Dandelion Root Infused Honey for Immunity

As with all parts of your mind and body, the incredible immune system becomes even more important as you age. 

You can help your immune system out by impeding potential disease-causing pathogens by increasing your intake of immune-boosting foods such as dandelion root infused honey.

Dandelion and honey are a match made in heaven. From a culinary standpoint, the bitterness of dandelion is complemented by the sweetness of honey.

Dandelion

Studies of dandelion extract and dandelion root extract have shown antimicrobial activity and strong antiviral compounds with evidence for use even against strains of HIV. In addition to these immune-supportive attributes, the dandelion root contains many vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, mucilage, pectin, as well as carbohydrates and carotenoids. The carbohydrate component is in the form of inulin which is a known immune booster for the digestive tract and as such, is deemed supportive against potential cancers of the digestive tract.

Honey is best used raw, unpasteurized, uncooked, and local where available. There are many immune-boosting properties in honey, including its antimicrobial properties in addition to honey’s extensive therapeutic attributes. Honey provides protection for your cells from damage by free radicals, due to compounds in honey called polyphenols and acts as an antioxidant. Also, honey is nutritious, full of vitamins and minerals, and is a natural antibacterial and antifungal.  

Harvesting Or Sourcing Dandelion Root

Dandelions grow almost all over the world and you may be able to wild source these from any sunny disturbed area that is clean and clear of toxic chemicals and herbicides. It’s a great idea to get a foraging book to reference.
There are also options to purchase dandelion root, often dried and available at health food stores or online. 

Dandelions can live for up to 13 years and their long taproots can grow up to 15 feet deep, bringing up hard to reach nutrients from the subsoil. Normally, dandelions grow 10 to 15 inches deep and can reproduce new plants from just a small portion of less than ½ an inch of root. Some research suggests harvesting dandelion roots in the early spring or late fall when most of the plants’ energy is stored in the root. I have chosen to harvest young dandelions in early fall after they have finished flowering.

Preparing Dandelion Root for Infusion

There are many ways to use dandelion root, but for this recipe, I will be using young, fresh, raw roots. However, to make a more shelf-stable infusion, you would need to choose dry or roasted roots. A honey infusion with higher water content, like the recipes to follow, is not shelf-stable, and as such requires refrigeration or at least a cold room and should be consumed within 30 days.

As they are not shelf-stable, you must use your best judgment and check for any signs of spoilage. For the following recipes, I harvested dandelion root first thing in the morning, cleaned, sliced, a placed in honey immediately so that all the beneficial attributes of the dandelion root would be encased and infused in honey. Another option would be to dry and ground dandelion root and use it as a powder to mix into the honey infusion.

Honey Infused with Dandelion Root, Ginger, and Garlic

For this recipe, I used fresh, straight from the garden, young dandelion roots, and fresh chopped ginger and garlic due to their many healthful benefits including their immune-boosting properties as well as their complementary flavor to honey.

Recipe:

• ½ cup raw, unpasteurized, local honey
• 1 teaspoon dry or 1 tablespoon fresh dandelion root
• 1 teaspoon dry or 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon dry or 1 tablespoon fresh garlic
• Place ingredients in the bottom of a sterilized jar and pour honey in to fill the jar.
• Close with a tight-fitting lid. Keep in a cool dark place, allowing it to rest for 1 to 4 weeks.

The longer the infusion rests, the stronger the concoction will be. Check your creation periodically. You may notice the ingredients have floated to the top so you may want to stir the mixture and take a taste while you’re at it.

Honey Infused with Dandelion Root, Oil of Oregano, Rosemary Essential Oil, And Thyme Essential Oil

This recipe is just too easy, infusing the honey with fresh, young dandelion root and food-grade essential oils.  Infusing honey with essential oils is a clean and convenient option, but you may of course use fresh or dried herbs instead. The immune-boosting properties and antimicrobial activity of oregano, rosemary, and thyme are the reasons I chose these oils in addition to their spicy, complimentary aromas.

Recipe:

• ½ cup raw, unpasteurized, local honey
• 1 teaspoon dry or 1 tablespoon fresh dandelion root
• 5 drops of oil of oregano or 1 teaspoon dry or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
• 5 drops of rosemary essential oil or 1 teaspoon dry or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
• 5 drops of thyme essential oil or 1 teaspoon dry or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• Place the dandelion root in the bottom of a sterilized jar and pour honey in to fill the jar.
• Using a dropper, drop essential oils on top of the honey.
• Close with a tight-fitting lid and keep in a cool dark place, allowing it to rest for 1 to 4 weeks.

How to Use It:

The longer the infusion rests, the stronger the concoction will be. Check your creations periodically, stirring if necessary, and maybe a taste test. 

Each of these recipes has a multitude of flexibility. Dandelion roots tend to be very bitter so using honey helps to balance the bitterness. You might want to choose other complimentary flavors such as cinnamon and clove or citrus flavors to brighten the infusions.

For immunity, take a teaspoon of this concoction daily. Another simple way to use this honey is to use a teaspoon melted in a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar as a compliment to your favorite salad dressing.

As with any new plant or product, there is always the potential for an adverse reaction such as stomach upset or allergy. Always listen to your body and remember it is best to start slowly when using any new plant by smelling it and touching it to your skin.

In addition, it is good to note that it is recommended to keep your honey intake to a maximum of 6 teaspoons daily due to the sugar content.

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