed from the soil, it must be shaken gently to remove excess soil.
Proper storage of dandelion roots
Fresh dandelion roots are used in cooking and medicine, but you can save them for later use.
To do this, they are first washed, cut and dried well. Then each spine is wrapped with twine, thread or wire in order to hang it later in a dry, cool room with good ventilation. After a few days, when the roots dry out as follows, they are cut into pieces, packed in glass jars and stored for no more than a year. When dried properly, the root turns dark and the inside is creamy white.
Using dandelion roots
There are several ways to use dandelion roots:
* Tincture
Alcohol-infused dandelion root has anti-inflammatory properties, is used as a diuretic and blood-purifier, and helps detoxify the liver, spleen and gallbladder.
The tincture helps to normalize blood sugar levels, reduces stress, eliminates age spots, cleanses the skin with eczema, and removes acne.
* Infusion, tea
A tea or infusion made from dandelion roots contains antioxidants that help normalize blood sugar levels and improve digestion. Infusion and tea have diuretic and mild laxative properties, help cleanse the liver.
* Compresses
Dandelion root poultices and compresses can be used to treat many skin diseases - acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, abscesses, boils.
* Coffee
Roasting dandelion root and steeping it in water creates a delicious coffee-like drink. And if you mix it with toasted chicory root and add cinnamon, medicated coffee will get an even more piquant taste.
* Vinegar
This dandelion root product is valuable for its nutritional and medicinal properties. The dried and crushed roots of the plant are added to regular vinegar to enhance its flavor. This product is added to salads and soups. If you add this vinegar to water, you can get an alternative to apple cider vinegar, which is very beneficial for the intestines and gastrointestinal tract.
For example, to obtain a useful remedy for the stomach, the properties of apple cider vinegar can be enhanced by adding dandelion roots to it: put dried dandelion roots on the bottom of a liter jar by 2/3 and pour apple cider vinegar (preferably homemade) to the top. Leave the product in a cool, dark place for six to seven weeks. It is used in the same way as apple cider vinegar. The product must be filtered before use.
Contraindications
Any herb is relatively safe, but may not be beneficial for everyone. It is important to choose the right dosage and concentration. Before taking products with dandelion roots, it does not hurt to consult your doctor.
For example, it is undesirable for people to take dandelion roots:
* Suffering from allergic reactions during the flowering of ragweed, chrysanthemum, calendula, yarrow, chamomile, aster.
* Pregnant women and lactating mothers.
* With stones in the gallbladder, obstruction of the biliary tract.
* With stomach ulcers, gastritis.
* With intestinal irritation.
Excessive intake of dandelion can cause heartburn or skin irritation.
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