Before it blooms eat the young greens which are high in vitamin A in a salad or steamed. Soak small pieces of the flower stalk in equal parts of water and vinegar overnight for pickles. Dry the root and roast in a slow oven until brown, grind and simmer 10 minutes for a drink likened to coffee. Eat the boiled roots for a vegetable. Dandelion leaf tea, high in potassium, makes a good diuretic for fluid retention.
Dandelion root is an excellent cleansing herb for the stomach and liver.
It is high in iron and calcium, increases digestion and helps to prevent constipation. And it has been recommended for jaundice, anemia, and skin blemishes. Back to the top. This herb is well known for its ability to give the immune system a boost when fighting off colds and other common illnesses. Back to the top.