Ways to Enjoy Dandelions
This is the time of year when many of our plant allies are coming back into full bloom (at least if you live in the northern hemisphere). At AmyDoeun.com my goal is to share tips and tools with you to nourish and grow your true self. For me one of the biggest tools is connecting with the natural world through my plant allies. Dandelion is one of my favorites.
Living in the country I am able to enjoy a yard full of dandelions and other wild flowers without neighbors complaining about a lack of grass. When I see my spring dandelions I think of greens for salads, flowers for crowns and cookies, medicine for winter months and of course that lovely yellow color that just makes you feel awesome.
Note: I am trying in my own personal journey to not only value plants that have a “use” to humans, but to appreciate them just for who they are. This is not an easy mindset to shift. It seems like in our world today the focus tends to be on “what use are you?” For this blog post I will share some of these uses, but I hope it will simply help you take a 2nd and maybe 3rd look at a unique plant that lives all around us.
Finnish Herbs
Henriette Kress is a Finnish Herbalist practicing in Helsinki. I had the privilege of hearing her speak through the 10th Annual Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference. I was very pleased to learn that many of the herbs that I already use and enjoy are used in her practice. One difference though is that Kress said that her clients tend to prefer teas over tinctures. When she is drying dandelion she uses all the parts, leaves, stems and flowers.
Her main use is as a diuretic but also for detox, perhaps people who work with heavy metals or solvents.
Giver of Joy
Henriette, “it brings joy to someone who has lost their sense of joy.”
This is probably my favorite things about dandelion. It’s flower essence reads–
The soul needing Dandelion essence feels a natural intensity and love for life. Such individuals are compulsive ‘doers’ wo enter with great zeal and zest into many activities. Unfortunately, they can over-plan and over-form their lives beyond the natural capacity of the body to sustain such intensity. Furthermore, such persons may become unable to experience more contained moments of reflective activity. The unexpressed inner life of the soul and harsh demands on the body collide to create extreme tension, especially in the musculature. The Dandelion flower teaches these individuals how to listen more closely to emotional messages and bodily needs. As tension is released the soul feels more inner ease and balance, allowing spiritual forces to flower through the body in a dynamic, effortless way. (From: The Flower Essence Repertory)
Lymphatic oil
Dandelion flower oil is great for helping to move lymph, especially in breast tissue. To make the oil you pick the flowers and allow them to wilt for 1 day. Then create a medicinal oil using your favorite method. Angela Campbell was the first to introduce me to this use. Henriette adds it is great for stuck muscles from irritation, anger, etc.
Cookies
My favorite way to enjoy dandelions is cookies. Dandelion shortbread cookies are an awesome way to get plant goodness. In addition to the sweetness of the cookies you get to enjoy picking and working with the plants. Take and afternoon, get out and enjoy the sun and plants with your favorite people.
