24 Uses of Dandelions for baking and pain relief, Dandelion has been used since time immemorial in treating a vast range of diseases, including liver issues, kidney disease, heartburn, and appendicitis. However, this article examines numerous other befits of those pesky yellow weeds in your garden, which you may have never heard of.
The dandelion plant is rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E and minerals such as iron, zinc, and potassium. Here’s a look into 24 beautiful uses of this herb.
HEALTH AND BEAUTY
Dandelion is effective in treating minor skin problems as well as soothing pain and inflammation.
Pain Relieving Oil
It effectively reduces muscle aches and joint pain. After infusing dandelion flowers in oil, rub them onto the affected areas. Likewise, you can put fresh dandelion leaves in a jar before filling up the pot with some base oil, like sweet almond or olive oil. Leave it for about two weeks to infuse. Afterwards, decant your oil into a clean jar and keep it refrigerated.
Pain Relieving Salve
Mix the infused oil with a soothing balm. Else, you can mix the infused oil with a bit of beeswax. Pour the mixture into a jar and give it some time to cool.
Wart Remover
The white sticky resin in the leaves, roots, and stem of this plant plays an essential role in removing warts. Apply the sap on your warts a couple of times a day, and they’ll soon disappear.
Lotion Bars
The lotion works well for dry and cracked skin since it moisturizes the skin and soothes inflammation. Mix some infused dandelion oil with lavender essential oil, shea butter, and beeswax to make a silky bar.
IN THE KITCHEN
Being completely edible, dandelion can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen.
Herbal Vinegar
Infuse dandelions flowers in apple cider vinegar for roughly one month before straining it. Then, store it in a dark place for not more than a year. Then, you can add this herbal vinegar to soups, stews, salads, sauces, and dressings.
Dandelion Pumpkin Seed Pesto
You can use this recipe as a sandwich spread, vegetable dip, or simple pasta. Given that its greens have a slight bite consider balancing it with some toasted pumpkin seeds, lemon juice, and parmesan.
Tempura Blossoms
Remove the green parts. Then, dip the flowers in seasoned butter before frying them into a side dish or tasty snack.
Sautéed Greens and Garlic
you can sauté dandelion with garlic to neutralize its bitter taste. Blanch them by dipping them in boiling water for 20-30 seconds in a bid to alleviate their acrid taste.
Vegetarian Risotto
After cooking the flowers, add wine, parmesan, stock, and creamy yoghurt to make a jewel-like vegetarian risotto.
Pancake and Waffle Syrup
Mix lemon, sugar, honey, and dandelions to create a tasty pancake or waffle syrup
Kimchi
Ferment dandelions with spices, green onions, soy sauce, and herbs to prepare delicious kimchi will support gut health.
Jelly
You can add dandelion jelly on top of toast or crumpets. Store the prepared jelly in an airtight container for as long as two weeks.
Petal Sorbet
Mix dandelion blossoms, lemon juice, sugar, and honey to prepare a delicious iced treat.
Savoury Muffins
Prepare soaked savoury muffins with dandelion petals, flour, honey, oatmeal, and whole wheat flour. Serve them with green pea or asparagus.
Make cookies from dandelion, honey, oats, and lemon.
Iced Lime and Dandelion Tea
It’s delicious, and it will clear all skin complications. Blend fresh lime juice, dried red raspberry leaf, a quart of dandelion flowers, and stevia leaves.
Dandelion Blossom Cake
Make a tasty dandelion blossom cake by mixing cinnamon, crushed pineapple, walnuts, blossom petals, dandelion syrup, and coconut.
Danish Schnapps – Two Ways
Prepare Danish schnapps with dandelion flower heads. This will be great if combined with cakes, chocolate, and sweet desserts.
Dandelion Root Coffee
If you want a caffeine-free substitute for coffee, you can brew the dandelion roots. Then, consider roasting them before grinding to get a strong flavour.
Wine
To make a fine country wine, ferment complete dandelion flowers with lemon zest, raisins, and water for several months.
HOME AND GARDEN
Natural Yellow Dye
Make a chemical-based dye by cooking the heads of dandelion. You can use this dye to brighten fabrics, especially when you weave your wool.
Floating Table Centerpiece
Using small nails and reclaimed wood, assemble a box of wood. Then hammer the small nails through the underside. Finally, slide your dandelions on top.
Bee food
Leave some dandelion for the bees to enjoy during the spring, as the plant serves as their first food of the season.
Feed Goats
Dandelion weeds serve as a balanced vegetarian diet for the goats.
Fertilizer
You can get plenty of nutrients for your garden if you prepare ‘weed tea’ or liquid fertilizer using dandelion weeds. Then, you just need to brew up some organic fertilizer and spray it in your vegetable garden or flower beds.
