If I were a plant I'd be a Dandelion

“What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Since I was a small child I have had an affinity for Dandelions. Their brilliant yellow color, their soft texture, their wish making abilities. They have always been magical to me. As I began learning about medicinal and edible plants it became clear that this particular plant has been speaking to me for all of these years, in many ways. I am a spring baby as are Dandelions, we are a sign of spring, life and perseverance and they were always tempting me to eat them. Once I took my first bite I fell in love even more. The entire plant is edible but their greens are my personal favorite. I have also had some pretty severe digestive issues in my past but Dandelion once again was my companion. It’s root made into tea greatly helped ease my digestive issues, inflammation and bloating. There are so many more benefits to Dandelion, learn more at Garden Therapy or from our local medicinal plant guru Linda of Barefoot Botanicals. 

A few years back I came across a book in the Doylestown BookShop called “The Illustrated Herbiary” by Mia Toll. As a nature lover, artist and witchy woman this book intrigued me instantly.

Naturally I opened right up to pg .48 Dandelion. As I read the description it was like I was reading about myself. In that moment I realized I am clearly related to this plant.

I had an epiphany. I realized on a deeper level how very interconnected all living beings are on this planet and came to my own personal understanding that this is how plants work. They speak to us, not in spoken english of course but in the way they make us feel and in the way that they show up in our lives. Dandelion always showed up for me whether it was to put a smile on my little girl face or to ease my troubled belly. So needless to say, I bought the book. When I got home I shared it with my mother and investigated this theory a little more. I read about Lavender, my mother's favorite plant. And sure enough it happened again. As I read Mia’s description of Lavender it felt as though it was written about my mother. So I called my dear friend and Yin Yoga Queen Sally Miller and asked her what her favorite plant was. It is Passionflower and Mia was dead on again. I truly love this book. It is insightful, fun and beautiful. Plus comes with a deck of illustrated herb cards. Whether you are new to the healing powers of plants, want to get a new perspective or just have some fun I recommend you do yourself a favor and check it out and find out what your Spirit Plant is!

Here some tips for enjoying my favorite: Dandelion

Harvest: I recommend harvesting fresh young plants in their entirety. So dig into the Earth and get it all, from the root up. Be sure to get them from a spot that has not been sprayed with chemicals and is not close to the road.

Separate: Begin cutting off the greens, roots and flowers and put them into 3 different bowls.

Greens: Rinse. Blanch (don’t skip this step - they are very bitter and this helps to make them much more palatable).  Sauté (avocado oil, garlic and onion is my simple favorite).