Apparently, those pesky yellow weeds in the garden can provide numerous benefits you have never been aware of. Dandelion has been used throughout the history in the treatments of numerous health issues, such as kidney disease, liver issues, appendicitis, and heartburn.

Every single part of the dandelion, from the roots to the blossoms is edible, and it is high in minerals, like zinc, iron and potassium, and vitamins D, C, A, and B. Moreover, its consumption provides numerous benefits, such as:

• according to research, dandelion extract strengthens the immune function and fights off microbes.
• its leaves contain even more beta carotene than carrots, so they boost eye health.
• high in antioxidants, which prevents cancer, premature aging, and other illnesses due to oxidative stress.
• Animal studies provided evidence that the root and leaves regulate cholesterol.
• It also promotes digestion, as found at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Its root can act as a mild laxative, and fresh or dried dandelion boost the appetite and settle the stomach.
• It acts as a diuretic and thus helps the function of the kidneys to eliminate excess water, salt, and waste by increasing the production of urine. This may be the explanation of the popular claims among children that in case you pick this flower, you will wet the bed!
• prevent cognitive decline and strengthens the bones- The dandelion greens provide 535% of the recommended daily value of vitamin K
• according to a study conducted in 2011, the tea of its root may induce leukemia cells to die, but it does not affect the healthy cells.

These are 24 amazing uses of this plant:

Health and Beauty

This plant is effective in the treatment of minor skin issues, and it soothes inflammation and pain. Pain Relieving Oil

Dandelion efficiently alleviates joint pain and aching muscles. You should infuse dandelion flowers in an oil and rub onto the painful joints and muscles or painful areas. You should put fresh dandelion leaves in a mason jar and pour some base oil, such as olive or sweet almond oil to the top of the jar. Leave it for 14 days to infuse and then strain it. Decant the oil into a sterilized jar and keep it in the fridge.

Pain Relieving Salve

You can pour the infused oil into a soothing balm. You can also mix the infused oil with some beeswax, pout their combination into a jar or a tin and leave it to cool.

Wart Remover

This plant can effectively remove warts as its stems, roots and leaves contain a white sticky resin. This sap should be applied on the warts several times a day and they will soon be eliminated.

Lotion Bars

This lotion will help you in the case of dry and cracked skin as it will moisturize it and soothe inflammation. You should mix some infused dandelion oil with beeswax, lavender essential oil, and shea butter and create a silky bar.

In the Kitchen

Dandelion is completely edible so you can use it in various ways in the kitchen.

Herbal Vinegar

This herbal vinegar can be added to your stews, soups, salads, and dressings, or sauces. You can simply drink it as a revitalizing tonic. You should infuse its flowers in apple cider vinegar for a month, then strain it. Keep it in a dark place for up to a year.

Dandelion Pumpkin Seed Pesto

This recipe can be used as a veggie dip, simple pasta, or sandwich spread. As its greens have a slight bite, you should balance it with some lemon juice, toasted pumpkin seeds, and parmesan.

Tempura Blossoms

Remove the green parts, dip the flowers in seasoned butter and fry them to create a delicious snack or side dish.

Sautéed Greens and Garlic

As dandelion is rich in minerals and vitamins, you can sauté it with garlic (or ginger or capers) in order to add flavor to its bitter taste. You should blanch them by immersing them in boiling water for 20 to 30 seconds in order to alleviate its acrid taste.

Vegetarian Risotto

Cook the flowers, and add wine, stock, parmesan and creamy yogurt in order to prepare a jewel-like vegetarian risotto.

Pancake and Waffle Syrup

You should mix lemon, honey or sugar and dandelions in order to create a delicious waffle or pancake syrup.

Kimchi

Replace cabbage with dandelion in order to prepare the traditional spicy and sour Korean kimchi. Ferment the greens with spices, soy sauce, green onions, and herbs in order to prepare a tasty kimchi that will promote gut health.

Jelly

The dandelion jelly can be added on top of toast, or crumpets. The prepared jelly can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Petal Sorbet

You can prepare a tasty iced treat by mixing dandelion blossoms, sugar, lemon juice, honey and freshly picked dandelion.

Savory Muffins

Make soaked savory muffins with dandelion petals, honey, flour, whole wheat flour, and oatmeal, and serve them with asparagus or green pea.

Cookies

You can prepare cookies from dandelion, lemon, honey, and oats.

Iced Lime and Dandelion Tea

A pretty iced lime and dandelion tea is extremely delicious, and it will eliminate all skin issues. You should blend fresh lime juice, stevia leaves, dried red raspberry leaf and a quart of dandelion flowers.

Dandelion Blossom Cake

Mix cinnamon, dandelion syrup, crushed pineapple, coconut, blossom petals, walnuts and coconut, in order to prepare a delicious dandelion blossom cake.

Danish Schnapps – Two Ways

You can prepare a Danish schnapps with the flower heads, which will be remarkable when combined with cakes, sweet desserts, and chocolate, You can also brew dandelion roots in order to prepare a dry and aromatic beverage. You can serve it with some robust flavors, like roast meat.

Dandelion Root Coffee

Brew the dandelion roots to get a caffeine-free alternative to coffee. In order to obtain a deep flavor, roast them before grinding.

Wine

These pesky weeds can make a fine country wine and rich. Ferment complete flowers with lemon zest, water, and raisins for a couple of months.

Home and Garden

Dandelion can be widely used in the garden and in the house.

Natural Yellow Dye

You should cook the heads of dandelion in order to make a chemical-based dye – which can contribute to water pollution. It can be used on any garment in order to brighten fabrics, but it is especially useful for the ones who weave their own wool.

Floating Table Centerpiece

Use reclaimed wood and small nails, assemble a box of wood, hammer small finishing nails through the underside, and you should slide the dandelions on the top.

Bee food

Dandelions are the first food of the season for the bees, so make sure you leave some for them to enjoy them during the spring.

Feed Goats

Goats need a diverse, vegetarian diet, so dandelion weeds can serve as a balanced portion.

Fertilizer

You will provide numerous nutrients to the garden if you prepare a liquid fertilizer, or ‘weed tea’. You should simply deep rooted dandelions, but since the seeds are still viable, you should brew up an organic fertilizer and spray or pour it onto your flower beds and vegetable gardens.

Sources and References:
www.naturallivingideas.com -- Original Article Source (By Jayne Leonard )
theheartysoul.com
www.healthandlovepage.com