Gut-Healing Dandelion Soda

Dandelions, the weed the world loves to hate!  Well, not all of us.  Some of us are acutely aware that this weed, which may be a nuisance to some, can be a life savior for others.  Dandelions are one of the most widely foraged medicinal herbs.  Each flower head contains nearly 300 petals, and we will be using these petals today to make a delicious gut-healing soda. The Dandelion Soda recipe is simple and straightforward and may possibly be the most delicious gut-healing drink to date. Let’s briefly look at the history of dandelions and some of their benefits before we dive into the recipe.

Brief History of the Medicinal Use of Dandelion

Dandelion has a rich history in the medical practices of many Native American nations, including the Iroquois, Navajo, and Cherokee peoples. It was their go-to herbal remedy for gastrointestinal difficulties, a testament to its long-standing effectiveness. Dandelion’s historical use demonstrates trust and confidence in its medicinal abilities, establishing a sense of assurance in all of its potential advantages, and there are many examples.

Dandelions were used in Europe, China, India, and Russia to treat skin, infection, liver, and digestive problems. They are among Mexico’s most widely used plants for herbal remedies and Mexican American traditional medicine. Added to that, dandelions have maintained their medical splendor among the Chinese. They claimed to have used them to cure digestive and liver problems. Meanwhile, Arabian physicians used them for similar purposes in the tenth and eleventh centuries. Aside from its pharmacological properties, dandelion is well-known by cultures worldwide for its safety profile. But let’s delve deeper into what research suggests this enduring healing plant can do.

Health Benefits of Dandelion

Dandelion plants offer a wealth of therapeutic possibilities. They can be used in various forms, both topically and internally, with every part edible except for the stem. Their antioxidant-rich nature has been shown to reduce inflammation and arthritic pain in laboratory studies. However, as recognized by generations before us, the most significant health benefits of dandelions lie in their ability to support the digestive system. Dandelions gut-healing ingredients support this process from the liver to the gut microbiome.

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Dandelion roots especially, along with the flowers, contain inulin, a prebiotic that nourishes the good bacteria in our guts, supporting gut maintenance and improvement. This flowering weed also stimulates liver enzymes like pancreatic lipase and protects the gastrointestinal system. It is also useful for helping your body eliminate extra fluids and maintain blood sugar levels. In addition, dandelions can help detox the gallbladder while boosting kidney function. These same detoxification qualities may also help clear up skin issues.

Now, all we have to do is figure out how to use this extremely bitter plant without upsetting our palates! My gut-healing dandelion soda is one way you can do this. It’s made using a fermented ginger bug, which is also excellent for digestive health, and a little spearmint, which soothes the gut and is a fantastic natural flavoring agent. If you’re starting with step one, you’ll need about a week to make this gut-healing drink, but once your ginger bug gets going, it can be fed and used repeatedly for this and other soda recipes.

Gut Healing Soda Recipe with Dandelion Flowers

First, you’ll need to make a ginger bug from ginger root, sugar, and water—a ginger bug will “collect” wild yeasts and bacteria that eat the sugar and release carbon dioxide as a “waste” product. This way it’s creating a naturally fizzy liquid that can be turned into soda.

To make one, you’ll need:

• 3 tablespoons grated or finely chopped organic ginger root
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 cups water
• Plus: Additional sugar and ginger for feeding

Steps:

1. Combine the ginger, sugar, and water in a quart-size wide-mouth mason jar and give it a shake to dissolve the sugar.
2. Place a piece of cheesecloth or a coffee filter over the jar and secure it with a lid ring or rubber band. Find a warm spot to let the jar ferment.
3. For the next week, add one tablespoon of finely chopped or grated ginger and sugar daily to feed the ginger bug. By the end of the week, you’ll start to see some lively activity in the jar, and there might be a subtle aroma of yeast. These indicators suggest that fermentation is taking place as expected! If there is no noticeable bubbling after a week, or if mold develops on the surface, it might be necessary to begin the process again.
4. After bubbles have formed at the top of the ginger bug, it is ready for use in your homemade healthy soda recipe. Grab what you need for this recipe and continue establishing the ginger bug for later use.
5. Make sure to feed the ginger bug daily to keep it alive. If you won’t be using the ginger bug for a while, it can be safely stored in a refrigerator and fed once a week. Once you’re prepared to use your ginger bug again, find a spot at room temperature and continue feeding it daily.

How to Make Dandelion Soda

Please note that when harvesting any wild edibles, you need to pay attention to whether there is a probability that pesticides have been used on or near the dandelions. If so, they are not good to consume!

You will need:

• 3/4 C. of freshly plucked and washed dandelion heads (or roots, if you have some)
• 2 cups water
• A sprig of peppermint
• 1/2 cup ginger bug starter

How to Make:

1. Pick enough petals from the dandelion heads to fill three-quarters of a cup.
2. Boil some water, pour it over the petals, and let it steep until it cools completely.
3. Once cooled, strain the dandelion petals through a sieve or cheesecloth, pressing out all of the liquid.
4. Add one-half cup of ginger bug to a mug, followed by half of the dandelion “tea.”
5. Pour that mixture into a fresh glass with ice and garnish with fresh mint if desired.
6. You can try making this dandelion drink in different ways. For a citrusy splash, try adding lime or lemon juice and zest.

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