The Handy Dandelion

We can thank the English who brought the dandelion with them when they first colonized the American continent.  To the English and the French, this was a hardy, perennial herb with culinary, medicinal, cosmetic, and household uses.  Every part of the plant, flowers, leaves, and roots were utilized.  One of the first uses being that of a diuretic, the French name, pis-en-lis, literally meaning piss-the-bed.  For many of us, however, it is just one more nuisance plant encroaching on our lawns and gardens.

Young leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals and can be used in salads or cooked like spinach.  Leaves picked before the plant blossoms will be more tender and less bitter.  Leaves that are picked later in the season are better cooked but should be blanched with a couple of hot water baths to remove some of the bitterness.  (Note: do not start with  cold water as this tends to set the bitterness).  The roots can be made into a coffee substitute while the flowers or leaves can be used to make wine.  The roots can also be used to make magenta, brown, or orange dye.  For medicinal purposes, the plant can be used as an appetite stimulant, laxative, or diuretic.

Dandelions can also be used for skin care.  Like any cosmetic, test these remedies on a small inconspicuous area to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.

As a Cleanser

Infuse a handful of leaves or flowers tied in a cheesecloth into 2 pints of boiling water.  When added to your warm bath water, this solution will act as a cleansing agent.  

To Remove Freckles and Skin Blotches

Add 6 young dandelion leaves, chopped to 6 tablespoons of caster oil.  Place the leaves and oil in a small glass or enamel pan over low heat and bring the mixture to the simmering point.  Simmer for 15 minutes.  Remove from heat, cover, and infuse for 4 to 5 hours.  Strain the mixture through a non-metallic strainer, pressing the leaves against the sides to extract as much oil as possible.  Bottle, cover, and label.  Makes 6 tablespoons.  Note: this mixture should not be used more than twice a day.

~~

Here's A Laugh

My husband found the following video about "Laughing Rats".   It gave me pause to reflect on my fur-faced friends and wonder if they ever laughed at my antics.  It might make you look differently at your pet as well.

http://www.poetv.com/video.php?vid=15306

~~

You can find past editions of our newsletter by clicking on the following link: www.chipmunk-pictures.com/archives.htm

~~

Click here to go to page 1 

~~

Hope you've enjoyed your visit and from all of us at Chippy Tails have a "wonderful" day!

~~

To visit us on the web: www.chipmunk-pictures.com

To visit our store click here.

Chippy Tails - The Scoop from the Stoop© 2006 - All rights reserved.

This website, it's pictures and content may not be copied or used in any form . 

www.chipmunk-pictures.com