Episode 199: Dandelion with Mason Hutchison

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Episode Summary

What happens when a playful kid turns dandelion fluff into mischief?

Spoiler alert—those days of early herbal mischief may just turn into a lifelong passion for the plant world, as it did for my good friend Mason Hutchison.

In this episode, Mason discusses the many virtues of the much-maligned (though not in the herbal world!) dandelion, Taraxacum officinale. From stories of childhood antics to his first taste of this “gateway herb,” Mason shares how dandelion has shaped his path as an herbalist and community builder. Along the way, we taste-test dandelion creations (all delicious, though some are decidedly bitter!), dive into its surprising nutritional and medicinal powers, and celebrate the joy this sunny little plant brings. You’ll never look at a patch of dandelions the same way again!

Along with several other tasty dandelion beverages, Mason and I said cheers over a warm cup of my Spiced Dandelion-Chicory Herbal Brew. This is a new recipe that I’ve never shared before—and a personal favorite of mine! 

Check out the beautifully illustrated recipe card in the section below, and enjoy this crowd-pleasing dandelion drink with your own friends!

By the end of this episode, you’ll know:

► How to tell dandelion apart from its many look-alike cousins

► The many nutritional and medicinal benefits of dandelion roots, leaves, stems, and flowers

► One fun way to work with dandelion seeds (aside from the inevitable wish-making, of course!)

► The surprising reason behind dandelion’s French nickname, “pissenlit”

► and so many other reasons to love this humble weed!

For those of you who don’t know him, Mason Hutchison is the founder of HerbRally, an herbal community hub that promotes herbalism education and events. He is also the host of The Herbalist Hour, a podcast and YouTube series where he interviews a diverse array of plant people. Mason is a proud father, avid chess, basketball and ping pong player, spring water gatherer, and an enthusiast in the art of frugal nutrition.

I’m so excited to share our conversation—and plenty of dandelion love—with you today!

Would you prefer reading this episode? If so, click here to download a transcript.

Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, scroll down below.

Connect with Mason:

• Website | HerbRally.com
• Instagram | @herbrally
• Facebook | HerbRally
• YouTube | @HerbRally

Check out Mason’s HerbRally Schoolhouse! Visit https://www.herbrally.com/schoolhouse and use the coupon code “Rosalee” to get your first 30 days free.

You can find my previous episode on oats with Mason here.

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [1:32] Introduction to Mason Hutchison
• [4:40] How HerbRally got started, and how Mason uses it to help build community among herbalists
• [14:59] How Mason came to know and love dandelion
• [18:46] Botanical characteristics of dandelion
• [25:23] Spiced Dandelion-Chicory Herbal Brew recipe
• [29:13] Nutritional and medicinal benefits of dandelion root, leaf, stem, flower, and seed
• [47:41] Safety precautions for dandelion
• [55:20] Mason’s herbal projects
• [1:01:24] Mason’s advice for herbalists wanting to forge their own paths
• [1:08:25] Student spotlight
• [1:08:59] Herbal tidbit

Get Your Free Download!

This warming, aromatic beverage blends the rich roasted flavors of dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) and chicory root (Cichorium intybus) with classic chai-inspired spices. It’s nourishing, caffeine-free, and perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon grounding. Drink within 48 hours. 

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons roasted dandelion root
• 1½ tablespoons roasted chicory root
• ½ cinnamon stick
• 2 whole cloves
• 1–2 whole star anise
• 2 whole allspice berries
• 2–3 cardamom pods
• 1½ tablespoons dried ginger root
• Pinch of salt
• 650 mL water (about 2¾ cups)
• 350 mL oat milk (about 1½ cups)
• Honey or other sweetener, to taste

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the roasted roots and spices.
3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Add the oat milk and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
5. Gently reheat the mixture over low heat until warmed through. Avoid bringing it back to a boil.
6. Turn off the heat. Strain. 
7. Add honey or your preferred sweetener to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!

-- TIMESTAMPS -- 

• 0:22 - Introduction to Mason Hutchison
• 03:43 - How HerbRally got started, and how Mason uses it to help build community among herbalists
• 14:33 - How Mason came to know and love dandelion
• 18:31 - Botanical characteristics of dandelion
• 25:19 - Spiced Dandelion-Chicory Herbal Brew recipe
• 29:20 - Nutritional and medicinal benefits of dandelion root, leaf, stem, flower, and seed
• 48:21 - Safety precautions for dandelion
• 56:17 - Mason’s herbal projects
• 1:02:37 - Mason’s advice for herbalists wanting to forge their own paths
• 1:09:53 - Student spotlight
• 1:10:26 - Herbal tidbit

Connect with Rosalee

• On Instagram | @rosaleedelaforet

• On Facebook | Herbs With Rosalee
• On YouTube | Herbs With Rosalee

• Website | herbswithrosalee.com


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