Dandelion Medicine: Remedies and Recipes to Detoxify, Nourish, Stimulate

Storey Medicinal Herb Guides

by Brigitte Mars

This maligned weed is in truth one of the safest and most effective medicinal herbs available.

Genres: Nature, Health, Nonfiction, Herbs, Medicine

119 pages, Paperback

First published January 9, 1999

About the author

Brigitte Mars is an herbalist and natural health nutritional consultant. She teaches Herbal Medicine at Naropa University and at the School of Health Mastery in Iceland. She is also a psychedelic sitter and end-of-life doula.

Mars has published many books and DVDs about natural medicine.

Reviews

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tons of useful info from all aspects: therapeutic, nutritional, spiritual, etc. on one of the most valuable and undervalued plants. Fascinating and enlightening. Good recipes. Brigitte Mars is a hoot!

[Abigail Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

so informative and full of great recipes! I want to try planting dandelion seeds now

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

By weeds, we understand all the unwanted plants. But we don´t want what we don´t know. If people were more knowledgeable about the fauna and flora that surrounds them, maybe we would be all more appreciative.
Dandelions seem to be one of the most common plants and most hated. You can pull it from the ground over and over again only to find a new one coming up. So, in pure desperation, we turn to our only weapon that works - weed killers. Heavy chemicals are harmful to everything and everyone, but we don´t care.
This book explains well that what we call a weed is nothing else but a seriously underestimated wonder herb. It has many purposes, and it does wonders. Historically speaking we used to know that. We used to harvest dandelions and use them as food, medicine, and decoration. How come we all became so ignorant and arrogant? We all need to return to our roots and to the roots of dandelions.
Can we have more books, like this one, please?

[Sofya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dandelion Medicine
Author: Brigitte Mars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed this book! I really like how the author covers everything from cultivating and harvesting your own dandelions, different medicinal uses to making your own dandelion medicines as well as incorporating them into everyday recipes. There is so much information packed into the book.

This book is a fantastic find for anyone regardless of your experience in gardening and makes for a fantastic resource for anyone trying to expand their knowledge of plants as medicine.

Thanks to NetGalley, Storey Publishing, and Brigitte Mars for an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts in this review are my own.

[Hali Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably would have given this a higher rating had I not just read a better book about dandelions by Anita Sanchez. Still, there were some useful recipes in this books, so, three stars.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the simplicity of this book. Always loved dandelions but now even more

[Lovejoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank goodness for books such as this one! A short and informative ode to the many uses and healing powers of dandelions. I hope books like this inspire individuals to seek out uses for plants some have deemed as worthless weeds.

[Elizabeth Harrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dandelion Medicine (Book Review)
Dandelion Medicine: Forage, Feast and Nourish Yourself with This Extraordinary Weed is a book dedicated to – you guessed it – dandelions.
Written by Brigitte Mars, who I think did the fantastic illustrations as well, it’s a homage to the humble dandelion and now in it’s second edition.
As someone who routinely digs dandelions out of our lawn, it was interesting to read more about the history and uses of this plant. I’ve always known it has many uses, but seriously – there are so many more uses for dandelions than I expected.
The book does cover medicinal uses like teas (although I found the instructions on making them a little hard to follow). There is more to the content than simply medicine though.
There is a selection of recipes for drinks and food as well as plenty of historical information and facts. There’s also a section on growing your own dandelions, if you ever felt the need to get more in your garden or to cultivate a crop especially for using in your preparations. I learned that there are certain times of the year best for harvesting.
The artwork in the book is really good, and the whole book has a beautiful feel to it. The layout and design makes it a brilliant coffee table read.
This is a great book for people interested in foraging. I think some of the recipes would take a long time to prepare, but you could get kids at a forest school session aware of the uses of the plant and get them to help with picking the leaves.
I’m quite interested in making dandelion lemonade – I think that would be a fun drink to share at a forest school session, especially if we had parents there for an event like our annual father’s day get together!
I received an ARC from Netgalley to review the 2nd edition.

[Jennyfer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dandelion Medicine is a fascinating look int the traditions and uses of the humble dandelion. Often considered a weed in Western cultivated this cheerful plant has been linked to fortune telling, folklore, and of course healing all manner of ailments from urinary issues to mental health.

The book includes tips for foraging - not just for dandelions but for other herbs, too - plant identification and the best times to harvest them all. And of course it is filled with traditional and more modern clinical references to the healing properties of the humble flower. There are of course, notes of caution for those who may be sensitive to the plant, particularly those with latex allergies - even though it's natural it's not always harmless.

There are plenty of recipes for teas and tinctures, tonics and wines, poultices and potions, salads and soups, pancakes and popovers, dips, dyes, breads, bakes and much, much more.

Who knew there was so much more to the dandelion than just a fun puffball of seeds? As it comes into dandelion season, I have a greater respect for these little yellow flowers in my lawn

~ Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~

[nvl_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have many books on uses of herbs and other plants found in nature as health remedies and this one on dandelions is a perfect addition.

It had a lot of information such as how to grow them, best time to pick depending on the type of taste you are looking for, the different parts and their uses, myths, folktale, and how it was viewed and used historically.

It gives medicinal uses, recipes for tinctures, teas, foods that use different parts of the dandelion. It is great for the gardener, herbalist, and those just looking to incorporate healthy green into their diets that are affordable and grow in so many places. Once you read this book, you’ll never look at dandelions as a weed again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for allowing me to read an ARC to give my honest review.

[Kristina the Book Forager · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Dandelion Medicine a very captivating and informative book that explores the medicinal properties and healing potential of dandelions. The author skillfully blends traditional knowledge with scientific research, offering a collection of practical recipes and ointments for various health concerns. I have saved so many recipes for my herbal medicine studies and also for cooking up a storm in my kutchen. With a genuine passion for nature's wonders, this book serves as a timely reminder of the profound healing gifts found in our surroundings. A must-read for those seeking natural remedies and a deeper connection with the plant world.

[shey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hands down the easiest to follow and most complete Dandelion guidebook I've came across. Between telling tales of yesteryear's dandelion lore to telling you the proper way to raise these flowers to delicious recipes filled with these yellow beauties, Ms. Mars really packs in the information! With an easy to read table of contents and a full index at the end, you can easily reference everything dandelions have to offer. I cannot wait to get my hands (and highlighter!) on a physical copy. There's so many recipes I want to share with my children. If you are looking forward to backyard foraging or growing dandelions on a larger scale this book for the job!

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an amateur forager, I'm constantly on the look out for books that I can use as a field guide and as an instructional guide for my grandchildren, ages 6-10. An entire book on dandelions was perfect for both reasons. We have now spent amny enjoyable afternoons collecting and observing the dandelion in nature while then spending a few hours using them in some of the many ways Brigitte Mars suggests. I'll never be too old to learn new things and this book has opened new windows for the next few generations too. An absolutely brilliant book on the humble dandelion.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is everything and more!

I received this book for Christmas 2024 and once I picked it up it was hard to put it down,now my personal copy is bursting at the seams with notes and tabs.
I love dandelions as well as working with them. Having a pretty good amount of knowledge about dandelions, this book had information and history on dandelions that even I didn’t know.
I love all the recipes and how exclusive each one is.
If you’re thinking about purchasing this book, this is your sign!

[Erica Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. There was so much knowledge packed within the pages that I was highlighting like crazy.

Given the subject matter, I was expecting the book to be a bit dry, but it turned out to be a fascinating read. There was history; myths/folktales; medicinal uses; instructions for teas, tinctures, decoctions; along with a ton of recipes.

Great resource for anyone interested in foraging, herbalism, or plant lore.

[Aileen (Ailz) Grist · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting book. I learnt a lot about the dandelion - the history of it and the myriad uses. No part of the dandelion is unsuitable for human use. Very informative. There are lots of interesting recipes too.

Really enjoyed it - and will be trying out some of the recipes.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dandelion Medicine, 2nd Edition by Brigitte Mars is the most thorough book you will ever find about dandelions. I was amazed how many benefits that dandelions have for our bodies and the planet. The book covers how to grow and cultivate/pick in the wild, and how to process and store. As well as how to use for different medicinal purposes. The book has many recipes for food, medicine, as well as beauty products. This book is a true gem for anyone interested in herbs and plants.

[Sierra]

I read this because I wanted to learn some fun facts about dandelions, and I was particularly excited for the chapter on scientific publications, but only one is from the past 40 years. I'm not herbalist woo-woo enough for this book. Also she says that Vikings introduced dandelions to the Americas and that's just...not right.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Britney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a book dedicated to the beautiful dandelion. So many people think this plant is just a "weed" but it is so much more. This book covers it all, history, folklore, herbalism ... and even includes the recipes to help you enjoy! I definitely recommend to anyone interested in foraging and herbalism.

[Jamad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who would have thought there could be a whole book dedicated to dandelions? And a second edition, no less!

Quite an interesting read but, from a European’s perspective the idea of digging them up to “over winter in your basement” was quite amusing. Not sure I will be making the dandelion lasagna but will try to eat more in salads.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

[Sandra L. Place · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book you want with you if society should collapse! I felt pretty confident that I knew the properties of the lowly yet regal, dandelion. I learned so many new things and enjoy how they were presented, illustrated and the depth of knowledge held on the pages of this little book! Loved it!!!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book and I learned so much about one of my favorite plants. I have so many memories of dandelions as a kid and it’s so awesome to see just how much one can do with them now. I cannot wait to get my hands on some and to use dandelion in my recipes soon.

[JadersCorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Netgalley Review

Instant kitchen/bookcase buy! I absolutely loved this book! Packed full of useful valid information. Well written and organized making it easy to follow. Great for my annotations and reference.

[Pip · Rating 5 out of 5]

For as many dandelions you may find in your yard, in here you will find as many ideas on how to use these amazing powerhouse plants! I definitely recommend this book for anyone who loves the earth and her toothed lions!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy!

[Karen Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea that there could be so much to say on the topic of dandelions. Usually it's just Grumpy Grandad cursing at the ones on the lawn ! I will look at them (if I can get to them first) in a completely new light. Very interesting book.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

My idea for using dandelions was: a salad with boiled egg. This book made me learn a lot about them and it's easy to follo and informative
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Jamie Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dandelions are my favorite flowers. I even buy dandelion seeds and throw them in my yard. It probably makes the neighbors crazy but they are so pretty.
This book has stunning photos and graphics. It also has wonderful facts. I just thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful little book with lots of recipes, but one gets the impression that most of the information contained was simply assembled from other sources. A lot of it, to me, seemed a bit disjointed and choppy. Great recipes, though, and absolutely gorgeous illustration and design.

[Hailey Mramor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dandelions are absolutely incredible! Got this book originally from the library, but I only made it about halfway through before buying myself a copy because there was so much useful information! Lots of tasty recipes as well! Can’t recommend it enough!!

[W]

cute illustrations