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The dandelion, well-known as an annoying weed in our grass, is actually a very useful flower. A very interesting herb, it has one of the longest flowering seasons of any plant, it opens in the morning and closes in the evening to sleep, and their seeds can be carried up to 5 miles!! The Dandelion is a perennial flower that is found in North America, Asia, and Europe, and can grow has high as 12 inches. It is a bright yellow flower with tooth like petals. In the seed stage, they are white and fluffy. You might remember as a child, picking those white cotton like flowers that you blow into the wind and make a wish on? That is the dandelion in its seeding stage.
However, there is another plant that looks similar to the dandelion when it’s in its seeding stage called Tragopogon dubius. Some other common names are goats beard, wild oyster, and yellow salsify. The only part that resembles the dandelion is the seed head. The difference being that the goats head is much larger in diameter than the dandelion. It is edible and is found mostly in the United States and Canada.
Uses:
How it works:
Dandelion is known as a liver and kidney tonic because of its ability to increase gastric and salivary juice secretions. It stimulates the release of bile from the gallbladder and liver. Dandelion has been used in many studies and has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and kill leukemia cells. It comes in extracts, root, teas and capsules.
Warning: As always, this article is not meant to replace your doctors’ directives. Always consult your doctor when thinking of trying an herbal remedy or changing your current medication, especially if pregnant. In no way am I suggesting you use herbal medicine without your doctor’s consent or to replace any medications prescribed by your doctor.
Reactions to look for:
Ask your doctor to help you determine the right dose for you. Some traditional doses include:
Note: You should not use this plant in any way after using a pesticide/ herbicide of any sort on the plants. It will make you sick.
Growing Dandelions:
Dandelions grow best in full or partial shade and have no specific soil needs. As you know, they grow everywhere!
Dandelions should be direct sown in spring. Stratification and indoor starting can be done to give your plants a head start before moving them out doors. To sow, seeds should be lightly tapped into the soil. Seeds require light to germinate so make sure to leave the seeds close to the surface to ensure the sprouting process.
Harvesting the plant:
Leaves or plant can be harvested at any time. If you are trying to harvest the root, it is best to use a gardening shovel or spade and dig around the roots.
Please feel free to leave any knowledge you have AND your sources in the comment area or any testimonies you have as well. The more testimonies we have the more popular herbs will become in the community!
Keepin It Spicy,
Jalapeno Gal
Source’s:
American Preppers Network Blog: www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.com Forum: www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net
2012-08-06 12:12:32
Source: http://americanpreppersnetwork.com/2012/08/herbal-joint-herbs-from-a-z-dandelion.html