Wednesday, April 5, 2017

I'm Not Just a Dandelion

It’s National Dandelion Day 
We think it is definitely a day worth celebrating! 
Bentley Basset Hound is making a wish on his dandelion
Some see a weed
Others see a wish
   Did you know that dandelion leaves and roots have a plethora of health benefits? I’ll be honest with you; I didn’t realize just how amazing these puffy flowers were until writing this post.
   Dandelion leaves are edible and are used in soups and salads. It is rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, zinc, and phosphorus. You’ll also get the benefit of B complex vitamins. I wonder if Popeye knew it has more protein than spinach. It has been consumed for thousands of years as a food and a medicine in the treatment of anemia, scurvy, skin problems, blood disorders and depression.
   Before you run out in your yard and start gobbling them, it’s important to choose ones that have not been sprayed with pesticides, fertilizers or chemicals. Dandelion leaves and roots can be bought in health food markets or as a freeze-dried herb. Dandelion tea is also a very popular way to enjoy these puffs of joy.
Sources:  

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We are joining our friends at BlogPaws™ for 
Wordless Wednesday.

37 comments :

  1. My grandmother used to make tea with dandelions!! :) I wish I could use dandelions for some of those great benefits but I am highly allergic to them! But then again...I am allergic to most plants...Happy Wednesday!! I hope you guys haven't been hit with all of those bad storms!

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    1. We had some nasty weather Sunday but it is clear skies all week.

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  2. Love love LOVE dandelions leaves in my salad!

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    1. I have never tried it but I'm going to get some of the supplements below.

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  3. Oh no! Please, keep those things out of our yard! They are pretty to see in a field, though.

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  4. The horses love them and they are so good for them.....have you ever tried dandelion wine? I haven't been that adventurous to make it, but it's something I've always wanted to do....

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  5. Very interesting! Thanks fur sharing. Dandelions sound better than iron pills

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  6. I have never had dandelion leaves, tea, or wine, but now I am very interested to try them! I have some candidates that are popping up in my backyard this time of year...

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  7. We like dandelions! Can't understand why people think their lawn has to be completely free of them.

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    1. We have 4-leaf clover patches and dandelions so I consider our yard full of good luck and wishes!

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  8. Dad hates them so he sees weeds!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  9. I think they should be our national flower, protected like the bald eagle. Then I wouldn't think i have to dig them out by the roots.

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  10. Both scrumptious and magical!!! Who could ask for more?!

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  11. Our Italian granny use to make Dandy Lion soup
    Lily & Edward

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    1. Wine and soup from dandelions?! I had NO idea. ☺

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  12. ANd did you hear that Crayola was discontinue their color Dandelion....shame on them it is a happy color
    Hugs madi your bfff

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  13. Claire and Momo love to eat dandelion leaves salad with hard boiled eggs, croutons and lardons at the beginning of Spring. Purrs

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  14. My mother used to love dandelion greens! Back then you didn't have to worry so much about pesticides and such being on them. We used to help her dig them up (you have to get them before they flower), but she never got us on board with eating them. All I remember is that it was almost impossible to rinse all the dirt out, and they were always gritty! LOL
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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    1. I have never tried them but from the comments, lots of people enjoy them. ☺

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  15. At this point, anything that isn't snow we are willing to celebrate!

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  16. Mom's mother used to send her out to the railroad tracks to pick dandelion leaves for salad. Mom says it's a miracle she is alive after eating salad with train exhaust on it. To me, train exhaust sounds delicious.

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

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    1. That is funny! We survived some things as children that would horrify people today.

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  17. Very interesting that dandelions can be good for you. Though the mom says we still can't eat any.

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  18. UMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmm you ALSO need to be sure that they are not RICH and FULL of ... PEE MAIL.

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  19. Great article! I loooove dandelion. Anyone interested in this stuff should definitely check out the book Everyday Roots. It teaches you how to replace all of the harmful chemical products in your life with organic ones. It's completely changed my life and how I feel everyday :)

    Heres a good article about it: http://reggiesreview.weebly.com/everyday-roots-review.html

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  20. Hazel loves to eat the dandelions!
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

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  21. My neighbor was just telling me she'd decided to leave a few dandelions in a corner of her yard, as the extension service was telling her these were great flowers for bees. And those little bugs need all the help they can get!

    Jean from Welcome to the Menagerie

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  22. WOW, I had no idea they were so beneficial.

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  23. I hope you get your wish, Bentley! It is amazing how much dandelions can do. I have eaten them before (they are a little sour for my liking). It is too bad that they have such a bad reputation.
    -Purrs from your friends at www.PlayfulKitty.net

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  24. Dandelions are kind of tasty in a salad!

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  25. It's the 'perennial' that you never have to buy. 😇

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