Many consider the dandelion a pesky weed, cluttering up a nice green grass lawn. Something to be removed and thrown away with other yard clippings. What most people don’t realize is the lowly dandelion is a powerhouse of nutrition and benefit for the human body. It’s easy to grow and easy to put into salads or make into a juice.
According to the USDA Bulletin #8, “Composition of Foods” (Haytowitz and Matthews 1984), dandelions rank in the top 4 green vegetables in overall nutritional value. They are nature’s richest green vegetable source of beta-carotene, from which Vitamin A is created, and the third richest source of Vitamin A of all foods, after cod-liver oil and beef liver! They also are particularly rich in fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and the B vitamins, thiamine and riboflavin, and are a good source of protein.
Dandelion has been recognized as one of the best liver cleansers and restorers. They are considered very safe and effective as a general tonic for the gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and intestines, improving bile flow and reducing inflammation in cases of hepatitis and cirrhosis. Dandelions also help to dissipate gallstones and are believed to improve kidney function, thereby improving overall health and clearing skin problems like eczema and acne.
Dandelion acts as a diuretic but does not deplete the body of potassium because it contains high levels of the mineral. Those suffering from low blood sugar or diabetes can benefit by consuming dandelions each day and has also been shown to help with digestive disorders, sluggishness, general fatigue and indigestion.
Use dandelion in your favorite vegetable juice combination as well as in salads. We recommend starting off with only a small number of leaves or small handful in the beginning because of it’s powerful detoxifying properties. As you work up to a higher tolerance, add more to your green juice combos and enjoy the many benefits of dandelion. Look for organic bunches of dandelion leaves at your produce store or co-op. If you do not see it in stock, as the manager if it’s available from his distributor.
Green Juice with Dandelion:
- Dandelion leaves, handful (start small and build up tolerance)
- Spinach, handful
- Celery, 1 or 2 stalks
- Carrots, 5
- Lime, 1/4 to 1/2 with green skin
- Apple, 1
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I do love the Dandelion & it does body good. Thanks.
Dear Jay and Linda, Just wanted to know if a person can go outside and pick those in the yard?? As the good Lord has given us a field full of them. I do understand we need too wash very well and what do you recomend for that. Thanks Michele D
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Love my dandelions! And yes, you can pick them right out of the yard, wash them well, and eat them in your salad!
Unless, of course, you or neighbors spray with insecticides. Don’t forget the runoff. It should have been a priority to mention this!!!
For very early or 0 stages of cancer could you recommend specific juices. I already juice carrots, greens, various other vegetables. I also have had a book of yours for years that I find very helpful. The doctors want me to have surgery because it is so small, I have used herbs in the past to help my body heal and I know that the goodness of nature is there to help us and can help us. But at this time it Would be truly helpful to be able to pinpoint the need of getting rid of this dis ease. Thank you for your time
Dear Jay Kordich,
I`m suffering from Hepatitis C and the doctor told me I have cirrhosis of the liver. My spleen is unusually big and I also have gallstones. Since approx. 2 months I`m juicing and drinking the juice you recommended which is 1/2 beet with 2 to 3 apples, I`ve stopped taking the pills my doc had perscribed. I feel much better now and have a flat stomach again.
My question is: Do you only consume juices or do you also eat meals? Or both at a time? I know that fiber is essential to the body as well because the organs must be kept busy.
Thank you so much for everything. Ilse