Dandelion

Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale), now viewed as the despised lawn weed was once a herbal hero!

It's greens are edible and are high in beta carotene (112% of the RDI beneficial for skin and vision health), fibre, vitamin C, calcium, iron, zinc, and potassium, while it's roots can make for a useful coffee substitute, and its flowers to make beers and wines

Research is being performed to investigate the anticancer effect of the root, and have found effectiveness in treatment against human T cell leukemia, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, pancreatic and colon cancer. All with no toxicity to non-cancer cells.

If foraging for dandelion greens, be careful to pick in areas that are not sprayed with pesticides or subjected to pollution. I love to saute mine with some onions, garlic, chilli, and olive oil.

Dr. Cristina Allen ND