In our country, the culture of dandelion consumption is not as developed as in many other countries, where this product is actively used in both European and Asian cuisine. Restaurants serving international cuisine are already busy preparing seasonal dishes with yellow dandelion flowers. This ingredient is available to everyone and is completely free, which makes it an ideal choice for cooking at home.
The best place to collect dandelions is away from city streets, in a forest or in a garden.
dandelion tea
If you want to cleanse your body and lose weight, you should try dandelion medicinal tea. This drink has a mild diuretic and laxative effect, promotes detoxification and gently cleanses the kidneys and intestines.
Dandelion is rich in magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, inulin, vitamins A and C and is therefore particularly valuable in spring, when many people suffer from vitamin deficiencies.
Preparation of dandelion tea
You need 100 g of flowers, 300 ml of water and honey or sugar to taste.
Before preparing the flowers, it is necessary to classify them and clean them of insects and dirt. Separate the petals, put them in a teapot, pour boiling water over them and leave for about three minutes. Add honey or sugar to taste.
Dandelions in the Kitchen
Dandelion is safe to eat and is used in a variety of dishes and medicines. Leaves, flowers and rhizomes are used. The roots are used to make a drink reminiscent of coffee, and the leaves and flowers are used to make jams, wine, tinctures, salads and soups.
Green pesto sauce made from dandelion leaves is popular in European cuisine.
In our country, dandelion is often used to make jam from yellow inflorescences, which has a honey taste with a slight sourness and aroma of field herbs.
Dandelion jam recipes may include the addition of citrus fruits, lemon, orange, walnuts, mint and ginger.
The healing properties of dandelion extend to all its parts: roots, leaves and flowers. It helps eliminate toxins, stimulates the cardiovascular system and improves mood.
Dandelion is also useful for nursing mothers, as the juice of this plant improves breastfeeding.
Medicinal properties of dandelion :
- Avicenna used milky dandelion juice to treat cardiac and renal edema and recommended it for dropsy and venous congestion. In Russia, dandelion was traditionally used to treat scurvy and jaundice.
- The antioxidant-rich composition of dandelion protects against diabetes and cancer, helps to normalize water and salt metabolism and accelerates recovery after a stroke.
- Dandelion root extracts and infusions are used for diseases of the spleen, pancreas, increased stomach acid and swollen lymph nodes.
Use of dandelion in folk medicine :
- Dandelion root powder is used to heal wounds, burns and ulcers.
- A decoction of flowers is used for insomnia and high blood pressure.
- A large amount of magnesium in dandelion is beneficial for the nervous system, the heart and helps increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood.
Dandelion culture :
In many countries, including France, Austria, Germany, India, Japan and the United States, dandelion is grown in special plantations. This plant is used to make medicinal salads, jams, wine and pickles. As an alternative to capers, delicately pickled dandelion buds are used and exotic jam is made from their flowers. Dandelion roots are processed into a coffee-flavored drink.
By consuming dandelion daily, you can significantly improve the condition of your skin: pimples and blackheads will disappear, as will various skin inflammations.
The sun impartially illuminates the earth and gives life to all living things. However, not all plants can fully enjoy its benefits. Dandelion is an exception. It is like a small sun that radiates vitality. It contains iron, the very element that is one of the main components of the real sun. Therefore, the dandelion can rightly be called the forge of health.
Traditional treatment methods.
- Vascular diseases are one of the main problems that can be alleviated with dandelion. Rheumatism is especially serious and affects the fourth generation of patients. It is necessary to pick fresh dandelion flowers, grind them together with sugar in a 1:1 ratio, leave them in the fresh air for a day, then put them in the refrigerator for a week and a half, squeeze the contents and strain. Taking this remedy helps to significantly alleviate the condition.
- The main treatment consists of eating dandelion stems, which should be consumed raw. This is especially effective on the third day after flowering, when the stems turn slightly brown and fill with juice.
- Joint diseases and other diseases . Dandelion can eliminate gallstones and kidney stones, improves metabolism and relieves pain in joints, neck and fingers. Dandelion honey is used for this, which must be consumed within two years for best results.
- Making dandelion honey . The flowers are picked in an ecologically clean place, washed and boiled in water for an hour. Then add the sugar and cook for another hour. 15 minutes before the end, add the juice of one lemon. Take a teaspoon three times a day.
Using these methods, you can not only improve your physical condition, but also enrich the body with essential microelements, cleanse it of toxins and improve overall well-being.
