As an herbalist one of my main goals in alternative healing and nutrition is teaching the value of obnoxious weeds as a food source.
For many years as a forager growing up on my grandmother’s small farm, I learned many lessons of sustainability from canning, making soap, curing, and most of all learning how to eat common weeds.
Foraging For Food
Foraging is not a new idea, but it’s new for those who are not familiar with the rewards of foraging. However, foraging requires proper identification when it comes to plants growing out in fields, pastures, woods, meadows, etc. So, if you’re interested in foraging make sure you learn the rules of thumb.
When in doubt throw it out. Don’t forage from the side of the road, and if you forage from your yard make sure you or your neighbor hasn’t sprayed toxic chemicals in your yard.
The Incredible, Edible Weed!
There are many obnoxious weeds that are edible in the state of Texas in which you can find a plethora of information online and in books as well.
When I mention edible weeds it usually sends the reader down another road. But, from the great poet Robert Frost’s poem The Ode to the Road Not Taken, “I took the road less traveled by and that has made all the difference”.
I will use the term edible weeds in this article rather than using the rude terminology obnoxious weeds.
We shall begin with the most common, villainous, ignored weed and one of my most favorite edible weeds of ALL TIME!
This beautiful sun-loving edible weed with rosettes of soft green-shaped toothed leaves also has a wonderful deep taproot that is beaming with benefits. What makes this particular edible weed more delectable is its singular yellow flower on one stem.
If you haven’t figured out which plant, I am referring to, it is the amazing common name Dandelion aka scientific name Taraxacum Officinale. Let me say there are many dandelion species or false species therefore it is very important for proper identification. I like to think of the Dandelion as a human body, the head is the dandelion flower, the long stem, is the neck and spinal cord, and then its leaves represent the appendages while the roots represent the nervous system. Because dandelion is such a dandy of a plant it’s considered a hardy perennial which depending on your zone you may see it growing all year long. It can grow almost a foot tall if left undisturbed.
Uses of the Dandelion
Now that we have discussed its identity, it’s time to get to the meat of it. (See what I did there?) How do we use this beautiful edible weed?
Let’s begin with its nutritional value. Dandelion is chocked full of vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Dandelion leaves can be used in salads, sandwiches, and teas. You can find commercial dandelions sold in grocery stores in the produce aisle. The roots are used in some coffee substitutes, and the flowers are used to make wines. The taste of fresh dandelion greens is bitter, but they can be cooked alone or with other greens such as collards, mustards, and turnips. It can be used as an alternative when recipes require spinach.
Next, lets jump into its beneficial properties. Dandelion fresh or dried leaf, roots and flower can be used as a laxative, diuretic, appetite stimulant, liver detox, improve gallbladder function, and help with kidney function. Dandelion tea is known to promote weight loss while its dried roasted roots are known as a coffee alternative.
Dandelion Recipe
Here is a simple tonic recipe for weight loss!
This tonic can be taken 2- 4 times a day for a few weeks or more. Be sure that you acquire your dandelion from a reputable source, free of pesticides.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup raw dandelion root
1/4 cup roasted dandelion root
1/4 cup dandelion leaves
raw honey to taste
Directions:
Place the herbs in a clean 1-quart canning jar.
Pour boiling water over the herbs, filling the jar to the top.
Stir well.
Cover the jar with lid allowing to infuse for 6 hours or overnight.
Strain and discard the pulp. If you have a garden put in the compost pile. You can drink 3-4 cups daily as a hot tea or drink 8 oz glass with no ice. You can do this up to 10 days then allow your body to rest for 3 days before you repeat the process.
Resources
Learn more about foraging through your state agriculture extension or internet. The above information is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not to cure, treat or diagnose. Seek the advice of a medical professional if you are under their care before using any herbal supplements.
Remember, this is a weed eater and a wiser you is a healthier you.
Informational Website: Foraging Texas
About the author, Stephonia W Roberts is an award-winning author, a herbalist, and a certified Master Naturalist. As the business owner of Mrs. Jacks Natural & Organic Body Foods, LLC she offers classes in foraging, herbs, and tea making through her nonprofit The Garden of Eve Project.
Learn more about Stephonia and the work she is doing by following her on social media and her Garden of Eve website!
