Dandelion Root - Taraxacum officinale

Such a beautiful plant with so much to offer health wise. All parts - flowers, stems, leaves and roots can be used to make medicine.

With the temperatures dipping into the 30's over night, the medicinal properties from the above the ground parts of the plant are being sent to the roots, making this a good time of the year to harvest those roots! These beauties will be made into a tincture that will be used to support liver health. 💪

It’s fascinating the amount of functions the liver is responsible for - and when any of those functions are compromised there can be an array of health issues that begin to manifest. One of those functions is producing bile.

In brief, bile, a digestive juice produced by the liver, travels from the liver to the gallbladder where it is stored. When we eat, the gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine where it then begins to break down and prepare the foods for further digestion and absorption by the body.

If the liver is not working properly, sometimes this is referred to as a sluggish liver, bile production can become compromised and those health issues will begin to manifest.

Dandelion root helps by stimulating a sluggish liver thus improving bile production.

So that means a healthy bile producing liver makes for a happy digestive system as well as a healthier gallbladder. 🥰

This is just one example of how dandelion root can benefit the liver. Be sure to learn more about the medicinal benefits. If you do you’ll discover how it also works on the gallbladder and pancreas.
 
For instructions on making tinctures click here → Herbal Preparations 
 

Be sure to check for any drug interactions before using dandelion root. 🌺  


***  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. Now I will begin to address the root cause as to why my immune system over reacts to certain plants thus causing the symptoms I have been experiencing. 

One more thing to add in regards to latex allergy. There is also a correlation between latex and certain fruits and 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    

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is formed from volcanic ash that has weathered and aged for many years. When you purchase the clay it comes in a powdered form. After adding your liquid it forms into a soft clay. Bentonite has a negative electromagnetic charge, when applied to your skin works like a magnet pulling and absorbing the metals and toxins (which are a positive charge) from your body through your skin and into the clay. Also works as a gentle exfoliator, helping to unclog pores and speed up cell turnover for healthier skin.


There are several types of clay out there you can use for skin care. Each clay has it's own unique healing properties and is said to be suited for different skin types. With the bentonite clay, I've found some writings suggesting it works best for oily skin. Then again I've come across writings suggesting it works best for all skin types. From personal use, I find it a tad bit drying on my face, but not drying as a body mask. I suggest doing a small patch test first before applying to your entire face or body.

Uses for bentonite clay; applying a paste using water can be soothing for insect bites, minor cuts, insect bites, poison ivy, minor burns, eczema, psoriasis and itchy rashes. Leave on until paste dries then gently wash off.

As a face / body mask; I make a paste, you can use water, apple cider vinegar or rose water as your liquid. If you do use the vinegar be sure to dilute it with water before adding to your clay. Scoop out small amount of powder into a glass bowl. Add a SMALL amount of liquid at first, slowly mixing and adding more until desired consistency. The more you mix the creamer it will become. Scoop out small amount into palm of your hand with a wooden spoon. Apply to finger tips and gently massage into clean damp face. Leave on for 10-15 minutes or until clay dries. Use a warm damp cloth to gently remove mask from face. 

Be sure to drink plenty of water after you have rinsed the clay from your face/body and for the next couple of days, as this also helps rid your body of the toxins that are being released through the detox stage. Because Bentonite Clay has a negative electromagnetic charge, you should never use any metal bowls or utensils as the clay will absorb the metals and become less effective.