You know, I always used to think of dandelions as annoying weeds. On the lawn, in the garden—I would just get rid of them without giving them much thought. Until my grandma took me to collect dandelions. She told me that this plant makes a tincture that helped her with many things: digestive problems , stomach aches, or simply to detoxify the body.
I didn't understand much at the time, but I remember us standing outside together, pulling the roots out of the ground and carefully cleaning them. It wasn't just the act of collecting that stuck in my mind—it was the feeling of taking something valuable directly from nature that would do tangible good.
Since then, I've been making my own dandelion tincture. For me, it's more than just a home remedy—it's a little time out, a moment of connection with nature, and I feel like I'm doing something truly good for my body.
If you'd like, I'll tell you how you can do it too – step by step, stress-free, but with great attention to detail. I'll also share with you what the tincture can do and how it can support you in your daily life. Because ultimately, it's all about discovering nature's little helpers and connecting with them on a personal level.
What is dandelion tincture?
You know, I used to barely pay attention to dandelions. I thought of them as annoying weeds that always grew in the middle of the garden. Until one day, I went out with my grandma to collect dandelions – and she showed me how she makes a tincture from them. It was like a little ritual for me: We bent down, carefully pulled the roots out of the ground, and I felt the cold soil on my fingers and smelled that slightly earthy scent.
The tincture itself? A small glass jar containing a dark liquid that is so much more than just alcohol and plant combined. For me, it's like a piece of nature, captured and concentrated—almost as if the sun and the power of the earth had been captured in a small bottle. When I use it, I remember those moments outside in the garden, the tranquility and connection to nature.
And that's exactly what makes the difference for me: It's not just a remedy you take because it works. It's a companion, a little piece of nature that I bring into my everyday life – that supports me when my body needs a break or I want to feel strengthened.
The effect of dandelion tincture
I still remember the first time I truly felt the effects of the dandelion tincture. It wasn't a sudden, major change, but more of a gentle "aha" feeling in my gut. After a stressful period in which I often felt heavy and sluggish, I started taking the tincture regularly—morning and evening, almost like a little ritual for myself.
What I noticed was this natural lightness. My stomach felt calmer, the unpleasant feeling of fullness slowly disappeared, and I felt like my body was better able to cope with the little stresses of everyday life. For me, that's the magic of dandelion: It helps stimulate digestion, supports the liver in detoxification, and restores inner balance.
What I find particularly fascinating is that this effect isn't a new discovery. Hildegard von Bingen, the great herbalist of the Middle Ages, described dandelion as an important medicinal plant. For her, dandelion was a helper when it came to cleansing and restoring balance to body and soul. And that's exactly what I still feel today when I take my tincture: It's as if I'm taking a small piece of this ancient wisdom into my everyday life.
So the next time you feel your stomach feeling heavy or you're looking for something natural to support you after a long day, give dandelion tincture a try. It's not magic, but it's a loving companion that will gently help you feel better again.
Dandelion tincture according to Hildegard von Bingen
I still remember the day my grandmother first told me about dandelion tincture – we were sitting in her small kitchen, the smell of freshly brewed tea in the air, and she told me about Hildegard von Bingen, this wise woman who knew over 800 years ago how important it is to look after the small plants along the wayside.
Back then, I thought, "Dandelion? The weed from the garden?" But my grandma smiled and said, "Exactly. Nature has a lot to give us if we just look." We went out into the garden together, looking for the strong roots, and I felt myself calm down—despite all the hustle and bustle in my head.
When we made the tincture, it was like a little ritual for me. I remember the patience, the waiting, the observation. This tincture wasn't just a remedy, but a piece of history and love in a jar. And when I smell it today, I feel that connection—as if the plant were embracing me and saying, "I'm here to help you."
For me, Hildegard von Bingen's dandelion tincture is much more than just a home remedy. It's a friend, a piece of nature that accompanies me when I need it – gently and reliably. And I wish you exactly the same experience.
Make your own dandelion tincture – step by step
I have to be honest: When I first tried making dandelion tincture myself, I was a little unsure. Where exactly do I find the best plants? How do I properly prepare the roots and leaves? And, most importantly, how long does it all actually take?
The best thing to do is to take some time on a quiet day and go out into nature—preferably somewhere where you know there won't be any pesticides or road fumes. I've learned that dandelion roots are especially powerful in the fall, but you can also collect the young leaves and flowers in the spring.
Once you've found the plant, it's time to dig. I still remember how my hands smelled of the earth and how that tiny bit of dirt somehow connected me to nature. The roots should be washed thoroughly to ensure that absolutely no dirt remains. It's sometimes quite fiddly, but that's exactly what makes the whole thing so special for me: It's a conscious moment, a true experience.
Then comes the most important step: Chop the roots and/or leaves into small pieces and place them in a clean jar. Then pour alcohol over them – preferably a high-proof one, which releases the active ingredients from the plant. Seal the jar, attach a small date label, and then be patient. The tincture should steep for two to six weeks – the longer the longer the plant's power, the more intense the potency.
Personally, I gently stir the jar every now and then, and I'm always delighted to see the color slowly change and all the energy of the dandelion absorbed into the liquid. After the resting time, strain everything – and your little homemade powerhouse is ready.
It always feels special to me to have made a tincture like this myself. You take time for yourself and nature, and at the end, you hold something in your hands that can do good for your body and soul.
How do you take dandelion tincture correctly?
I still remember the first morning I tried my homemade dandelion tincture. To be honest, I was a little unsure how best to incorporate the small bottle into my daily routine. The herbal, bitter taste at first? Yes, that surprised me! But I quickly realized: It's precisely this taste that, over time, feels like a gentle wake-up call for my body.
My little routine looked like this: I'd add a few drops to a glass of water, drink it mindfully, and take a few deep breaths. For me, this became a moment that helped me slow down and give my body a little break. Sometimes, when I was feeling particularly tired or stressed, I'd take the tincture in between—almost like a little friend saying, "Hey, I'm here for you."
I also remember being very cautious at first, starting with just a few drops and waiting to see how my body reacted. It was exciting to watch the feeling of well-being slowly set in, how my stomach relaxed, and my energy returned—no drama, no magic, just a gentle, natural companion.
And of course, I wondered if this would work for everyone. That's why I always recommend listening to your own body. If you're unsure, it's best to talk to someone who knows what they're talking about. For me, the topic of tincture has simply become a small piece of mindfulness in my everyday life that I wouldn't want to miss anymore.
Buying dandelion tincture – what should you pay attention to?
I remember the first time I wanted to buy dandelion tincture. Honestly, I was completely overwhelmed – there were so many different options online, in small shops, everywhere. So there I stood, with my little piece of paper in my hand, wondering: "What should I use? How do I find the right one?"
What really helped me: Not just looking at the ingredients, but also at who's behind the tincture. I like it when small manufacturers or people put their heart and soul into it – they usually tell me where their dandelions come from, how they collect them, and why they love this particular tincture so much.
Sometimes I made the mistake of buying products that were too cheap – and I have to be honest, it was noticeable sometimes. They lacked that certain something, that freshness and strength that I expect from a good tincture.
What I've learned: A good dandelion tincture still smells and tastes of nature, of earth and sun. And when you feel that, you know it contains real plant power.
I think it's good to listen to your gut feeling a little when making a purchase—because in the end, that's exactly what matters: How does the product make you feel? Take your time, and if you find someone who tells you their own story with the tincture, you'll usually already have a good tip.
For me, it's become a bit like a little adventure: searching for the true treasures of nature that accompany and support me. And that's exactly what I wish for you, too!