Harvesting and Using Dandelion Roots – The Natural Detoxifier

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When Should I Harvest Dandelion Roots?

Harvest dandelion roots from late fall through early spring, when the plant is dormant and has stored up energy in the root. For medicinal use, most sources say fall harvest is best. This is because the levels of inulin (insoluble fiber) are higher and the fructose levels are lower.

The freezing of winter converts the inulin to fructose, which makes spring roots more palatable for eating. Spring roots are less bitter and chewy – just make sure you dig them before the plants start to blossom. Spring roots are also higher in taraxacin, which stimulates bile production.

What’s the Best Way to Harvest Dandelion Roots?

To dig roots, use a dandelion digger or a sturdy fork. You want to break/damage the root as little as possible so you don’t lose much sap, which is where the medicinal properties lie. Deep, rich soil will produce the thickest, easiest to harvest roots. I always let a few dandelions go in the garden, as they are great for reaching deep into the soil to bring up nutrients. Make sure to harvest from areas that have not been sprayed/treated with anything noxious. Select large, vigorous plants – small, spindly plants will have small roots that are not really worth harvesting. One session of garden digging produced the root in the photo at the bottom of the post.

How should I Preserve Dandelion Roots?

You can use dandelion roots fresh for cooking and medicine, or preserve them for later use. For long term storage, drying works best. Scrub roots well before cutting. Slice thick roots lengthwise into strips of uniform thickness to decrease drying time and encourage uniform drying.

Use a dehydrator to dry the roots at 95°F (35°C) until brittle. Alternatively, spread on a screen and place in a cool, dry location with good air flow, and dry for 3 to 14 days (until brittle). Dried roots will keep for about a year.

Don’t have time to dig or a clean spot to harvest from?

You can buy clean and prepped roots and leaves online, ready to use, including:

Starwest Botanicals Bulk Organic Dandelion Root

Frontier Bulk Dandelion Leaf, Organic

Traditional Medicinals Organic Dandelion Leaf and Root Tea (boxed tea bags)

How do I Use Dandelion Root?

Dandelion root is well known as a detoxifying agent, but has also been used to treat everything from arthritis to hangovers.

The University of Maryland Medical Center states:

Traditionally, dandelion has been used a diuretic, to increase the amount of urine the body produces in order to get rid of excess fluid. It has been used for many conditions where a diuretic might help, such as liver problems and high blood pressure. However, there is no good research on using dandelion as a diuretic in people.

Fresh or dried dandelion herb is also used as a mild appetite stimulant and to improve upset stomach. The root of the dandelion plant may act as a mild laxative and has been used to improve digestion. There is some very preliminary research that suggests dandelion may help improve liver and gallbladder function, but the study was not well designed.

Some preliminary animal studies also suggest that dandelion may help normalize blood sugar levels and lower total cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL, “good,” cholesterol in diabetic mice. But not all the animal studies have found a positive effect on blood sugar. Human studies are needed to see if dandelion would work in people.

A few animal studies also suggest that dandelion might help fight inflammation.

To extract the medicinal compounds from the roots, use a decoction or tincture. Decoctions are water based, while tinctures are generally alcohol based.

*Note: Do not use dandelion root if you have irritable stomach or bowel, or if you have an acute inflammation. (source)

Make a Dandelion Root Decoction

A decoction uses water and extra heat, and is generally used for tough materials like roots and bark. To make a decoction, place one ounce of dried roots or two ounces fresh roots (by weight) in a pan with one pint of water. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain and compost the spent roots. (From Dandelion Medicine.) Root decoctions can be used to make simple healing teas.

Make a Dandelion Root Tincture

To make a tincture, place dandelion root in a jar and cover with 80 proof (40%) vodka. Cover tightly and allow to steep 4-6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain out plant material and store in a dark glass bottle. Label and date. (Susun Weed has a lovely post listing a variety of tincture options and their uses at Be Your Own Herbal Expert – Part 4.)

Make a Dandelion Leaf Infusion

Herbal infusions are steeped for a longer time at lower temperatures, and are typically used for leaves and flowers. To make a strong herbal infusion tea, use 1/2 ounce by weight of dried leaves or one ounce by weight of fresh leaves per cup of water. Place the ingredients in a glass canning jar. Cover with freshly boiled water. Put the lid on and steep overnight. Strain and compost solids. For medicinal purposes, drink 3-4 cups per day. Alternatively, use a French press, or steep (covered) for at least 20 minutes before straining.

Dandelion Medicine Recipes

Here are two recipes from Dandelion Medicine:

I’m-Sick-of-Cellulite Tea

Help your body metabolize fats and improve elimination of wastes with these cleansing herbs.

Infuse

• 1 part dandelion leaf
• 1 part nettle (Urtica dioica) leaf

Decoct

• 1 part dandelion root
• 1 part burdock (Arctium lappa) root

Decongestant Tea

This tea helps the body to clear phlegm and open the lungs and sinuses.

Infuse 1 part each

• Dandelion leaf
• Nettle (Urtica dioica) leaf
• Thyme (thymus vulgaris) herb

Decoct

• 1 part dandelion root

I hope you’ll give this humble weed a second look.

Come learn with us! Check out:

• Weekly Weeder #17 – Common Dandelion – range and identification, wildlife uses, uses for food and medicine.
• How to Make Dandelion Wine and Cookies
• Wildcrafting Books and Resources – Learn Which Weeds are Good for Food and Medicine

Don’t forget to check out the other Herbs and Wildcrafting posts, too.

Originally posted in 2012, updated in 2017.

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