Dandelion for Doing Difficult Things

MIND

“Bold, bright, and sunny!” Maia Toll calls dandelion the eternal optimist, which isn’t wrong. However, I find Dandelion to be a realist. The rooted, resilient, restorative traits are not for the sake of it, but because it is necessary. Dandelion doesn’t ask for permission, nor does it ask for forgiveness. It simply exists, without hesitation or apology. Dandelion is a powerful ally for the moments when we need to adapt our thinking for our own survival. This is rooted, boundaried, nourished adaptation. This is the adaptation that reminds us of our own power to do difficult things temporarily, so that we can get to the good stuff on the other side. If you are needing a little realistic optimism as you navigate transition or challenge this courage giving plant may be exactly what you need right now.

Dandelion is the harbinger of spring! With its bright sunshiney flowers and mineral rich greens, dandelion is one of the most abundant and versatile herbs in our repertoire here. The greens are highly mineral and vitamin rich, and as dandelion is one of the first plants to pop up in the beginning of spring, offers us replenishment after the scarceness of winter. Dandelion greens also help to support liver and kidney function and the detoxification process of the body. The root is also highly useful, as a food source it can be added to soups and stews or made into tea that helps support gut and liver health. The flowers are less commonly talked about but I love them and find them to be delicious when coated in arrowroot powder and fried in a bit of avocado oil. Yum! Dandelion is truly a gift and I hope that as we move forward we can all learn to utilize these types of abundant plant allies instead of considering them a pestilence. - Any

BODY

Just as dandelion acts on the soil to heal, nourish, and balance, so does it act on our body. You’ll often find this in detox formulas, which it does beautifully It is not uncommon for someone to feel the need for digestion with sluggish digestion or skin concerns. It isn’t a coincidence that the most common times individuals inquire about detox is after excess, poor movement or change of season. This desire to “get clear” often signals a better balance, or homeostasis, is desired. Detox herbs like dandelion are not a quick fix for bad habits. However, the can help our body, our ecosystem, restore itself the same way it works to restore the soil. It transmutes, moves nutrients, brings pollinators, and nourishes at the deepest level. And after years of health and wellness it is that nourishment that is often needed and lacking when we feel called to “detox.” This month, take time to experience what the profound nourishment of dandelion can feel like in your body, how it clears the mind, and how it brightens the mood.

The cheery yellow blooms of dandelion are some of the first flowers to pop up every spring. Across the world, they are traditionally used as part of a blood building spring time tonic to sweep away the stagnation of a long winter. Leaves nourish the blood and relieve fatigue, restore and protect the liver, pancreas and spleen, while also enhancing immunity. Dandelion root promotes detoxification, relieves jaundice and constipation, reduces infection and inflammation, stimulates immunity. Both root & leaf promote urination, drains water, relieves irritation. Strengthens connective tissue and reduces blood congestion, promotes lactation. Relieves wheezing and coughing.  Dandelion can also be used for loss of appetite and nonuclear dyspepsia associated with imparied bile secretion and flow, and as an antidyscratic and mild diuretic for chronic rheumatic complaints, atopic eczema and minor inflammatory conditions of the genitourinary tract. -Jess

Silly, sunny Dandelion! It always takes me back to the childhood days of making flower crowns and licking the bitter milk of the stems from my fingers. This sweet herald of spring is always a familiar first sign of life and the coming abundance of the warmer months. Spring is the ideal time to harvest and consume fresh dandelion plant material to rev up our systems and kick winter stagnation. In this way, Dandelion is so wise. It pops up abundantly at the very time of year its medicine is most essential, and also replaces important minerals like potassium that would otherwise get flushed out through its diuretic action. It is capable of detoxing, tonifying, re-alkalizing and just bringing a smile to the face. Though I use it often in formulation, my favorite way of enjoying Dandelion is on its own.
Fun fact: Its common name is derived from the French “dent de leon” or, tooth of the lion, as illustrated by both its coarsely toothed leaves & spiky petals. Try throwing a few spiky leaves in your salad, or even making a quiche or tart with them! -Isabella

SOUL

Several years ago I had the great fortune to visit a tiny apothecary in France. Whenever I travel I make an effort to search out the local herb shops to 1) experience their magic and 2) support small business. The shop keeper was wonderfully interesting and had actually done some study in Boulder, CO. He specialized in flower essence medicine, something I was still learning more about. We tried to discuss a custom formulas, but my French was poor so he led me to a large poster. Through a conversation that involved some charade type communication and pointing to the plants we ultimately landed on dandelion simple essence. I was shocked by the result at the time, but I used it faithfully as he instructed over the next several weeks. Within a few days I felt the softening in my belly, the release of control and tension, the heart-opening joy. It was transformative in so many ways! Looking back I have no doubt that dandelion called me to that shop, to the healing that I needed, and deep soul work I was ready to explore. Is it time to differentiate what is “difficult but doable” from what is simply unhealthy for your soul path? Or perhaps you simply are recommitting to your own joy. If so, dandelion is calling.

Dandelion takes me back to the wonder I felt when I first learned that plants are medicinal & can heal. One of my chores growing up was weeding the yard, and I used to be so confused as to why I was ripping up plants and flowers that were already growing in order to plant new ones. Dandelion spoke to me then, with its hollowed stems and brilliant flowers, and continues to remind me of the medicine, beauty and complexity of all that is around us, constantly. Dandelion is such a wonderful ally to any herbalist as a bitter & safe diuretic. It can have profound effect on the liver, as all parts have a mildly stimulating effect specifically this organ, and detox function. Years subsequent to plucking “weeds”, I’ve come to adore roasted dandelion root in hot drink preparation, as it can be blended as a tasty alternative to coffee, thought the comparison doesn’t feel fair, as dandelion is truly unique yet such a ubiquitous herbal staple. -Tasha