My recent morning Facebook posts entitled DANDELION MESSAGE have attracted an incredible and unexpected number of responses from across the entire Region…and, even so far away as Gastines, Pays De La Loire, France ! In addition, recently, my morning messages became an object of praise on one of our local radio stations!
In each of these instances, positive replies were messaging back to myself, in return.
Of course, my intention with developing and posting these daily messages was, and is, to, perhaps, instill a bit of Hope and Inspiration in theses Times of worldwide turmoil and distress.
As most folks who know me also come to realize, that the Dandelion holds a VERY special place in my Life. Over the years, I have come to visualize this blossom as a precious symbol of Eternal Life, and Persistence.
This interpretation was first instilled into my Spirit through the actions of both my Grandmothers.
Both ladies were (as were ALL the members of my Family) born and raised in Millvale, PA on the northern outskirts of Pittsburgh.
My maternal Grandma Finster was the descendant of centuries of German heritage. As was the custom, she would, every year, prepare innumerable and varied types of repast, each focusing upon the Dandelion…from salads, to fried leaves and blossoms.
Grandma Nowack, however, was of “French” heritage…tracing her roots back to Alsace-Lorraine.
While she also prepared many types of Dandelion dishes, Grandpap would assist her yearly in the “production” of a certain type of beverage (you guessed it!).
Both of my inherited “roots” insisted that the Dandelion was a special Gift to Mankind from Eternity.
I believed them then…and believe them still.
MOREOVER
All my Family, without exception, also accepted the concept that the Dandelion possessed special tendencies which would benefit the health and condition of persons who would engage in the consumption of the plant.
Throughout history, this concept has been held in Faith by nearly EVERY aspect of Human Life on this planet…stretching all the way back through the millennia of Existence.
PROOF
Recent scientific study has confirmed the concept of Dandelion benefits.
A partial list of the potential benefits of Dandelion include:
•Providing antioxidants.
•Reducing cholesterol. ...
•Regulating blood sugar. ...
•Reducing inflammation. ...
•Lowering blood pressure. ...
•Aiding weight loss. ...
•Reducing cancer risk. ...
•Boosting the immune system.
Dandelion Root Extract and Lemongrass Extract Are Selective for Prostate Cancer Cells. If DRE and LGE treatments are selective for prostate cancer, the risk of drug-related side effects could be minimized.
In folk medicine, the Dandelion is referred to as the Elixir of Life because it purifies the body of residues and negative energies. Because of its cleansing effect, it is also called blood purifier, laxative agent, liver cleanser, and fatigue remover.
Today, the Dandelion is used to treat skin conditions, lymphatic inflammation, anemia, to improve gastrointestinal tract function and liver metabolism. The bitter ingredients in Dandelion flowers are extremely beneficial to the body by stimulating the activity of the stomach and digestive glands, thus promoting the digestion of food. This flower surpasses any vegetable in its richness of nutrients.
Hence, contrary to popular belief, Dandelions are not just “pesky garden weeds.” They undoubtedly have health benefits.
TASTY TEMPTATIONS
So…how can a person enjoy the Dandelion in terms of taste appeal?
The flowers are best known for their use in Dandelion wine; but, they also can be added to a salad, made into jellies, or dipped in batter to make Dandelion fritters. The leaves are rich in potassium, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C. Dandelion greens can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, sautéed or braised.
If raw Dandelion leaves don’t appeal to you, they can also be added to a stir-fry or soup, which can make them taste less bitter. The flowers are sweet and crunchy, and can be eaten raw, or breaded and fried, or even used to make dandelion syrup.
BUZZ-BUZZ
I was asked recently whether or not Dandelions form a valuable type of blossom from which honeybees may extract and collect pollen for the production of honey, or for the further development of the hive.
As for honey production…well, I simply cannot say for a fact.
BUT… as it turns out, Dandelions lack important amino acids needed by bees to produce offspring. Bees might be seen nectaring on Dandelions, but they will find the other flowers that offer what they need to survive.
Think of the Dandelion as snack food for the be.
DECISIONS, DECISIONS
So…should folks regard this recurring blossom as simply a “pesky weed,” or should it be viewed from another perspective?
The decision can only be based upon individual interpretation. However, this incredible flower has withstood the Test of Time. It continues to survive despite all the efforts put forth to eliminate it.
Is there a “lesson” to be learned here? Is there a Symbolic Application to each of our Lives…and to the whole of Mankind?
YOU DECIDE!
“Little girls, and boys come
out to play
Bring your dandelions
to blow away
Dandelion don’t tell no lies
Dandelion will make you wise
Tell me if she laughs or cries
Blow away dandelion,
blow away dandelion”
THE ROLLING STONES
(“Dandelion”)
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