Herbs are an important part of my life, and I believe it is important to encourage others to incorporate them into theirs as well. It is critical that we teach each other about the healing benefits of mother nature. These herbs that nourish and care for our bodies are abundant and can be found by foraging. Foraging allows us to connect with nature and the outdoors while also giving us a sense of oneness with the earth.
Dandelion is a herb that I am drawn to. It is a herb which many people dismiss as a weed. However, dandelion is one of the most healing herbs which helps to improve the immune system and is a highly nutritious plant that is high in vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Dandelions can be found all over Ireland, and they have numerous medicinal uses, from the root to the flower. Long ago in Ireland, the white sap was mixed with milk as a spring tonic and was known as Bainne Na n-Éan and Gas Searbhan, which translates to "Bird's Milk" and "Bitter Stalk".
Dandelion is known as Piss-en-lit due to the diuretic properties of its leaves. The leaves are excellent for flushing stones from the kidneys and urinary passages. .The roots and leaves of the dandelions were used as a tonic to remove toxins from the bloodstream, acting as a gentle diuretic to improve digestive system function. The root was also dried, ground by hand and used as coffee. Bitters in the root are beneficial for cleansing the liver, spleen, and gallbladder. Dandelions are classified as hepatics, cholagogues, and diuretics.
