Am I just really out-dated that I didn't know Dandelions are used for medicine and food or is it really an unknown fact to many? Raise your hands and say which are you!
I recently watched a documentary about Native Americans or the American Indians and their old practices. Though many have been modernized, there are still some who have retained their old practices and are living in some remote parts of the United States and Mexico.
One part that struck me is when I saw them eating dandelion seeds. Maybe I'm just too dumb not to know it, but it's really the first time I saw people eating dandelions. Aren't they considered as weed? Weeds that are destructive in farmer's farms and just grow anywhere? Well, the documentary really prove me wrong. And with a little research, I prove myself totally wrong.
Even though dandelions are considered weeds, they are one of the most useful, far from what people think they are. In various parts of the world, they are termed as "leaf vegetables". Sounds weird but cool, eh? For some, it is also a medicinal herb. Dandelion leaves are called dandelion greens of which you have two options to eat it, one is to cook it or the other is eat it in its raw form. You can opt to have it in your soup or fresh for a salad. Its leaves are also high in vitamins such as vitamin A, C and iron. The iron content of dandelion leave are even more higher to that in spinaches. Dandelion flowers can also be turn into wine. It's root is also used as a diuretic and said to purify blood upon drinking it. It is also used for the treatment of anemia, diarrhea, jaundice and even for your nervousness.
The roots are also manufactured as coffee and is said to stimulate and promote good digestive functions. Furthermore, dandelions are also known to contain high levels of anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are good for your skin and can helped prevent your skin from aging.
Right now, I'm looking for a list of store selling dandelions. It's a must to find one!
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