Dandelion — FarmPal

The most underappreciated herb. Every part is useful medicine and food.

Scientific Name
Taraxacum officinale
Growing Zones
Zones 3-10 (grows everywhere!)

Medicinal Properties

Bitter digestive tonic
Diuretic (leaf)
Liver supportive (root)
Nutritive
Prebiotic

Parts Used

Root
Leaves
Flowers

Traditional Uses

  • •Liver and gallbladder support
  • •Digestive stimulation
  • •Water retention (leaves)
  • •Skin conditions
  • •Spring detoxification
  • •Blood sugar support

Preparations

Root Decoction

Simmer 1-2 tablespoons dried root in 2 cups water for 15-20 minutes. Strain.

Dosage: 1-3 cups daily for liver and digestive support

Leaf Tea

Steep 1-2 tablespoons fresh or dried leaves in 8 oz hot water for 10 minutes.

Dosage: 2-4 cups daily as gentle diuretic

Tincture

Fresh root or leaf: fill jar, cover with vodka. 4-6 weeks.

Dosage: 30-60 drops before meals for digestion

Food

Young leaves in salads. Flowers for wine or fritters. Roasted roots as coffee substitute.

Dosage: Eat freely as nutritious food

Harvesting Guide

Timing: Leaves: spring before flowering (least bitter). Root: fall for medicine or spring for food. Flowers: fresh when fully open.

Method: Dig roots with fork they're long! Pick leaves from base. Harvest flowers on dry day.

Drying: Slice roots thin and dry at 95-100°F. Leaves dry on screens.

⚠️ Cautions

  • •Harvest from areas not treated with pesticides or herbicides
  • •May increase effects of certain medications (diuretics, diabetes drugs)
  • •Avoid if allergic to daisy family
  • •May interact with some antibiotics
Storage
Dried root 1-2 years. Dried leaves 1 year. Use fresh when possible.