We have all heard the phrase “stop and smell the flowers”, and, of course that simply is a metaphor to slow down and enjoy life as opposed to rushing around and missing the not so obvious things around us. Well, it may also be useful to smell the weeds as well. And although there are fragrant weeds, the more interesting aspect about weeds is how they became weeds at all! Weeds are considered invasive and need to be removed from the earth according to purists who fail to see the incredible odds they have against them for survival. For example, the dandelion has migrated across our planet in many forms and is a very successful weed. In part, the dandelion has evolved an interesting way to propagate and distribute its progeny. It uses the wind to send hundreds of seeds to distant places to try and grow. The cover photo is one that I took today and shows perhaps a hundred seeds attached to small white parachutes. When the air become strong enough as a breeze, the seeds fly off and can travel miles and land in someone’s lawn or a field. And statistically, these weeds will survive with continued success. But, the seed are a beautiful view of the complex world of survival.
While many people think of the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) as an unwanted weed, it is full of vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Dandelion leaves are used to add flavor to salads, sandwiches, and teas. The roots are used in some coffee substitutes, and the flowers are used to make wines. I have made dandelion wine and it was a labor intensive task but it is a common wine made at home. In the past, dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver problems. Native Americans also boiled dandelion in water and took it to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn, and upset stomach. In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion has been used to treat stomach problems, appendicitis, and breast problems, such as inflammation or lack of milk flow. In Europe, it was used in remedies for fever, boils, eye problems, diabetes, and diarrhea.
So far, there have not been any good quality scientific studies on dandelions. Today, the roots are mainly used to stimulate the appetite, and for liver and gallbladder problems. Dandelion leaves are used as a diuretic to help the body get rid of too much fluid. So, the next time you see a dandelion, take a look at a very tenacious and determined weed with beauty and attitude.
While many people think of the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) as an unwanted weed, it is full of vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Dandelion leaves are used to add flavor to salads, sandwiches, and teas. The roots are used in some coffee substitutes, and the flowers are used to make wines. I have made dandelion wine and it was a labor intensive task but it is a common wine made at home. In the past, dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver problems. Native Americans also boiled dandelion in water and took it to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn, and upset stomach. In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion has been used to treat stomach problems, appendicitis, and breast problems, such as inflammation or lack of milk flow. In Europe, it was used in remedies for fever, boils, eye problems, diabetes, and diarrhea.
So far, there have not been any good quality scientific studies on dandelions. Today, the roots are mainly used to stimulate the appetite, and for liver and gallbladder problems. Dandelion leaves are used as a diuretic to help the body get rid of too much fluid. So, the next time you see a dandelion, take a look at a very tenacious and determined weed with beauty and attitude.
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