Dandelion Recipes
Dandelions ~ Bright sunny flowers gazing at the sky! The flowers relax and gently move our bodies in a new Springtime rhythm. Gathered on a blue sky day, in beloved meadows and gardens, these soft yellow flowers seem to ask us to stay a while, lay on the ground and rest, rest, rest! At least for a few moments.
Recipe for Dandelion Flower Oil:
Once collected in open weave baskets, we bring them into the greenhouse for 24+ hours, till the very first white “puff” of floret occurs.
Placed in jars of olive oil, we place cheesecloth over the open tops so moisture can escape and leave for 1-2 weeks, then cap off for another two weeks of warmth before straining. Our muscles, joints, backs and tender breasts respond well to this simple massage oil, relaxing and letting go. Softens skin on gardeners and carpenter’s hands as well, a gift of sun and earth in a bottle!
Recipe for Dandelion Blossom Tea:
this is a cool water infusion that I prepare from freshly gathered dandelion blossoms placed in cool, fresh water in a glass jar. My children would gather blossoms in late morning and we would let the tea brew through the night, inviting the magic of moonlight into this lovely sunshine tea. Upon straining out the flowers we enjoy the refreshing the “blossom tea” through the day. J The flavor is mild, slightly floral and a little sweet. Some people like to add a little lemon juice. Others prefer a bit of maple syrup or honey.
Dandelion Flower Essence:
Relaxes any tightness or tension held in one’s mind, emotions and/or body, allowing one to “let go” just as the seeds parachute away once the blossoms have been pollinated. Releasing what no longer serves, or what holds you back from shining your own beautiful light in the gifts you are here to share this lifetime. Grounded, strong, capable and sure of oneself in daily choices and activities. Once tension is released and inner ease opens, energy is freed up for healthy balanced action! “Spring Cleaning” anyone?
Dandelion vinegar:
You can use all parts of the dandelion with your favorite vinegar for this recipe. Dandelion blossoms, leaves and roots (cleaned) are cut and placed in a jar of your choice. Top with vinegar and label with date and ingredients. (organic apple cider vinegar is my favorite!) Leave in a quiet place for 3-4 weeks, strain and enjoy
Dandelion’s dark green leaves are high in vitamins A, C and K, and minerals- Calcium and Potassium-also phosphorus, iron, magnesium and others. The leaves also have a diuretic effect. The blossoms are a little sweet, and the roots have an earthy flavor. Altogether, a little bitter, this vinegar supports digestion and assimilation, the liver and gall bladder, along with the kidneys. Wild greens that grow everywhere! Add to salad dressings, soups, pickling or other culinary delights.
Calcium Bone Tonic Vinegar:
Here is a special spring plant vinegar for help building bones; avoiding or caring for those with Osteopenia/Osteoporosis. Dose: 1 Tablespoon 2x/day. You can add a little honey to your jar to help with the acidity and simply enjoy the vinegar in a little warm water each morning and early evening.
Chop and fill a jar with these marvelous herbs: roughly equal parts. I use fresh, but you could certainly use dried herbs. J
Dandelion leaf
Horsetail
Comfrey leaf
Mugwort leaf
Yellowdock leaf
Violet leaf and flower
& Nettle leaf
Spending time on a spring day outdoors gathering and preparing is such a delight! Warm sunshine, breezes passing through, birdsong from the trees noticing the plant life all around- life and love with the green world!
