Harvesting Dandelion Roots

[ElizabethStudent]

Hello !

I read that you should harvest dandelion roots in the Fall and I was just curious if the reason being is because the dandelion have gone to seed or that it has more nutritive values in the fall ? I have lots of dandelions right now that have gone to seed and also some that haven’t and I am eager to harvest the roots. Would the best course be to harvest the flowers and leaves now and then the roots later or could I dig up some roots now?  Thanks !

Elizabeth

Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer!

[HarmonyStudent]

Hi Elizabeth!

You’re right – the “best” time to dig roots is in the fall when the plant’s attention is in building up stores for the winter. The roots are at their more nutritive. For the same reason, as you’ve surmised, the the aerial parts are more potent in the spring. But you still have good medicine on the off-season. Maybe not quite as potent, but if I were digging dandelions out of the garden I’d feel free to dry the roots for future use.

Hope that helps!

Harmony

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Elizabeth

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Harmony wrote:

Hi Elizabeth!

You’re right – the “best” time to dig roots is in the fall when the plant’s attention is in building up stores for the winter. The roots are at their more nutritive. For the same reason, as you’ve surmised, the the aerial parts are more potent in the spring. But you still have good medicine on the off-season. Maybe not quite as potent, but if I were digging dandelions out of the garden I’d feel free to dry the roots for future use.

Hope that helps!

Harmony

Exactly right. . :0)

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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