• Beyond standard gear like bandages, a comprehensive survival kit should include items for health and wellness. Dandelion extract is a powerful but often forgotten addition that is ideal for high-stress situations.
• When access to fresh food is limited, dandelion provides crucial vitamins and minerals. Its leaves are rich in Vitamins A, C and K that support good health, while the root contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that supports optimal gut health and digestion.
• Supported by traditional use and modern research, dandelion acts as a natural remedy. Its antioxidants help protect cells from damage.
• For a survival kit, a liquid extract is ideal because it is concentrated, shelf-stable, lightweight and requires no refrigeration. A simple daily dose of one to two teaspoons, taken directly or mixed in water, helps support overall well-being.
• Create a long-lasting dandelion tincture by soaking fresh or dried roots in a high-proof spirit like vodka for six to eight weeks. The finished tincture, stored in dark bottles, remains potent for years, making it a perfect, homemade addition to emergency medical supplies.

Preppers know that every item in a survival kit must earn its place. While bandages, water purifiers and firestarters are standard, a truly comprehensive kit also addresses health and wellness in stressful situations.

One of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, additions to your kit is a humble bottle of dandelion extract.

Far more than a lawn weed, this plant is a nutritional and medicinal powerhouse, making it an indispensable asset for any survival scenario. (h/t to Healthline.com)

Dandelion: A reliable source of nutrition in a crisis

When disaster strikes, access to fresh, nutritious food can become limited. This is where the dandelion plant shines.

From leaf to root, it is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals.

The greens are an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K, crucial for supporting healthy immune function and vision and blood clotting. Dandelion greens also provide iron, calcium and potassium, and these minerals are vital for maintaining overall well-being during physically demanding times.

Dandelion root offers a different set of benefits. It is rich in a prebiotic fiber called inulin, which acts as food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut.

In a high-stress environment, digestive issues can flare up, and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is key to overall health and efficient nutrient absorption.

Beyond its nutritional value, dandelion serves as a versatile herbal remedy, a fact supported by both centuries of traditional use and modern research.

Its potent antioxidants help combat oxidative stress in the body, which can be heightened during physical exertion and psychological stress. These compounds help protect cells from damage.

How to use dandelion extract in the field

Incorporating dandelion extract into a survival routine is straightforward. For a general health tonic and to support optimal digestive health, the recommended dosage for a fluid extract is one to two teaspoons daily.

It can be taken directly or mixed with a small amount of water. This simple routine can provide a steady stream of nutrients and support organ function when your diet may be lacking.

The extract’s concentrated form is ideal for a kit because it is shelf-stable, lightweight and requires no refrigeration. A small amber bottle can provide weeks of daily support, taking up minimal space compared to bulkier herbal teas or dried roots.

Dandelion tincture recipe

For the prepared individual, making a dandelion tincture at home is a simple and rewarding process.

Use either fresh or dried dandelion root, which can be purchased online. Properly labeled with the date and contents, this homemade tincture will remain potent for years, making it a perfect, long-lasting addition to any emergency medical supplies.

Equipment:

• A pint Mason jar (wide mouth)
• Small tincture funnel
• Cheesecloth, fine mesh (90 grade)
• Amber glass tincture bottles (with droppers)
• Adhesive label or masking tape (for labeling the tincture)

Ingredients:

• Dandelion roots or the whole dandelion plant, including the roots
• Neutral spirit (You can use vodka)

Instructions:

1. Fill the Mason jar 3/4 full of fresh dandelion roots or chopped whole dandelion plant, or 1/2 full of dried dandelion root. You can buy dried dandelion roots from herbal supply stores.
2. Cover the fresh or dried dandelion with alcohol. The liquid must completely cover the contents of the jar.
3. Once the lid is screwed on tightly, gently shake the jar. Set the jar aside in a cool, dry area away from light. Let the extraction occur over the next six to eight weeks.
4. Gently shake the Mason jar every two days or so.
5. Check the alcohol level regularly and add more alcohol to cover the dandelions as needed.
6. Once the tincture is ready, line a funnel with cheesecloth. Place the funnel into the neck of a dark amber glass bottle and pour the mixture into the cheesecloth-lined funnel. Press the plant material to make sure all of the liquid is poured into the bottle.
7. Label the tincture properly. Store in a cool, dry area away from sunlight.

If you are avoiding alcohol, use glycerite as an alternative. Using a mixture of glycerin and water (or all glycerin for fresh plants), the process is the same, resulting in a sweet, alcohol-free extract that is also well-suited for children.

As you prepare for emergencies with tools and supplies, don’t neglect your internal health. Dandelion extract is a multifaceted, natural remedy that addresses nutrition and overall well-being.