Targeted as a nuisance in the yard, dandelions actually bloom at the perfect time of year to purify and cleanse your body. Plus, preparing this simple tea is as easy as plucking a few weeds from the garden and boiling a cup of water.

In springtime, your body greatly benefits from anything bitter or sour, including dandelions. Tea from this sunny weed will act as cholegogue, releasing bile, and cleansing the liver. Since bile is fatty and the primary pathway for cholesterol metabolism, releasing bile also reduces triglycerride levels in the blood.

Dandelion clears heat but sometimes leave the stomach feeling cold and heavy. Cardamom adds warmth, lightness, and a pleasant appetizing aroma that refreshes the palatte, thus providing a perfect accompaniment to dandelion. The aromatic qualities of cardamom clear mucus in the respiratory tract and improve circulation to the lungs. These same mucus destroying qualities clear stagnation from the stomach.

Dandelions are free and abundant but be sure to pick from a patch thats free of pesticides and herbicides to avoid ingesting toxic chemicals. The flower, leaves, and roots are edible. Plus, wild foods pack a stronger punch and offer more vitality than grocery store foods.

Fresh from your yard, dandelion tea is like drinking sunshine in a cup. Use the leaves and the flowers in this delicious, simple recipe.

1/8 tsp	Cardamom
1/8 lbs	Dandelion Leaves

Steep dandelion leaves and cardamom, covered, in boiled water for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with dandelion flowers.