STOP THROWING AWAY MY DANDELIONS: A Wild Rant (and Love Letter) to the Most Misunderstood Plant in Your Garden
Let’s get one thing straight right out of the gate: if you’re one of those people who gets out the lawnmower at the first hint of yellow in your grass, this blog post is for you.
Also… how dare you.
My name is Arin Breagh —but around here, I’m known as that lady. You know, the local weirdo who will absolutely shout across the street if I see you yanking dandelions out of the soil like they’re some kind of parasitic invader.
“IT’S MEDICINE, JERRY!” I once screamed at a poor neighbour who was just trying to “tidy up” his yard.
Am I dramatic? Maybe. But I’m not wrong. Dandelions are one of the most misunderstood, underappreciated, and tragically discarded plants out there. And today, I’m going to tell you why you should not only stop pulling them up—but start celebrating them.
And yes, this is also where I announce that my beloved dandelion muscle rub returns this May. But more on that later.
The Great Dandelion Mistake
Somewhere along the way, society collectively decided that dandelions were “weeds.” Probably around the same time we decided margarine was a good idea and polyester was the height of fashion.
But here’s the truth: dandelions aren’t weeds. They’re medicine. Food. Tea. Skincare. And resilience in plant form.
They grow in sidewalk cracks, thrive in poor soil, and bloom in a burst of joyful yellow no matter how many people curse at them. Sound familiar? Yeah. They’re basically the plant version of your weird aunt who sells crystals and never dies.
5 Reasons You Should Worship (Not Weed Out) Dandelions
1. Dandelions Are Packed With Nutrients
You know that fancy multivitamin you bought that smells like fish and regret? Dandelions are nature’s version—but better. The leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium. Every part of the plant—from root to flower—is edible and beneficial.
I mean, it’s like finding out the weird kid from school is secretly a genius. Don’t underestimate the underdog.
2. They Support Your Liver Like a Loyal Best Friend
Dandelion root has been used for centuries to support liver health. It acts as a gentle detoxifier, stimulating bile production and helping your liver do what it does best—break down toxins and keep your internal systems running smoothly. It’s like a little herbal janitor for your insides.
Bonus: It also helps with digestion, especially if you’re the kind of person who eats cheese and regrets it immediately after.
3. They Help Your Skin and Muscles, Too
Here’s where things get personal: several years ago, I started making a simple infused dandelion oil to use on my sore shoulders. I’d been hunched over too many jars, mixing herbal potions, and my muscles were staging a quiet rebellion.
Enter the dandelion.
The anti-inflammatory properties of dandelion—especially when infused in oil and combined with things like calendula or arnica—make it a powerful topical remedy for muscle aches, joint pain, and even dry skin. That’s how my handmade dandelion muscle rub was born.
And yes, I’m thrilled to say that it’s coming back in May. So if you’ve been hoarding your last tin like it’s gold (I see you), relief is on the horizon.
4. They’re an Important First Food for Pollinators
Before the flashy flowers come out to play, dandelions are one of the first sources of nectar for bees and other early pollinators in spring. When you mow them down for the sake of a “perfect lawn,” you’re basically cutting the buffet before it opens.
Want to save the bees? Step one: Stop waging war on dandelions.
5. They’re Resilient, Like You (Yes, I’m Getting Sentimental Now)
I can’t help but admire dandelions for their sheer persistence. You can dig them up, stomp them out, spray them, mow them—and they’ll come back. They grow where they’re not wanted. They thrive in chaos. And they don’t need your approval to bloom.
Tell me that isn’t a metaphor for all of us oddballs who refused to fit in.
How to Harvest Dandelions (Without Making Me Scream)
Okay, so now you’re convinced. You want to give dandelions a chance. Welcome to the club—we meet under full moons and swap tinctures.
But before you go frolicking through a field with a basket and a dream, here are a few harvesting tips:
Avoid areas sprayed with pesticides or herbicides. Roadsides and public parks? Probably a no-go.
Harvest in clean areas—your own backyard is usually best.
Pick young, tender leaves for eating, and the roots in early spring or late fall for medicine.
Be respectful. Don’t take everything—leave some for the bees (and me).
If you’re not sure what to do with your harvest, start simple:
– Toss young leaves into a salad.
– Infuse flowers in oil for skincare.
– Roast the root for tea or a coffee substitute.
– Or, you know, send them to me. I accept donations. Enthusiastically.
Coming Soon: Dandelion Muscle Rub (and No, You Don’t Have to Forage for It Yourself)
If DIY isn’t your thing (or you’re just not ready to explain to your neighbours why you’re crawling through your lawn whispering to plants), I’ve got you.
My handmade dandelion muscle rub is making its triumphant return this May. It’s infused with slow-harvested dandelions, blended with rich oils, and scented with just a hint of forest magic. It’s the thing you didn’t know your neck needed.
Perfect for:
– Sore backs
– Tech-neck from scrolling too long
– That weird shoulder pain from sleeping like a tangled pretzel
– General “I’m-not-25-anymore” aches
Keep your eyes on Instagram for the exact launch date—and yes, I do sell out fast. (Turns out yelling about plants on the internet is an effective marketing strategy.)
Final Thoughts (A.K.A. My Dandelion Manifesto)
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this passionate plant-based PSA, it’s this:
Weeds are just plants that refuse to be controlled.
And maybe, just maybe, we could all use a little more dandelion energy in our lives—bold, bright, wildly unbothered by what other people think.
So the next time you spot one in your yard, don’t reach for the shovel.
Kneel down. Say thank you. And maybe whisper, “I get it now.”
(And if you see me coming down the street holding a jar of muscle rub and shouting about root infusions—you’ll know why.)
With herbal love and slightly feral energy,
Arin Breagh
Resident Dandelion Defender & Maker of Magical Muscle Rubs
