Herbs to Know: Dandelion

For at least the rest of the week I have decided to start talking about individual herbs that are well known and popular as well as being medicinal. Some of these like this first one many people don't realize not only are edible but have medicinal use! This is also a good source of information for those of you putting together your Materia Medica (← Find out how to make your own on the side bar page titled "Materia Medica").

Common Name(s): Dandelion, Dent-de-lion, Cakerwort, Priests Crown
Scientific/Latin Name: Taraxacum officinale

Place of Origin: Europe and Asia

Commonly thought of: As a common weed, a bane to lawn care workers and gardeners everywhere.

Past uses: While above is the most consistent thought of the dandelion it was at one point in Europe used to reduce fevers, boils, eye problems, diarrhea, fluid retention, liver congestion, heartburn, and skin ailments. It was used also in Asia to treat breast problems, liver diseases, appendicitis and digestive problems.

Active Constituents: Taraxacin and Taraxacerin (Giving dandelion it's "bitter" qualities) as well as flavanoids such as carotene-β, carotene-α, lutein, crypto-xanthin and zea-xanthn (In the leaves)

Medical Uses: It is still today used to aid in digestion and increased appetite, being a bitter (an herb that tastes bitter) it is believed it triggers gastric juices which aids in digestion. It is also believed to help expel toxins from the liver and is believed to be a good source of vitamin A. It is also used as a diuretic (causes you to urinate) and a laxative. The inner parts of the flower stem have been known to help stinging or burning of the skin.

Usually used as: A tea, capsules, or tincture. Typically it is the dandelion root and leaves that are used in medicinal cures, the capsules and tinctures are usually made from the root and the tea is made from the leaves and sometimes the root as well. It is believed the root has the most potent medicinal qualities.

Growing/Wildcrafting: Usually wildcrafted as it grows rampant in most of the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Rarely grown because it's considered a "weed" and not at all ideal as an indoor plant due to it's "puffball" stage where it releases it's seeds. If you intend to collect the leaves and flowers it's best done after the flowers have completely bloomed. If collecting the roots it is also best done after flowering during the summer.

Cautions: Very few, however if the person is normally allergic to the plant, it is not advisable to ingest it. Do not use if pesticides were used nearby (Often picked from the yard, where pesticides are commonly used) Also if you have ulcers, the increase of gastric juices can inflame your ulcers and cause pain.

Extra Notes: Being a good source of vitamin A and generally very safe to take, it is often put on salads where the yellow flowers, leaves, and even sometimes the stem and root can be eaten whole and fresh, receiving the highest amount of benefits.

"Today, the dandelion has both medical and culinary uses. Dandelion greens are one of the most nutritious greens available. One cup of raw greens has:
112% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A
535% RDA of vitamin K
32% RDA of vitamin C
103 mg of calcium
1.7 mg of iron
218 mg of potassium."
-http://www.naturalremedies.org/dandelion/

Where to find Recipes: Dandelion Teas, Pink Dandelion Wine, Dandelion Root Coffee, Dandelion Jelly, Dandelion Salve,

Dosages: The recommended dose for dandelion leaf tea is 1-2 teaspoons steeped in hot water 3 times a day. For dandelion root tea, the recommended dose is ½ -2 teaspoons steeped in hot water 3 times a day. Whether the capsules are the leaf or the root, the recommended dose is 500 mg 3 times a day. The recommended dose for both the leaf tincture and the root tincture is 100-150 drops 3 times a day.

How to make Preparations: Most commonly used as teas, using dried leaves and flowered parts. The fresh greens can also be used in cooking as well as in salads. The roots can be dried and ground and made into coffee

Sources:
Hourdajian, Dara. "Introduced Species Summary Project - Columbia University."Introduced Species Summary Project - Columbia University. Columbia University, 13 Nov. 2006. Web. 10 June 2015. -- Website Link

 "Dandelion Herb Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits." Nutrition And You.com. Nutrition-and-you.com, n.d. Web. 10 June 2015. --Website Link

Wang, Kim. "Dandelion Health Benefits." Natural Remedies RSS. Natural Remedies, 2010. Web. 10 June 2015.  -- Website Link

Sierralupé, Sue, and Candace Hunter. "Dandelion: The Liver Cleanser." The Practical Herbalist. The Practical Herbalist, n.d. Web. 10 June 2015. -- Website Link

~Lindsey Shemwell (The Budding Botanist)