Photo by Walter Sturn on Unsplash
To some, the dandelion is an annoying weed in the back yard that needs to be mowed down. To others, like me, it is a flower that blooms in the spring and is filled with healthy nutrients. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is the season of the Wood element, characterized by new growth pushing up out of the ground, exactly what the dandelion does.
Wood element personalities: People who are Wood element types are adventurous, active, and competitive; they are leaders, pioneers and explorers. Wood types are usually driven with a strong need to win. Emotionally, Wood types are quick to anger, frustration, even depression if life’s challenges are too great.
Additionally, the Wood element governs the liver. In Chinese Medical School, where I studied Chinese philosophy, acupuncture, and herbs, I learned that the liver is arguably one of our most important organs. According to TCM the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi (vital energy) and blood. A balanced liver offers healthy digestion, metabolism, circulation, vascular health, and balanced emotions. The liver also governs the eyes, tendons, and nails. For optimal vision, strong and flexible tendons, and healthy nails, our liver needs to be nourished.
How to nourish the liver? Eat dandelions! They have a bitter taste which is consistent with the qualities of the Wood element. Nutritionally they provide Vitamins A, C, K, calcium, iron, and antioxidants. Dandelions also boost the immune system, are anti-inflammatory, and good for gut health. All of that packed into the entire yellow headed dandelion!
This past weekend I listened to a nutrition summit put on by the Food Revolution Network https://foodrevolution.org/
This was their 13th annual summit and was incredible, loaded with scientific findings and evidence based research for why we should be eating a plant-based diet. There are so many arguments against eating a meat protein diet - mostly because meat protein is harmful to our health, our planet, and to the animals. Animal agriculture is responsible for trillions of trees being cut down. Areas that amount to the size of South America have been cleared for growing feed for livestock. Other areas equaling the size of Africa have been cleared solely for grazing space for the animals. The climate crisis is in part due to the animal agriculture business. For instance, for every one pound of beef produced, 1850 gallons of water are used. This is all backed up by loads of research. By the end of the summit and listening to the irrefutable evidence, I’ve decided to give up meat and chicken with the plan to go a full plant-based diet (well except for fish on occasion and a little yogurt.) Acupuncture school is where I really embraced the notion that food is our first medicine. The food we eat not only prevents so many diseases and chronic illnesses, but can reverse damage already done. I highly recommend to anybody interested in the topic of nutrition as medicine and the importance of the food we eat to check out https://foodrevolution.org/
I get so discouraged when I open the news and read headlines about our government decimating our health care system, squelching scientific research, and most disturbing reporting to the public the HHS’s idea of the actions we should be following to be healthy. Most of it is so far off base. As I’ve written before, it’s up to us to be the bosses of our bodies and health. Food is a strong foundation and great place to begin to attain optimal health.
Here is last night’s salad, complete with backyard dandelions
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Great article and inspiring to hear your continuous search for answers. I once thought a plant based diet meant salads and piles of veggies I tried to avoid as a kid such as Brussels sprouts. Not only is the world of plant based food far more varied and tasty than I imagined I now realize boiled Brussel sprouts is a miserable food. Roast them with salt and pepper and you’ll eat most of them while they’re still on the tray
Love this exposé on the ordinary dandelion! Appreciated the part about bitter taste and the qualities of Wood people. Wish we lived closer! Is there, in Chinese Medicine or another source, an easy way to know if the liver is functioning in a healthy way?