Dandelion - Taraxacum officinale

I often wonder at what point in time this plant with it's bright beautiful happy yellow flowers became such an eyesore. I mean.. to the point where once that pretty little flower shows it's face in the vast sea of green grass, all hell breaks loose as the pursuit of killing it off with poisons begins. 

It really is harmless. And dandelion infused oil, to me, if you could capture sunshine and summertime, put them in a jar and solar infuse them together, that is what it would smell like. 👌

Parts used: root, leaves, flowers, milky sap 

Medicinal properties:  

Root 
Diuretic - causing increased passing of urine.
Nutritive  - providing nourishment, nutritious.
Choleretic - increases the volume of secretion of bile from the liver as well as the amount of solids secreted.
Cholagogue - promotes the discharge of bile from the system, purging it downward.
Alterative -  gradually restores the proper function of the body and increase health and vitality.

Flowers, leaves 
Diuretic - causing increased passing of urine.
Nutritive  - providing nourishment, nutritious.  
Alterative -  gradually restores the proper function of the body and increase health and vitalitity.   
                          
Medical studies have shown that some doctors have their breast cancer patients use dandelion infused oil as a breast massage oil in conjunction with their other treatments. The oil, when massaged into the breast and under arm areas promotes softening of the fibrous breast tissue and also aides in breaking up and releasing toxins from the lymph nodes. This is something that everyone could benefit from. 

Massaging the oil into your temples, neck and shoulders helps with tension and sinus headaches. Also for soothing sore muscles, diaper rash, dry hands and dry cracked lips. The milky substance found in the stem helps as a wort remover. Just break open the stem and rub the inside liquid on your wort. This has to be reapplied several times before any improvement.

dandelion flowers infusing in extra virgin olive oil

The oil can be soothing for eczema, psoriasis, minor burns, minor wounds and rashes. Dandelion root and or the flowers can be helpful for acne. Simmer the flowers or the roots in water for about an hour then strain. Use that liquid to wash your face. You can also squeeze the milky liquid from the stems of the plant and dab that on the areas of your body that has the acne.

The roots - it's best to harvest in the fall, particularly after a good rain as this helps to pull the roots up and out of the ground easier. Also, those medicinal properties from the above the ground parts of the plant are being sent to the roots. 👍 The roots can be used fresh or dried for making teas, tinctures, decoctions and dandelion root vinegar. These herbals can be used for digestive issues, gull bladder issues, a detox for the liver, bacterial infections in your digestive tract, reproductive organs and also cancers. 

The fresh flowers and leaves are not only delicious tossed in with other salad greens but are a powerhouse of nutrients. One cup of chopped dandelion greens (55 grams) contains approximately:

24.7 calories
5.1 grams carbohydrates
1.5 grams protein
0.4 gram fat
1.9 grams fiber
428 micrograms vitamin K (535 percent DV)
5,588 international units vitamin A (112 percent DV)
19.3 milligrams vitamin C (32 percent DV)
103 milligrams calcium (10 percent DV)
1.7 milligrams iron (9 percent DV)
1.9 milligrams vitamin E (9 percent DV)
0.2 milligram manganese (9 percent DV)

Dandelion greens also contain a small amount of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and copper. Resource - Dr. Axe

This link here; https://www.cancertutor.com/dandelionroot/  will take you to another site that has valuable information on the treatment of cancer using dandelion.  

For more information on dandelion root, click here.
For information on preparing dandelion root tincture, click here 
 
***  I just recently discovered that there is a correlation with dandelion and latex allergy. 

Dandelion contains latex. If you are allergic to latex be sure to do your research before using any products containing dandelion. That's any and all parts of the dandelion.

I can say from experience that this is definitely something to take serious. I'm allergic to latex. I've been using dandelion medicine for years, both internally and topically, with no problems at all. Several months ago I began experiencing allergy related symptoms. After learning about the correlation between dandelion and latex it now makes sense as to what has been going on with my body. 

So for me, I'm sad that I will not be able to use dandelion medicine anymore. At least for now. However, I am very thankful to have received this knowledge.

One more thing to add in regards to latex allergy. There is also a correlation between latex and certain fruits, vegetables and other medicinal plants. Be sure to check that out. Two of the food biggies are bananas and avocados. Medicinal plant - wild lettuce; Lactuca virosa    
  

Berries - for a healthy immune system

Berries, not only delicious but packed with immunity boosting antioxidants.  

strawberries, blueberries, blackberries

Antioxidants work at protecting and repairing the cells from cellular damage - thus strengthening the immune system.

What causes cellular damage? 

Poor nutrition = Lack of fruits and vegetables in our daily diets. 

The chemicals in our food sources;  artificial colors and flavors, nitrates and monosodium glutamate, aka - M.S.G. Reference

Smoking - According to the lung association there are 600 ingredients in cigarettes, and when burned that cigarette creates over 7000 chemicals. Wow. 😲

Mental and emotional stress, excessive worrying. If you stop and think about it, what positive change does stressing and or worrying create? All it does is create more experiences for you to stress and worry about. It's like a vicious cycle that only worsens any situation.

Lack of sleep - weakens your immune system's defenses against viruses like those that cause the common cold and flu. You are more likely to get sick when exposed to these germs. Reference

All these factors, and there are more, contribute to the weakening of our inner cellular structure - resulting in illness and at times, disease.

Isn't it amazing how something so simple as eating berries can assist in creating and maintaining a healthy balance within our bodies? Of course eliminating as many of the root causes of  cellular breakdown is important for maintaining that healthy balance. 👌

Other antioxidant rich foods, spices and herbs; 

dark chocolate

blueberry, mulberry, pineapple, banana smoothie

pecans
elderberries
mulberries
cranberries
pomegranates
pineapple
cilantro
kale
kidney beans
artichokes
broccoli
squash
tomatoes
carrots
sweet potatoes
clove
allspice
cinnamon
oregano
peppermint
sage
rosemary
garlic
ginger
turmeric

Chicory ~ Cichorium intybus

Chicory has a long tradition of use. Historically it was grown by the ancient Egyptians as a medicinal plant, coffee substitute, vegetable crop and was occasionally used for animal forage. 


Medicinal properties: antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, nutritive, diuretic, antiseptic

Parts used: leaves, flowers and roots

Benefits: liver health, disgestive health, detoxify, calm the nerves, regulate the heartbeat, treat osteoarthritis, gout, diabetes, coffee substitute, flower essence.

Chicory root contains several potent, aromatic, active properties that can be utilized through an herbal tincture and or drinking chicory root coffee. The roots are at their peak of medicinal benefits when harvested in the fall. If you do not wish to go through the process of harvesting you can purchase the dried roots for making your tinctures and or coffee. You can also purchase ground, preroasted chicory coffee.  👍   

Inulin - an excellent prebiotic that feeds and strengthens the gut colony of healthy bacteria. Chicory root contains as much as 8% inulin, which is converted in the gut, fist into short-chain fatty acids, then into ketones that nourish colon cells and produce hormones that control appetite. 

Lactones - digestive bitters, potent volatile oils; they are strong anti-parasite, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.

Mannitol - a sugar that paradoxically supports oral health, prevents dental caries, tooth decay and cavities. But mannitol also helps stabilize blood sugar and insulin. 

Polyphenols - powerful antioxidants; support gut health, help prevent cardiovascular diseases, cancer, osteoporosis and many other. 

Lactucin - a bitter substance with a mild sedative, calming effect; it also slightly reduces pain, lowers cholesterol, and is antibacterial.
Reference 

I came across some interesting, but limited, articles on how chicory juice made from the flowers and roots strengthen the prostate and reproductive organs and has also been used in treating cancer of the uterus. Again, those articles are limited. If you have any additional information, especially regarding prostate health, I would appreciate if you shared via an email or through my Instagram account.
Reference
Reference

photo credit; An Italian in my Kitchen https://anitalianinmykitchen.com/sauteed-chicory/

Chicory greens and flowers are a good source of Thiamin, Niacin, Zinc, dietary fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Vitamin K, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Copper and Manganese. Source

The young leaves are gathered in the early spring and are cooked alone or mixed with other greens; such as spinach and or turnip greens. You can harvest the leaves throughout the year, however, once the heat sets in the leaves have a tendency to become tougher. 

Chicory is a digestive bitter. Bitter herbs and foods stimulate saliva from the salivary glands, bile in the liver and gallbladder and enzymes in the stomach and small intestine. These actions improve the breaking down of food and allows for better absorption of nutrients as well as improve overall liver and gallbladder function and health. 

Other foods that are considered bitters;  
artichoke 
arugula
brussels sprouts
kale
egg plant
dark chocolate
citrus fruits. 

Herbs that are considered bitters; 
Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale 
Goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis 
Milk Thistle, Silybum marianum 
Peppermint, Mentha piperita 
Wormwood, Artemisia absinthium 
Yarrow, Achilles millefolium


Chicory also shares emotional and mental healing within her beautiful blue flowers via flower essences. Click here
for more information.

Chicory might lower blood sugar and may interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Be sure to talk with your doctor.

Chicory stimulates the production of bile. This could be a problem for people with gallstones. Be sure to with your doctor before using. chicory 

Blueberries for Good Health

I just love these beautiful, vibrant, sweet tasting little berries! Used to be a time when food was just something to fill me up when I was hungry. I didn't really think of food in the sense of how it actually helps in healing our body when it's out of balance and how what we choose to eat on a daily basis is so instrumental in our overall health. Take the blueberry for example;  


Did you know this berry is one of the most antioxidant rich fruits in the world? In brief, antioxidants work by protecting and repairing our cells from cellular damage. What causes this type of damage? Diets that lack fruits and vegetables, consuming too many unhealthy fats, the artificial colors, flavorings and other chemicals  in our foods, drinking water, bath and beauty products. Also, air pollution, smoking, stress, lack of sleep. All these factors are what contribute to the weakening of, and damage to, our inner cellular structure. Over time this leads to an imbalance in our bodies, which can then lead to the manifestation of illnesses and diseases - like heart disease, cancers, diabetes, high blood pressure, auto-immune disease and skin issues. So eating foods that contain antioxidants is pretty important for our overall health.

Urinary Tract Infections 

These berries contain a compound called proanthocyanidins. What they do is prevent infectious bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract and bladder. With no place to attach to, the bacteria is flushed out with your urine. Bye bye UTI. 😉    


Where do they get that beautiful blue color ?

From a natural plant pigment called anthocyanin. This is also where other fruits, veggies, leaves, stems, roots and flowers get their red, blue and purple coloring. There are many health benefits and medicinal properties associated with anthocyanins as well. 

anti-cancer - inhibits the growth of cancer cells by reducing inflammation within the body.  

anti-viral - inhibits the development of a virus. Giving your immune system a boost which helps your body fight off and shorten the duration of a virus and reduces the severity of symptoms. 

anti-inflammatory - food allergies, consuming foods high in sugar, unhealthy fats, smoking, lack of exercise, carrying excess weight, emotional and mental stress, all contribute to creating chronic inflammation in the body. When your body reaches this point, you leave yourself open for heart disease, stroke, cancers, diabetes, arthritis and autoimmune disease. Eating foods with anti-inflammatory properties reduces inflammation in the body. However, if a change in lifestyle is not introduced, there is no way any anti-inflammatory is going to be able to help heal the body from any illness brought on from chronic inflammation.  

 
 Regarding chronic inflammation - Resources

The best way to get the health benefits from blueberries is by eating them in their natural form. Raw. You can freeze them, although some feel this does hinder some of the health benefits and medicinal properties and then again, some feel that it does not. I don't know whether it does or not. I do know that I love eating them frozen as well as fresh. I especially like adding the frozen berries to my oatmeal. Yum.  

The leaves of the plant have the same health benefits and medicinal properties as the berries. Sipping on a warm cup of tea made from either fresh or dried leaves will give your immunity a boost and also help in the recovery of colds and or the flu.  

I could go on and on here about the benefits these sweet little berries have to offer health wise, but then this post would end up being waaay too long. Be sure to do some more research and incorporate them into your daily diet. Your body will thank you with healthier skin and hair, stronger bones, healthier digestive system, enhanced brain health.         

Ginger - Zingiber officinale

Ginger glycerite

I love the warm spicy nature of fresh ginger. 
If I have the chills from either having a cold or from it being a cold winters day, I'll sip a cup of warm tea made with either fresh root or a ginger herbal. 
Those warming properties open up the blood vessels allowing for better blood circulation, which warms a body up in no time. 😊  

This herb has quite an extensive list of medicinal properties. Be sure to read up on all it has to offer. In brief, ginger works on the gastrointestinal system to relieve gas, bloating, colic, nausea, morning sickness, diarrhea, motion sickness and stomach flu. You can utilize the benefits of ginger from teas, essential oils, herbals, and by incorporating in your everyday cooking.      

Diluting a few drops of ginger essential oil in a carrier oil can be used to massage into the back of the neck for tension headaches. Also works as a massage oil for backaches and muscle pain. Applying the oil or a poultice made from fresh ginger over the lower abdomen can also be helpful in relieving menstrual cramps. 

One of the chemical compounds in ginger is an oily resin called gingerol. Gingerol is a potent anti-inflammatory. It works by reducing chronic inflammation in the body, which leads to reduced pain and swelling associated with illnesses such as; colitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Also improves mobility by decreasing inflammation and pain in arthritic joints. If left unchecked chronic inflammation can cause other illnesses too -  

diabetes

heart disease 
kidney disease 
cancers
stroke
autoimmune disease

I encourage you to reflect on your current health. Do some research on the benefits of ginger and chronic inflammation. Also, check out turmeric as it also has potent anti-inflammatory properties. If you find that you have an illness caused by inflammation be sure to talk with your health care provider about incorporating ginger in your daily diet. Also, as you are doing your research, be sure to take note on the types of  foods that cause chronic inflammation. As if one does not change their diet by eliminating the root causes the body will have a difficult time healing.   💗