Monday 7 March 2011

Digging up Dandelions

The weather has been glorious -and I have been out there making the most of it digging up dandelions roots on the nu moon -these extremely long resiliant tap roots came out easily from the damp soil, just breaking off and leaving tiny sections that will grow into more of this valuable herb in the future.

A perennial, the Dandelion is a member of the sunflower family, the name comes from the French, 'dents de lion' ("teeth of the lion") due to the shape of the leaves.

 As a herb of Jupiter  - it has to do with growth and expansion.

Elementally I have it as an Earth plant -because of the impressively long tap root...


Dandelions are popular with beekeepers as they are an early source of nectar.

Dandelion leaves also known as 'piss the bed', are of course diuretic but spare potassium unlike their chemical counterparts -often prescribed in hypertention. -these leaves are grown commercially for salad greens tasting a little bitter -go pick some n have a try- they are high in vits and iron and calcium.

Dandelion root is a fantastic liver tonic especially at this time of the year, when our livers need a bit of a cleanse from the winter riches of heavy fatty foods and sweets. Medicinally the root can be used for gallstones, constipation and other toxic conditions such as chronic joint and skin inflammations.

The white sap may be applied directly to warts.

All parts of the Dandelion plant give off ethylene gas which can have an allelopathic effect on surrounding plants. Some fruit producers grow them below the canopy of their trees to promote even ripening. The leaves and flowers can be placed in a bag with fruit to help it to ripen.
I was diggin em up thinking happily to myself that no law or legislation can ever stop me from doing this

-muddy fingered wide smiling witchi brew making hehe

I took em into the kitchen washed the roots well and then grated them into a jar and covered with Vodka -next nu moon I shall strain them out and have my wonderful dandelion root tincture..

This tincture is one of the ingrediant in our Drops of Courage -
These extremely supportive drops help to stay focused and upbeat through challenging times

Dandelion helps to ground and centre strengthening the emotional body, giving a clearer sense of self. It gives the ability to be strong in our convictions and through directly supporting the liver helps to dissolve confusing, often 'irrational' feelings that might arise from there.

Both Borage and Dandelion are ruled by Jupiter which has a creative, expansive energy. Borage is traditionally used for courage and supports the adrenal glands making all of life's challenges (those that happen inside as well) easier to face.

Daisy brings joy to those who take it and as a herb of the sun cleanses and lightens, they are constantly being trodden down, but always bounce back. It's diuretic action means the daisy is used to eliminate toxins helping to clear the skin and promote immunity.

1 comment:

  1. Wicked to read your blog again, so informative and flowing with the seasons. bring on the springtime. thanx

    ReplyDelete