Dandelion, The Little Lion

Dandelion

Taraxacum Officinale (Scientific Name)

Lion's tooth, Dent de Lion (Common Names)

Asteraceae Family

Parts Used: Leaf, root, flower

Actions: Cool, Anti-Inflammatory, Anodyne, Astringent, Vulnerary, Diuretic, Salty, Nutritive, Mild Laxative, Lymphatic, Bitter Tonic

Organ Affinity: Liver, Kidney, Digestive System, Lympathic System

Energetics: Cold, Dry

Dandelion is a pervasive weed that grows everywhere it's wanted and uninvited. It is perhaps the most known and recognized herb that we have. As a child we would find dandelion plants to blow for a wish. Little did we know, we were aiding our parents weeding nightmare.

Dandelion has smooth, vibrant green leaves that resemble arrows. The leaves can get very long; I've had some with leaves that were about a foot long. The edges have "teeth" that vary in size and length. The dandelion flower is pretty large, about the size of a quarter, sometimes larger, and yellow, with one flower per stem. All of the parts of this plant are used, the stem oozes a milky sap that can be used topically on boils.

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Energetics & Actions:

Dandelion is considered one of the safest herbs. The dandelion flowers, root and leaves are all edible. The leaves are highly alkalizing, they contain vitamins A, B, C, and D as well as calcium, iron and other minerals, notably potassium. The taproots are long, they resemble white carrots as they will often form one long root unless disturbed. This property is indicative of its nutritive properties.

Dandelion stems can have a red color that symbolizes one of its predominant actions, working as a blood cleanser. Its diuretic properties help the body detoxify and get rid of excess water weight. Unlike other diuretics, dandelion leaves contain potassium which is usually flushed out in the urine.

Dandelions may help fight inflammation and aid blood sugar control. Dandelion root is a bitter tonic known to improve liver function. The leaves have an affinity for the kidneys, while the root is more specific for the liver. Roasted dandelion root is often marketed as a coffee substitute, unlike coffee, it doesn’t contain caffeine.

Cool Anti-Inflammatory Astringent/Vulnerary

Diuretic Salty Nutritive

Mild Laxative Lymphatic Bitter Tonic

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Preparations:

Dandelion flowers are used for garnish, in wines, mead and baking. I have also seen dandelion fritter recipes that look enticing, though I haven't had a chance to try it out for myself. Dandelion greens makes a great addition to salads. A few leaves can be added to a fruit smoothie without throwing off the taste. The leaves are less bitter than the root, especially when the leaves are harvested young. The bitterness of the leaves seem to increase when dried or cooked.

The root dries pretty fast and will maintain much of its white color when dried carefully. I do not peel the outer root before using. The root does contains inulin which can make tinctures cloudy. This inulin is a prebiotic fiber which is digested in the colon where it feeds good gut flora.

Enjoying these herbal insights, check out the reference section of my newest book, Herbal Holistic Healing!

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