health updates from around the web

All About Dandelions

Author:

Lindsey Feldpausch, School for Aromatic Studies

So ingenious are its seeds they carry their own parachute, floating on the wind in elegance, capable of up to a mile’s travel. This plant, subjected to the most toxic pesticides by some, is actually a medicine the likes of which our society needs in mass. And their food utility, edible from root to flower, was appreciated enough by humans past to carry it to many far-off places.

EXCERPT FROM ORIGINAL POST

Latin Name: Taraxacum officinale
Family: Asteraceae
Energetics: Cooling, bitter tonic
Taste: Bitter, sweet, minerally

In the early days of spring, Dandelions draw the eye with their tufts of golden petals perched on a single, hollow stem. Prolific is their nature. To one it is either a bane to behold, undermining all previous attempts at lawn care, or a sun-fed medicinal plant to cherish, you may choose your side.

For me, as the warm days roll in I witness the first Dandelion blossom with awe, celebrating its simple beauty, year after year. If you watch children and their first spring encounters with Dandelion, many are just as enthralled as I, if not more so. And why wouldn’t they be! The flowers serve as body paint and lawn snacks all in one, and when the seeds come, a breath filled wishing game on a stalk.

I say follow the children’s lead, let go of the dull idea of a pristine lawn and appreciate the Dandelion for what it is, a weed of wonder.

So ingenious are its seeds they carry their own parachute, floating on the wind in elegance, capable of up to a mile’s travel. This plant, subjected to the most toxic pesticides by some, is actually a medicine the likes of which our society needs in mass. And their food utility, edible from root to flower, was appreciated enough by humans past to carry it to many far-off places.

Long considered a traditional spring tonic, Dandelions were anticipated in the first warm days to provide the nutrient density of fresh vegetables missing from a winter’s diet.

Growing in a basal rosette, these early spring Dandelion greens are most palatable picked before flowering. The leaves as they grow older become tougher and increasingly bitter. The greens are packed full of nutrients, you can try them in a salad or a sauté, as they can be consumed raw or cooked.

The flower can be eaten raw, along with the flower stem, or cooked in any manner you see fit.

Dandelion roots can be chopped and put into stir fries. Filling a necessary bitterness to the diets of today.  The roots also house inulin, an indigestible fiber that feeds our gut microbiome.

READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE AT:  

School for Aromatic Studies

Author:  

Lindsey Feldpausch, School for Aromatic Studies

About the Source Company:

The study of aromatherapy and essential oils is, at its essence, about relationships. It’s about nourishing a relationship with aromatic plants, essential oils, and the natural world, as well as enhancing your relationship with yourself and wellness.

The School for Aromatic Studies has gone through many changes over the years. It has been known as the New England Center for Aromatherapy, the Institute of Dynamic Aromatherapy, the East-West School for Herbal and Aromatic Studies, and the New York Institute of Aromatic Studies. Regardless of its name, the one consistent aspect was the visionary and force behind the school, Jade Shutes. Passionate about aromatherapy, aromatic plants, education, aromatherapy practice (both on self and others), and aromatic distillation, Jade is embracing her rooted and authentic voice to return to the name: the School for Aromatic Studies.

Jade Shutes started her journey as one of the first aromatherapy schools in the U.S. back in 1990. From that beginning, Jades mission was to offer a balanced, progressive and inspiring approach to aromatherapy education.

Leave a Comment

Cynthe Brush

Certified Clinical (Medical) Aromatherapist Creating Custom Blends Since 1999

Therapeutic Essential Oils Practitioner & Self-Care Health Educator has used essential oils for personal, family, & client health issues since 1999.

Personal Consultations:
Pre-paid on an hourly basis

Gaia’s Pharmacopeia – Buy Healing Essential Oils Blends / 100% Natural Botanical Perfumes: Effective essential oil blends for Athletic Injuries; Sprains – Broken Bones; Wounds & Surgeries; Backaches; Headaches; Dizziness; Herpes Simplex; Stress and more.
Generated by Feedzy