Harvesting dandelion roots can be done in a few minutes.They can be dried or preserved and used later.A long shelf life is a result of making a tincture.Tea is the most common way to consume dandelion roots, but there are many other ways to do it.Making dandelion coffee and alleviating symptoms of skin conditions are additional uses of dandelion roots.
Step 1: Harvest in the fall.
The roots can be difficult to get out of the ground, as they extend up to a foot below the surface.Once fall arrives, wait for a heavy rain to loosen the soil, and they will be easier to harvest.It's ideal for a fall harvest to have medicine in the roots.The sugar content will be lower at this time of year.
Step 2: During the spring, you can harvest for food.
If you want the roots to be sweeter for use in some food recipes, you may want to harvest in the spring.They will be more palatable and less bitter this time of year.taraxacin, which stimulates bile production and contributes to healthy liver function, will be more plentiful in the spring.
Step 3: Look in the unpolluted areas.
Try to get dandelions in unpolluted areas.Don't harvest dandelions from the roadside or areas where pesticides are used.The dandelions that may grow in your yard are not necessarily the best since many people use chemicals on their lawn.The largest and liveliest dandelions can be found in a natural grass meadow.
Step 4: Plants that are large can be gathered.
Pick the largest dandelions to harvest.Smaller plants are better for bees and other insects because they don't have much root.Allow dandelions to grow in your garden.They are not likely to hurt your other plants, and will be especially healthy in rich garden soil.
Step 5: Use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the root.
The root is shaped like a carrot and should not be damaged.The tool should be moved through the soil around the plant.A small shovel or another garden tool can be used if you don't have a garden fork.
Step 6: The dandelions have roots.
Rub a clean cloth on the dandelion roots to remove the soil.They are ready to be dried or preserved after being cleaned.
Step 7: Dry out the roots.
If you are using a dehydrator, slice cleaned roots into thin strips of comparable lengths and dehydrate them at 95 degrees F (35 degrees C) until each piece is brittle to the touch.Tie individual roots with a piece of string and hang them somewhere cool, dry, and active.You can place them on a screen in that area.Allow them to air dry for several days and then cut them into smaller pieces.Depending on air conditions, this may occur in three to fourteen days.You can store dried root pieces in a glass jar.Over time, the outer layer of the root will become darker, while the inner portion will remain a creamy white.
Step 8: You can make a root drink.
Tinctures can be used to preserve and deliver the benefits of dandelion roots and other herbs.When administered in this form, it will have fast-acting effects and last much longer than dried roots.If you want to make a tincture, submerge root pieces in a jar with a high proof liquor.To root, use a1:1 weight ratio of liquor.A 100 proof liquor will keep the solution's overall alcohol concentration high enough to prevent fermentation.It is recommended that you drink Whiskey or Vodka.It's not important to have exact amounts.Make sure that the roots are submerged and that there is at least an inch of liquor above the root pieces.After six weeks, gently shake the jar every day.You can bottle the tincture in a dark glass bottle.
Step 9: You can include dandelion leaves in your tincture.
Use dandelions instead of root pieces in the same way.If you blend the two, you can have a dandelion tincture with more medical properties.The leaves will be finished in a matter of weeks, while the roots will take longer.Dry the extra leaf at the time of harvest to give them a boost.
Step 10: Dandelion root can be used as a tonic.
The effectiveness of dandelion is due to the fact that it kicks the liver into higher gear.This can help keep your organs in good shape.For other reasons, some herbalists recommend dandelion root for daily use.dandelion root has been claimed to help regulate blood sugar, reduce stress, and improve skin health.It is possible to take a few drops of tincture in juice or water daily.Some people use and recommend the tincture to treat arthritis symptoms.
Step 11: Add the dandelion roots to a tea.
Tea is one of the easiest ways to use dandelion roots.Tea made with these roots is high in anti-oxidants.It is said to help balance your blood sugar, aid digestion, have diuretic and laxative effects, cleanse the liver, and help prevent urinary tract infections.The leaves of the plant are used to make dandelion tea.You can make dandelion tea with the roots by making a decoction and adding more water.The tea is likely to be bitter.You can use honey in your tea.
Step 12: The dandelion root can be used to make a remedy.
A reduction in tea is called a decoction.A quarter of the liquid that would be present in tea is the target.This provides a more potent liquid that can keep for a longer period of time when refrigerated, and can be added to hot water to make a cup of tea.Prepare your dandelion tea by boiling it in a pot.Don't allow the liquid to boil.This can be accomplished with a burner set to low.The decoction can be poured in a dark glass bottle if it is reduced to a quarter of the original liquid content.You can make a decoction by simmering an ounce of dried roots or two ounces of fresh roots in a quart of water.The solution should be covered for 20 minutes.
Step 13: There is a root decoction that can be used to treat animals.
Decoctions can be used in the same way as teas.A smaller dose can have the same effects.Animals and kids may be more willing to take a smaller portion of a decoction than a full glass of tea.A quarter cup of decoction can be used for a daily health boost or to help treat a symptom.
Step 14: Coffee with dandelion root is good to wake up with.
dandelion and chicory tea is a sweet, spicy, and satisfying alternative to coffee.You will need to grind and roast dandelion and chicory root.Four cups of water and a cinnamon stick are needed.Bring all of the ingredients to a boil.For five minutes, turn down the burner.Adding milk or a milk alternative to the beverage will make it taste better.
Step 15: The dandelion root should be put into apple cider vinegar.
When infused with dandelion root, apple cider vinegar is remarkably healthy.You can either drink it on it's own or add it to soups and salads.You can fill a mason jar with fresh or dried dandelion root.Make sure to include the bacteria that collects at the bottom of the cider jar by filling the jar with raw apple cider vinegar.Allow the roots to grow for six weeks.The jar should be kept out of the first sunlight.You can store your vinegar in a sealed glass jar.
Step 16: Fresh or dried dandelion root can be added to a smoothie.
Adding fresh or dried dandelion root to your smoothie will give you a boost of vitamins and minerals.Extra support for your liver will be offered by this.Before adding dried root to other ingredients, blend it into a powder on its own.The fresh dandelion root will blend into other ingredients.
Step 17: A dandelion root poultice can be used to treat skin problems.
A dandelion root paste can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions.You can grind dried dandelion root into a cup of powder with a food processor or coffee grinder.When you have a thick paste, add a bit of warm water.It's a good idea to clean and dry your skin.If you want to cover the area, spread the poultice on a piece of cloth.Wrap the area in plastic.Wrap the area again with a clean material that can be pinned in place.The poultice should be left in place for twenty minutes to three hours.Clean and dry the area in between applications.
Step 18: Discuss uncertainties with a healthcare provider.
In general, dandelion root is safe to use.Before using herbs to treat a medical condition, speak with your doctor.If any of the following apply, dandelion should not be used.You have an allergy to iodine.You experience skin irritation when using dandelion.You are pregnant or nursing.There are issues with the stomach and the bicyle.You are taking blood thinners.You are taking medication to treat an illness.