An Adventure with Dandelion

Last month in our Herbal Living workshop we all chose a plant that we would develop a deeper relationship with for the month. I was pretty certain it would be smart for me to study one that I use on a frequent basis, however, Dandelion wouldn't leave me alone and was pretty determined that I spend time with it. So be it. I took my trowel and my bag and headed out to a field that I felt was relatively untouched by major pollutants or pesticides and started to dig.

I thought it would be helpful to share my process for those who might be interested in harvesting their own plants so I took some pictures of each step once I returned home. I did not think of this until I returned home, however, digging the roots was pretty basic....yet respectful in every way. I made sure to feel the response of each area I was to dig and listened carefully to the ones who seemed to approve. When I received a "no" in my head I acknowledged this as the plant speaking and moved on. I have to admit that has taken some time to get to this level of trust as prior to this my ego often wanted to let me know I was being ridiculous for even considering the idea, letting me know I was really being "off the wall" with these ideas. Fortunately now I kinda like being "off the wall"! 

I have displayed a sort of slide show to outline my process. This is my first time working with these pictures in this format so you'll notice its kinda choppy but hey....being technically correct is not the point here at all anyway! I must say that the entire process preparing the dandelions took a good chunk of my afternoon and early evening. It is definitely an activity that needs to be given time and attention......and truly.... isn't that how good relationships are formed?!

 Preparing the dandelion

After my adventure of digging up the roots we arrive home and now get ready to prepare some precious remedies and food. First things first....I have to wash the dirt off the plant and remove any travellers that joined us along the way.

  

Noticing the various sizes I determine what might be the easiest way to organize the leaves for later preparation. As you can see below, I ensure the stems are lined up neatly on a plate.

I have divided the larger and smaller leaves -- the smaller leaves for salad (they are a little less bitter) and the larger ones for stir fry and soup. It also makes it easier to tie the stems when I dry the remainder of leaves.

               

Once I have separated the roots from the leaves I chop them into small pieces and begin to place them in my jar to make a tincture.

As you can see, I filled up the jar about 3/4 of the way in order to leave room for the alcohol. Generally I use vodka, however recently in one of my courses; Heather Nic Fhleideir, an herbalist from Eugene, Oregon, talked about the value of using Scotch Whiskey as a menstruum. This was a bit of enlightening news as ironically never before did I really think about the medicinal properties of the alcohol itself. Scotch Whiskey is made from Barley and Barley is known for its emollient, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. She also said that it is best to buy the least expensive one. This totally surprised me yet made total sense as the cheaper the alcohol the higher the astringent properties and that is exactly what we are looking for! 


Once I fill up the bottle to the top I close the cap, I MAKE SURE I label the bottle with the name of the plant and the date of preparation. (I have thought in the past I would remember what it was, however, trust me not a good idea!)



My tincture is now done yet I may have gotten over excited with my digging and I have a tremendous amount of leaves and roots left so back to the beginning .....

  

....might as well enjoy a glass of the dandelion blossom wine I made in the spring, turn on the music and keep on with the chopping and sorting!

After a stretch of peaceful time with the dandelions...

and my cat Lucky supervising.....

 The leaves are cut and sorted, ready to be laid out and hung to dry and the roots  ready to be dehydrated.      

                After several hours in the kitchen, the roots are ready for dandelion coffee and tincture, the leaves are hanging .....(creatively I might add, as due to a lack of space I hung them on my indoor laundry line and kept them in the spare room away from curious cat eyes!) The fresh leaves are in the fridge for salads, wraps, soups or stir-fries! All is done.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Thank you Dandelion!