dandelions - ahhhmazing

Love my tattoo designed by Leah Caldieri at Charon Art in Turners Falls, MA

I just love dandelions! (as you may have noted by my website photography)  
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You might ask why? Are they anything more that a weed? Oh yes, So very much more. First, consider their life of growth and change. The hardy seed that is cultivated forming a deep sturdy root, sprouting bitter and tasty leaves, and flowers with more petals than you can count. And then in an instant (or so it seems) they transform into a beautiful puffball of the most fascinating seeds that just beg to be blown. Have you ever blown a dandelion puffball and not come away with a smile from the pleasure of sending those little wishing seeds onto the breeze? They are off to start the whole process all over again. If I may quote a friend, it is "Pure Satisfaction".



Did you know dandelions can have a positive affect on your health? You might even call them a superfood. The entire plant can be ingested although the most commonly used parts are the root and the leaves. Roast the root for a tea, put the greens in your salad, add some beauty by adding the yellow flowers raw or cooked. Some people even make them into wine. Dandelions contain a multitude of vitamins (A, B, C & K) and minerals (calcium, choline, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc). They are used as herbal medicine with qualities that detox the liver. And boy does that liver need some detoxification. The environmental toxins from the air we breathe, the food we eat, the medications that are ingested, the hormones that flow through our bodies. All that needs to filter through the liver. It brings up a good point. If you are choosing dandelions to experiment with next spring, please make sure that your lawn does not have fertilizer or pesticides and if you have a dog that just has her way with yard (like ours does), then you won't want to eat the dandelions in the yard. Dandelions grow up in my organic raised beds just naturally, those are the ones I choose. Consider a section of lawn to grow the dandelions where they will not be contaminated. As an environmental bonus this area can double as your bee habitat. https://savebees.org/habitat/forage/

Dandelions have a surprising amount of meanings. Since the Dandelion can thrive in difficult conditions, it is no wonder that people say the flower symbolizes the ability to rise above life’s challenges. 

• Healing from emotional pain and physical injury alike
• Intelligence, especially in an emotional and spiritual sense
• The warmth and power of the rising sun
• Surviving through all challenges and difficulties
• Long lasting happiness and youthful joy
• Getting your wish fulfilled

If you have been inspired to covet those beautiful dandelions next year here are some links that you might like to check out. I would love to hear all about your experience. Leave me a comment! 
~Shannon
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Dandelion tea      https://learningherbs.com/remedies-recipes/dandelion-root/
Dandelion Salad    https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/dandelion-salad/
Dandelion Bitters  https://www.growforagecookferment.com/dandelion-root-bitters-recipe/
​Dandelion Wine     https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-make-dandelion-wine-1327932

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