Maybe I'm old-fashioned or ignorant in the eyes of others, but I didn't know that dandelion could be used for many useful things. After I found out that dandelion is actually edible (I didn't start nibbling it with the kids on the way home from the playground, though), I wanted to learn more useful things about it. I was curious what else it is good for, so I did some research. Here's what I found!
Tea
Perhaps this is one of the best-known uses of dandelion. This herb is an excellent detoxifier, very effective against arthritis and rheumatic complaints. It supports gallbladder function, stimulates digestion, a real strengthening diuretic miracle.
Decoration on the plate
Every part of the dandelion is edible. Its taste is somewhat similar to arugula, so it is more suitable as a salad supplement and decoration, but it can also perfectly decorate cold platters. And speaking of delicacies, did you know that dandelion, alongside chicory, is one of the most popular plant-based ingredients in coffees? Its root, cleaned, dried, and ground, can be considered a coffee substitute.
Syrup
Since we are talking about an edible flower plant, it is obvious that its yellow flower can also be used to make syrup. If we make syrup only from its petals, it will have a beautiful color in the end. For the syrup, all we have to do is boil the dandelion petals in water, let it stand until the next day, then strain it. Then add sugar and lemon to the decoction and simmer everything on low heat.
Honey
The honey made from dandelion actually has not much to do with traditional honey or the cute little buzzing bees, but let's put that aside for now. To make honey, never wash the picked dandelion flowers, as this would wash out the pollen. It is enough to let them dry a bit in the sun. Pour enough water over the flowers to cover them, then bring to a boil. Let them stand for a day, then strain several times. After that, boil again and add sugar. Many of us might wonder now, if the same process is used for both honey and syrup, what is the difference between the two? Theoretically (I say this because I haven't tried these yet) the honey will be thicker and more syrupy, and reboiling it can take 1-2 hours, while the syrup will be thinner, a drinkable liquid that is only boiled enough to concentrate the flavor but remains fluid.
Jam
If no one has gone crazy about it yet, now they surely will, because here is the third great use of dandelion: jam, which is made with the same procedure and method as syrup and honey, with the difference that jam is naturally made with the addition of pectin, gelling agent, or jam fix. Of course, this does not change the fact that heavenly jam can be made from the plant, which can be used in pancakes, cakes, or alongside cheeses.
Cleaner
If you don't want to eat it, you can even call on it in your household, as it is a natural cleaner. This is thanks to the inulin, bitter substances, and flavonoids it contains. The slightly soapy sap of the dandelion root and leaves is suitable for removing grease stains in the kitchen, cleaning windows, or even mopping the floor. All you need to do is boil its stem and root in water for 15 minutes, then after a quick straining, put it into a spray bottle.
Beauty care
This little yellow plant is also good for applying to our skin, as it contains soothing and healing compounds. It might seem contradictory that if it is an excellent cleaner, how can it be beneficial for the skin, right? Well, the key lies in the use of its different parts and the method of extraction. In beauty care, its yellow flower is used, which is full of antioxidants and mild anti-inflammatory compounds. These, when dissolved in water, can have skin-soothing properties. They do not dry out the skin; on the contrary, they produce a silky, soft effect – unlike its root and leaves, which have a slightly grease-dissolving, disinfecting effect and are suitable for grease removal when boiled in hot water.
After all this, everyone can decide for themselves which parts of the dandelion to use and for what purposes. One thing is certain: this yellow, cute little flower, which was a favorite of our childhood, is not just a decorative plant from the street, but thanks to its wide range of applications, it can be a remedy for many of our troubles, can be consumed, and we can even make refreshing delicacies from it.
