Dandelion leaves and flower
I recently came across some interesting research revealing how dandelion, that plant with golden yellow flowers, many try to get rid of in their lawns, is a potent cancer fighting medicine.
Dandelions have long held a top spot in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a remedy for digestive upset, inflammation, and kidney disease, being boiled nicely into a healing tea. More recently, dandelion root has been a focus of study for its ability to improve liver and gallbladder function, as well as stimulate appetite. Researchers at the University of Windsor in Canada proved that a potent form of dandelion root extract killed leukemia, melanoma, and pancreatic cancer cells in lab mice. Human clinical trials are now taking place to evaluate how the dandelion root extract might help in treating blood-related cancers, including lymphoma and leukemia.. See original article here
However, we can avoid needing an extract to heal cancer by preventing it in the first place. Regularly using the leaves in smoothies and by digging up the roots and turning them into a warming drink will boost our immune systems, making us more resiliant to illness. To make the coffee dig up the roots of big plants in late autumn and winter, when the energy of the plant has gone from the leaves to the roots, clean them, cut them up into small pieces and then lightly roast them in a 100 degree Celsius oven for an hour or until they are totally dry and hard and you can smell their nice aroma. Any moisture left and they will go mouldy. Make a nice coffee substitute by taking 1T of the roots and grinding it in a coffee grinder (if you don’t have one just boil the pieces of root), boil it in 1.5 cups of water for 5 minutes. Strain the liquid and enjoy the flavour. Add honey and milk if you prefer.
Peaches and Weeds Smoothie
Instead of peaches and cream, this is a recipe without dairy food that results in a rich, creamy texture full of the nutrition found in wild edible weeds, in season fruit and spices. The fat in the avocado helps with the assimilation of the vitamins in the greens and the little pinch of salt brings out the cardamom flavour. Chilian guavas are ripe now and tasty. In the photo they are the little red colored berries.
12 creeping mallow leaves
Peaches & Weed Smoothie with Chilean Guavas, cardamom. Weeds from left chickweed, dandelion, plantain, chickweed.
6 dandelion leaves
4 plantain leaves
1 leaf of spinach or a sugar beet or beetroot leaf
1 large sprig of sweet basil
handful of chickweed
3 red clover flowers
1/2 tsp turmeric
6 cardamom freshly ground with 1 T pumpkin seeds
pinch sea salt
2 peaches
1 banana
2 T chilean guavas
1/2 avocado
2 tsp lemon juice
3 cups water
Place the greens in the blender jug and add the water, fruit, spices, salt and avocado.
Blend the mixture for 60 seconds or until it is nicely smooth. Have a taste test and if it
is not sweet enough for you add a teaspoon of honey. You’ll get 4 cups of creamy delicious smoothie. Cheers!
Years ago I was cautioned to not use toooo much dandelion, what is the problem of overuse?
Hi Ann, I wonder how much too much is and was the advice referring to leaves or roots? If one is in doubt it is best to consult one’s Doctor before taking wild plants.
However, you may have been advised not to take too much because dandelion stimulates the production of bile, so it should not be used by patients with gallstones or an obstruction of the bile ducts. Patients with stomach ulcers or gastritis are generally encouraged to avoid dandelion, as it may stimulate overproduction of stomach acid.
The milky substance in the stem and leaves of fresh dandelion may cause an allergic rash in some people. People with a confirmed sensitivity to inulin, a fiber widely found in fruits, vegetables and plants, should avoid dandelion.
Certain medications may interact with dandelion. Loop diuretics, spironolactone, thiazide diuretics and triamterene may all react adversely with dandelion products. It may also reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin.
Wow Julia, what a thorough reply. You are a mine of information.
My dietician advises me not to have smoothies as she considers that the liquidising affects the amount of fibre …with my aging paraplegic body my colon needs all the fibre it can get.
However I do have home liquidised soups (especially pumpkin) so perhaps it is about balance.?
With gratitude for your very informative site including others who share their specialised knowledge,
Marilyn of Westmere
I’m curious that your dietician considers the fibre affected by liquidising. I know for myself there is huge amounts of fibre in the smoothie and it definitely helps my bowels having them daily. I will look into that a bit more though as it is an interesting thing that I’d like to know more about.
Thank you for writing!
I have a question! So that Peaches & weeds the ingredients for that smoothie. So I add all of the ingredients in the blender. I’m so excited about it.
HI Steven, thank you for writing with your question. Yes you just add all the ingredients together in the blender and it is delicious. Enjoy!