Donna Easto, C.H., H.C., M.H., Certified Herbal Educator
Poor dandelion, it gets very little respect. The humble yellow plant’s root is one of the best-regarded tonics for the liver by increasing bile flow. Take dandelion root tincture in small doses (1-15 drops) in water, ginger ale or lemon-flavoured carbonated water. One of my personal favourite uses for dandelion root is in managing iron deficiency, the most common deficiency worldwide. You’ll need 14g each of dandelion root and yellow dock root, water and ½ cup of blackstrap molasses. Simmer the herbs in 4 cups of pure water, uncovered until reduced to one cup. Strain the liquid and compost the spent roots, then add ½ cup of blackstrap molasses, stirring until thoroughly blended. Cool to room temperature before refrigerating. It will last about 2 weeks in the fridge. Dose 1-2 tbsps once or twice daily, depending upon the severity of the anemia.
Dandelion leaves, aside from being delicious in salads, have diuretic properties which in tea form are useful for women experiencing fluid retention prior to menstruation. 4 – 10 g dried leaf in boiling water three times a day. Unlike other diuretics, dandelion leaf is potassium-sparing. Making herbal vinegar with dandelion leaves and roots is an easy way to enjoy its benefits.
If dandelion gets a bad rap, consider the case of stinging nettle. Who rejoices when a patch pops up eager to help in your backyard? Strangely, when nettles come into contact with part of the body in pain, it injects chemicals into the skin that act as a counter-irritant, fighting pain with pain. Today we see nettle used in treating rheumatism, preventing and treating kidney and bladder stones and easing inflammation of the urinary tract. Nettle leaves are rich in minerals iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Nettle’s also great for your hair. If you want to try something more natural for hair loss that you can do at home, you might want to take a look at nettle. The prickly plant that sometimes causes us pain when we accidentally touch its leaves outdoors can actually help your hair stay healthy and grow stronger. Nettle leaf extract contains high amounts of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect our scalp from damage and might stimulate new hair growth.
Nettle oil can penetrate the pores of the scalp and deeply nourish and repair damaged follicles. The oil is easy to make, simply fill a jar with dried leaves and stems. Cover them with the oil of your choice, close the jar with a lid and place it in a cool and dark place. Remember to shake it from time to time. After 4 weeks, strain the oil from the nettle leaves, compost the herb, and pour the oil into a clean and sterilized bottle. Nettle oil can be added to homemade shampoo and hair products. You can also use it separately as a deep conditioner, which you leave on overnight and wash off in the morning.
Nettle makes a great hair rinse, simply steep a bunch of dried leaves in boiling water, strain them and let the water cool, then use the liquid as a hair rinse — pouring it over your hair and making sure to work it into the roots and down to the tips. Then shampoo as normal. It helps to tame oily scalp and dandruff. You could go out and pick fresh nettle leaves to dry but if you’re not a forager, use already dried leaves that are verified for identity, origin, and guaranteed organic.
Please consult your health provider if you are being treated for any medical condition before adding herbs to your daily routine. And, of course, be sure you are not allergic to stinging nettle before ingesting or applying it to your body in any way.
