Spring marks the beginning of an epic battle against the dreaded dandelion, but this resilient weed has a ton of health benefits. Dandelions, a good source of fiber, potassium, micronutrients, vitamins and calcium, are typically used for their benefits to the liver and digestive system.

This herb is a perfect addition to your diet. In fact, dandelions routinely find their way into lists of the top 10 vegetables. Since a diverse selection of leafy green vegetables has been shown to work wonders for your body, why not add dandelions to your daily salad, smoothie, tea or stir-fry?

The main benefit of course is that dandelions are free. Who says you only get what you pay for? As usual, it is important that you are eating organic dandelions, so it is best to find some that haven’t been sprayed with harmful chemicals (or every dog in the neighborhood). So get out there and pick some good clean dandelions. With a little creativity, you can reap the health benefits of this free super food.

Do you incorporate dandelions into your diet? If so, share some of your favorite uses in the comments section below.