Dandelion – (Taraxacum officinalis)
The cheery yellow dandelion with its crown of greenery can be found just about everywhere. As much as children love to blow its fluff of seeds to the winds as they make a wish, gardeners everywhere are doing everything they can to eradicate this amazing plant from their lawns and gardens. They don't realize what a treasure this plant is. It is full of nutrition and medicinal qualities. The lowly flower just keeps up its persistent habit of coming back. It grows quickly, blossoming and turning to seed in a matter of days. The name comes from the French, "dent –de-lion," meaning lion's tooth.
Key Medicinal Uses
Internally – Dandelion is good for the liver and kidneys, and has often been used as a general tonic. Mixed in a herbal tea, it is given for jaundice, gall stones, constipation and upset stomach.
Externally – Dandelion sap is often applied directly from the stem to cure warts, pimples, moles, callouses and sores. The sap also soothes bee stings and blisters.
Other Uses – Dandelions are often added to salads, soups or cooked as greens. The taproot is edible year round and can be placed in stews, soups or sautéed with other root vegetables. The flowers can be made into wine. The nutritional value of the herb is amazing. Containing many vitamins and minerals sorely lacking from most peoples' diet, this lowly plant would be a good addition to any person's diet.
Herbs to Combine/Supplement
Dandelions are mixed with other herbs for many different complaints. Mixed with tincture of horseradish, the herbal tea is excellent for a sluggish liver.
A herbal tea consisting of the root, parsley root, balm leaves, ginger root and licorice root is good for gall stones if taken by the wineglass every two hours.
Parts Used
Root,leaves,flowers – The tap root is used for many applications. The greens are often eaten, and the flowers can be eaten or used medicinally.
Cautions
Some people may be allergic to this plant, if you are allergic to daisies and chamomile avoid. Those taking diuretics should always consult a medical practitioner before taking this herb.
Preparation and Dosage
When the tops are used to make a tincture, the dosage should be 10 to 15 drops in a spoonful of water three times each day.
For liver conditions, a broth made from sliced root, egg yolk and sorrel leaves should be taken daily.
For kidney stones, a decoction of dandelion root boiled for fifteen minutes, strained, then served with honey or brown sugar may be useful. One teacup full should be taken once or twice per day. For stomach irritation, the decoction or extract of the plant should be taken three to four times per day.