My Dandelion
Last year, at about this time, our lawn was exploding with thick lush emerald green, and the scent from a newly cut lawn carpet was an intoxicating and welcomed comfort that woke the dull effects of a cold grey winter. But with all of that new growth, came the “dreaded dandelion” which seemed to be in a race with each blade of grass.
While botanists consider dandelions to be herbs and some use the leaves, stem, flower, and root of the dandelion for medicinal purposes, my knee-jerk reaction was always to rip them out, and to keep a pristine lawn if and whenever I could. In my mind, these pesky yellow flowers were relentless and told the world I didn’t care. I would count them, grunt while hastily pulling them. Silly, but I would lose the battle every year mid July. I knew they would win in the end no matter what lawn service I did or didn’t use. Still I played along.
Until last spring, I tried an experiment.
I chose one special dandelion near my kitchen window to love, nurture and care for into it’s full potential -whatever that was… Just to see what would happen…
This thing not only grew like crazy, topping 5 ft. in height eventually, it was a magical home for bees first as thistles bloomed, and as it flowered then came the butterflies, and then in the tiny birds perched and bounced on the branches as if to play. While I thought it was I nurturing one dandelion, it was that one dandelion nurturing so many little creatures in my yard.
I stopped all chemicals, watched this weed every day as it kept growing into an early Fall Christmas tree the most amazing surprise awaited me. The other small dandelions stopped popping up and seemed to put all of their energy into fueling this one sprout. Because weeds like this are all really just one big weed anyway. It was the remedy I never saw coming. My lawn looked fine and was spared a million little weed offshoots. Instead, it concentrated it’s growth onto only that one big dandelion.
In this time of stillness we are all experiencing, maybe it’s time to see old ways of doing things with a fresh “earthy” perspective. I could not have experienced this without the, “What If?” moment. Now if I could just do this with crabgrass… LOL.
The top 10 potential benefits of dandelion include:
1. An antioxidant. Antioxidants work to neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals that accelerate aging or the progression of certain diseases.
Dandelions contain beta-carotene and polyphenols, which help protect cells from damage.
2. Reducing cholesterol
Dandelions contain bioactive compounds that may help lower a person’s cholesterol.
3. Regulating blood sugar
In 2016, some researchers proposed that dandelion’s antihyperglycemic, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties might help treat type 2 diabetes.
4. Reducing inflammation
In one 2014 study, researchers found that chemicals present in dandelions had some positive effects on reducing inflammatory responses.
5. Lowering blood pressure
Dandelions are a good source of potassium. There is clinical evidence that shows that potassium can help reduce blood pressure.
6. Aiding weight loss
A chemical present in dandelions may help reduce weight gain and lipid retention, improving carbohydrate metabolism and reduce fat absorption.
7. Reducing cancer risk
Some limited, but positive, research has indicated that dandelion may help reduce the growth of pancreatic and liver cancer.
8. Boosting the immune system
Antiviral and antibacterial properties have been found to help limit the growth of hepatitis B in both human and animal cells.
9. Aiding digestion
Some people use dandelion as a traditional remedy for constipation and other digestion issues.
10. Keeping skin healthy.
Some research indicates that dandelion may help protect the skin from sun damage by reducing the impact of one type of damaging UV light possibly helping a person look younger for longer.
*Dandelions are rich in nutrients and could be a healthful addition to a person’s diet or daily supplements. As with any supplement, it is best to speak to a doctor before taking them to discuss possible risks and interactions with other medications.
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324083#10-possible-health-benefits