The first line of a little known song asks the question, "How many dandelions this year will grow?" Indeed, in some parts of the North America hills are yellow with dandelion flowers in the spring. Most are either ignored or poisoned as a nuisance. If we had known what this article will reveal, we might have gathered them instead of treating them as a curse.
The name dandelion comes from the French phrase 'dent de lion,' meaning 'lion's tooth.' This refers to the jagged-edged leaves of this weed. The fancier scientific name is Taraxacum officinale. Unlike calendula (marigold) which is not the same annual flower found in American gardens, dandelion the herb is exactly what you think of growing in your yard or on a hillside. What makes this common weed so great?
All the dandelion plant is useful. The roots can be eaten as vegetables or roasted and ground to make a type of root "coffee." A cursory look through the internet reveals the flowers are used to make wine, in cooking (dandelion flower cookies?), a syrup, jam, and an oil to rub on sore joints. But the leaves have the most diverse list of uses.
First, dandelion leaf is an excellent source of sodium, iron, vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, and especially calcium. Dandelion might have been one of the "bitter herbs" mentioned in the Bible. The leaves add bitter flavoring to salads or can be cooked like spinach. The best leaves are those bright green ones that appear before the dandelion flowers in the spring.
Dandelion leaf is famous for its ability to purify the blood and body. It cleanses the liver and increases its output. It also increases the flow of bile into the intestines and the activity of the pancreas and spleen. This makes it effective for the treatment for hepatitis, yellow jaundice, and other liver related problems. Its purifying skill makes it a treatment for some types of anemia. The leaf also helps with weight loss because the acids in the blood build up with weight loss and dandelion destroys them. Dandelion also builds energy and endurance and helps with low blood pressure.
Dandelion has special benefit for female issues. It will enrich breast milk in nursing mothers and this benefits both mother and child. It is beneficial both before, during, and after pregnancy. The diuretic action of dandelion helps relieve some of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Yes, dandelion is healthy and safe for men, woman, children, and animals.
Some herbs are not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. Dandelion on the other hand is beneficial. It actually enriches breast milk in nursing mothers. It benefits a mother throughout pregnancy and after. The symptoms of premenstrual syndrome are often relieved because of dandelion's diuretic action. Yes, dandelion is good for everyone, even your pet.
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses dandelion to treat upper respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia and bronchitis. Native Americans used it to treat indigestion, kidney disease, and heartburn.
Native Americans found dandelion helpful in treating kidney disease, indigestion, and heartburn. Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends dandelion for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia.
Dandelion is regarded as a safe herb. However, some people report allergic or asthmatic reaction to this herb particularly those with allergic reaction to ragweed or daisies. Some warn patients with liver or gallbladder disease to stay away from dandelion but others feel this opinion is not true.
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