While the remnants of snow are still melting, the sap is flowing and the yard is a muddy mess, deep beneath the surface is one of the most important plants waiting to make its' spring appearance.  I took this picture last year on my patio that shows the ravages of shoveling from the winter.  It reminded me of a map of the world.  I hand picked every single yellow dandelion flower that were available that day knowing more would appear for another day's harvest.  It was a heartwarming and sobering moment to think of what was going on in the world during an unending pandemic, and even more so now in the face of the war in Ukraine.  So I thought I would tell you about "The World According to Dandelions" in celebration of the spirit of the Ukranians' steadfast and committed nature to save their homes and way of life and each other.  Dandelion is here to save you!

Have you ever tried to dig up a dandelion in hopes of it never coming back in your yard again?  I bet you threw out the root, didn't you?  Well, the dandelion has a different plan for you readying itself to grow out of the depths of earth to bring you another flower!  The taproot of taraxacum is typically 12-18" and can penetrate the earth up to 10 feet!  You're gonna need a bigger shovel!  The root can push aside rocks, reaching deeper and deeper to keep its foothold in the landscape.  You might wonder, "Why would a plant want to stay put so badly?"  My answer is, "Because this plant is that important!"

When something in nature is truly important, it cannot be easily taken away!  Dandelion root is highly effective as a diuretic, reliever of many skin conditions, to control blood sugar and as a liver remedy.  Dandelion leaf is high in beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus.  The leaf is useful as a diuretic, assists in lowering cholesterol, and for improving gallbladder function.  The spring season is when our body comes out of hibernation, when the cholesterol is the highest and the bile runs thick.  Dandelion helps bile flow helping to 'cleanse' the liver after a long winter. 

Both the flower and leaf are touted for protecting against UV damage to the skin.  The plant also carries essential fatty acids that protect against inflammation.  

So, the next time you see a dandelion, just remember the importance that it has, the tenacity it takes to remain present, and that nature will teach you what to pay attention to when it matters most.  

-Dr. Deb