You are supposed to wait until the fall to make dandelion tincture. You dig up the roots and wash them. If you have had a couple of frosts, you can use the greens in a sauté, but if they will be terribly bitter if you haven't had a frost yet.
Cut up the root into small pieces and place in 90 proof (or better) alcohol for two weeks. You should shake it every day, then strain it and place it in dark glass bottles.
My root is still curing. But I'm curious to see how it turns out. As always, if you try making something like this, be absolutely sure you know the plant is dandelion, and talk with your doctor before using.
I'll let you know how it goes! Readers, do you use any sorts of herbal remedies? I want to try making dandelion coffee next.
I use a hibiscus/cinnamon blend daily in tisane (tea) form... it acts as a diuretic, supports heart health by helping to regulate it's rhythm, and lowers blood pressure. The cinnamon helps general heart health and helps to stabilise blood sugar levels. Since starting this I've been able to stop using blood pressure medication.
ReplyDeleteDandelion is also a diuretic, btw.
90 proof may make one feel lots better for a short time. This might be real bitter.Chicory is in this family and they toasted the root for a coffee drink. I think I will stick to my Dunkin Donut coffee. My family roasted wheat for coffee.
ReplyDeleteI remember going to a super-fancy restaurant in Boston a few years back. Everything was in French. I ordered the salad and much to my surprise it was composed mostly of Dandelions! I could not eat it, too sharp. Many years ago we used to go on Ginseng hunts on the family farm. Uncle Fred made a few bucks selling Ginseng. Never liked that either.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. You know, my midwife asked me to take a herbal iron supplement while I was pregnant, and it had dandelion something or other in it. I ended up having a reaction. Dang allergies.
ReplyDeleteYou amaze me, Lisa.
ReplyDeleteFor real. :)
xoxo
What are you going to make with it? That dandylion is huge.
ReplyDeletelove
tweedles
That looks very interesting- let us know how it turns out. My husband drinks hibiscus tea- and we buy the dried hibiscus from a couple of different Mexican stores in nearby towns. He's pretty nonchalant about it- and I worry, because it comes in plain plastic baggies tied with baggie ties. Who knows where it came from!!!
ReplyDeleteI think it's the 90 proof alcohol that will make you feel better! ;)
ReplyDeleteFrankly that doesn't sound to good. Personally I dose myself with 2 teaspoons of top quality Walnut Oil each morning. It tastes good too.
ReplyDeleteHere, people on the highland sometimes use the dandelion plant too. But my family use to drink so many homemade herbal teas from our own garden.
ReplyDeleteYour curiosity and inventiveness never cease, Lisa. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteNot sure about the tincture; 80 proof spirits will likely be helpful, thought.
Blessing and Bear hugs!
I have part of a book printed in the CSA during the civil war. Because of the blockade they couldn't get medicine or even coffee so the book tells how to use our native plants to replace the imports. I have never seen another copy of the book and the title page is missing since I found it in the cellar of an old country store from that time period. The problem is how much you trust what people tell you about some of the plants, it sounds good but I only use some of the tried and true ones like blackberry leaf tea which not only tastes good but aids in treating diarrhea.
ReplyDeleteI've used herb teas. Burdock tea is supposed to be very healthy.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting. I have dandelion tea. I know it's edible.
ReplyDeleteI use Young Living essential oils, but I have never made anything myself. My dog uses a tincture of goldenrod and plantain extracts to help with his chemo side effects. Natural remedies work! Good luck with yours!
ReplyDeleteI have pinned several DIY remedies from Pinterest and I made a cough syrup for my husband about a month ago. My great grandmother use to make wine from dandelions.
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