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Dandelion

Jun 16
4 min read

For most people dandelions are simply a noxious weed that they work hard to eradicate each spring.  For me it is another beautiful gift the Lord has blessed us with that takes no effort on our part but to gather and use for our benefit.



Taraxacum officinale

Family: Asteraceae - daisy, sunflower

Subfamily: Cichoriodeae - chicory

Parts used: whole plant


What's in a Name - Taraxacum officinale

Taraxacum originates from a mix of ancient languages meaning "bitter herb" in reference to the taste. It may also have roots in the Greek word taraxos, meaning disorder, and akos meaning remedy as it is used for almost any disorder in the body because of the liver cleansing properties.

  • The binomial name has been changed through the years. In the past it was also know as Leodonton taraxacum, Leodonton vulgare, Taraxacum vulgare


Officinale comes from the Latin word officina, in reference to a plant that was grown in monastery gardens or prepared and sold in apothecary shops for the use of healing. These plants were historically recognized and used as an "official" medicine.

 

Common Name: Dandelion

Comes from the French dent de lion, the teeth of the lion. All parts resemble the teeth of a lion; the leaf looks like a row of teeth in a lion’s jaw, each floret has five little teeth at its edges, the blossom looks like a yellow lion’s mane and when the root is pulled up and peeled it is white like a lion’s tooth.


Folk Names:

  • Blowball

  • Lion’s Tooth

  • Pittle, pee, wet, mess-a-bed

  • Puffball

  • Swine’s snout

  • Golden suns

  • Burning fire

  • Monk’s head

  • Wishes

  • Hair-pins

  • Fairy clocks


History

Native to Greece, dandelions are found almost all over the world, growing in all types of conditions. There are over 1000 Taraxacum species.

  • First documented in China in 659 B.C. in the Tang Materia Medica.


Aperient

Antibacterial (root only)

Antioxidant

Anti-Inflammatory (root only)

Astringent

Diuretic

Cholagogue

Hepatic

Laxative

Lithotriptic

Blood Tonic

Nutritive


Energetics/Body Systems Affected

Cooling

Drying

Bitter

Digestive

Liver

Skin


Energy:

Opening and cleansing

Clears out heat


Constituents/Nutrients

Calcium

Carotenoids

Electrolytes

Inulin

Iron

Potassium

Sesquiterpenes

Rich in trace minerals and nutritive salts



Uses

  • Digestive aid, appetite, gas, bloating, heartburn, stomachache, diarrhea, constipation, etc. (tincture, capsules, or tea before meals)

  • Strengthens and feeds gut microbiome

  • Bitter tonic good for liver, kidneys, spleen, and pancreas.

  • Blood purifier and blood building, good for anemia (root has strongest action)

  • Opens obstructions and clears out

  • Liver tonic; stimulating, decongesting and nourishing

  • Liver conditions such as jaundice and hepatitis

  • Bladder and kidney problems

  • Breaks down cholesterol and fat

  • Gall and kidney stone prevention and aid (root)

  • Bladder infection; won’t kill bacteria but helps wash microbes out a urinary tract.

  • High blood pressure and heart disease

  • Regulates blood sugar levels, helpful for diabetics

  • Increase milk supply in nursing mothers

  • Bloating and discomfort of PMS

  • Helps maintain a healthy hormone balance

  • Chronic skin problems (by cleansing the liver and kidneys)

  • Promotes strong bone and joint health

  • Wounds and lacerations, prevents and fights infection

  • Blocks the interaction of COV-2 spike protein and ACE-2 receptor sites

  • Joint and muscle pain and inflammation

  • Eye support

  • Brain function

  • High in trace minerals, iron, calcium, potassium, and other nutrients including electrolytes

  • Milk from the dandelion will dissolve warts (apply 2-3 times a day for 2-3 months)

  • Milk can also fade aging spots (liver spots)

  • Blossoms help hydrate skin, soothe inflamed lymph and breasts, relives sore and achy joints, muscle, and tissue (apply topically as an oil, salve or cream in addition to internally)


Food; use leaves and blossoms in cooking, roots can be roasted and brewed. Adding olive oil to greens helps the body absorb the minerals. Adding lemon juice makes the iron more available. Root can be pickled, leaf add to salads (best in the spring) steamed, sauteed, pesto, etc.

  • Tea (decoction of roots or infusion of flowers and leaves)

  • Powder, sprinkle, capsules

  • Tincture, liniment

  • Vinegar

  • Honey, syrup

  • Poultice, fomentation

  • Herbal oil

  • Salve, ointment, balm

  • Bath, steam

  • Dandy blend (commercial blend mixed with chicory with no bitter aftertaste, coffee flavor)

  • Milk; snap stem by rosette or blossom and apply to warts and liver spots



Don’t spray your yard with weed killer and there is your fresh supply, ready to go. Found in waysides, nature trails, parks, everywhere! Just make sure they have not been chemically treated.

  • Leaves are the best in early spring when they are young, but they can be harvested anytime. 

  • Pick flowers as they bloom. 

  • Roots are harvested in mid-summer for the highest medicinal properties, just dig them up, wash them, chop and dehydrate. For better flavor roast them after drying. Many use roasted root as a coffee substitute.


Dosage/Safety

Patch test to check for allergies before use.

  • 3 Tbsp herb to 1 cup of water for a tea or decoction or 1 oz herb to 1 quart

  • Tincture: 30-60 drops, 3xday

  • Mix equal parts burdock root for a good cleanser when dealing with sluggish digestion and skin conditions.


Symbolism

Rustic

Oracle

Fortune Telling


Myth/Folklore

Folklore was deeply connected to plants and herbs during the Dark Ages when superstition ruled the heart and mind. Myths and legends usually have truths connected to them so I like to look for symbolism in these historic beliefs, though some are just silly. Much of the folklore surrounding dandelion is connected to fortune teller and predicting.

  • Puffball predictions

  • Blow as you make a wish. If all the seeds come off your wish will come true.

  • The directions the seeds fly shows where your lover is.

  • If you want to know if your sweetheart is thinking of you, blow. If any seeds are left, the answer is yes.

  • Sacred to St. Bridget


Poetry/Literature/Art



Dandelion Identification & Images

Coming Soon


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Disclaimer: The Information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use.  It is not intended to replace the advice of a licensed healthcare professional. Those who follow these suggestions do so at their own risk.

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