I don’t know if you knew this or not, but we kind of like dandelions, around here–hence Fuzzy Little Wishballs.  Back story?  Well, I guess I didn’t ever share one or give an explanation.  I just figured it was a given, I suppose.  There’s nothing to it, really.  Let me fill you in real quick.

When Lilie started getting old enough to understand me and talk back, play time became more and more interesting.  She loved being outside from the moment we left the hospital that sunny August day, four and a half years ago.  Every time I walked out the door with her, she pushed herself back away from my body as if basking in the warmth of the sun.  It was so neat to see this tiny little creature enjoying something other than feeding, burping, rocking or sleeping.

Anyway, back to the story.  Lilie and I were outside exploring in the yard one day when she stumbled upon a flower.  It was a little yellow dandelion.  I remember her being so excited to have found a flower and proud to present it to Mommy.

Then, she stumbled upon a fuzzy-looking one.  Being so young, I knew I’d confuse her with an explanation of how they were actually the same.  I thought I’d have a little fun with it, instead.  I told her it was a fuzzy wishball and you were supposed to blow on it and make a wish {kind of like a shooting star}.

But it didn’t end there.  Lilie loves the idea of them and searches all over to collect them, like jewels, making as many wishes as she can.  So many people have asked what we were talking about and really taken a liking to idea, as well.

Dandelions seem to hold some meaning, though.  They remind me of being a child and also of the love I have for my own little one.  They also remind me that we are always His children, no matter what.  They make me think whimsical and lovely thoughts.  Ideas of adventure and mystery.

Dandelions are always thought of as weeds, but are they?  Weeds are merely unwanted plants, right?  Well, they’re not unwanted, here.  I’ve given them a place in my garden.  I even entertained the idea of getting a small tattoo of one {which has not been completely crossed out, yet}.

So, when it came time to think of a name for my blog, it was pretty much a given.  Nothing else seemed to fit.

Are you wondering where I’m getting at with all this?  Tea.  Dandelion tea.  We finally made some for the very first time, the other night.  I was leery of it because of the pungent taste I’d read about.  But with a spoonful of honey, it was just fine.  Lilie happily slurped it right down.

First, we rounded up about 5 or 6 small dandelion leaves {winter left us lacking}.  We tore the leafy part off of the stems and rinsed them of dirt.  We then poured boiling water over the leaves in our cup.  Let it steep for about 10 minutes then added honey.  You can use fresh or dried leaves.

Dandelion actually holds a lot of benefits:

• nutrients such as vitamin A, K, C, calcium, iron, potassium and several more
• reduces inflammation of the liver
• helps with weight loss
• helps lower blood pressure
• the fiber helps with cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and cancers
• helps lower the effects of stress
• helps with acne, eczema and psoriasis
• helps digestion and eases stomach aches
• aids in cleansing your system

And that’s not all.  Do a little research and I’m sure you’ll find tons more.  I can’t wait to get my herb garden started, this year.  Happy sipping!

Have you ever tried using herbs, other than those prepared, for making tea?  What was your recipe?