Dandelion | a healing weed you can forage for free

You probably view dandelions as pesky weeds keeping you from lawn perfection.

Did you know that dandelion greens serve up almost a full multivitamin and mineral supplement?

Dandelion leaves are packed with Vitamins A, B, C and E and are a rich source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron and zinc. Dandelion greens are a perfect slimming food! Similar to arugula in flavour, dandelion’s slight bitterness can be offset by sautéing them with onion.

Still skeptical?

4 reasons to consume these weedy wonders (they’re available at grocery stores, too!)

1. Dandelion helps clear urinary tract infections

Dandelion leaf is a diuretic, meaning it promotes urination thereby helping weight loss without side effects. It also removes toxic substances from the kidneys and entire urinary system. Plus, its disinfectant properties inhibit bacterial growth, preventing future UTIs.¹

2. Dandelion helps clear acne

Acne is often caused by hormonal changes. During hormonal fluctuations, your sebaceous glands secrete extra oil. When mixed with dead skin, your pores can get blocked, preventing toxic substances from escaping. This blockage causes infection and results in... acne. The diuretic and detoxing nature of dandelion helps to regulate hormones, facilitating removal of toxins through sweat, bile and urine.¹

3. Dandelion nourishes your blood

One cup of dandelion greens has 1.7mg of iron, twice as much as spinach! It has almost 10% percent of your daily Vitamin B, 32% of your daily Vitamin C, plus Omega-3 fatty acids and protein. While iron is an integral part of hemoglobin in your blood, Vitamins B and C are essential for the formation of red blood cells, helping to reduce anemia (an iron deficiency).²

4. Dandelion can reduce blood pressure

Dandelion leaf, being diuretic in nature, increases urination (both in quantity and frequency) thus helping lower high blood pressure. The fibre in dandelion is also helpful in reducing cholesterol, thereby lowering blood pressure. Dandelion juice is high in potassium, which is effective in lowering blood pressure by replacing sodium.³

1. Bevin A. Clare, Richard S. Conroy, and Kevin Spelman: “The Diuretic Effect in Human Subjects of an Extract of Taraxacum officinale Folium over a Single Day.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. August 2009, 15(8): 929-934. doi:10.1089/acm.2008.0152.
2. Nutritiondata.self.com
3. C.I. Wright, L. Van-Buren, C.I. Kroner, M.M.G. Koning: “Herbal medicines as diuretics: A review of the scientific evidence.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 114, Issue 1, 8 October 2007, Pages 1–31