Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
The Dandelion is an herbaceous perennial growing from a thick, unbranching taproot. Leaves are shiny and hairless, are 3 to 12 inches long and 1 to 2 ½ inches wide and always form on the base, meaning they don’t grow up on stems, but emerge from the crown of the plant at ground level. The head contains 100 to 300 ray flowers and when cut off, a bitter, milky substance leaks out from the stem. Beneath the floret of bright golden yellow, five tiny petals sit above a tube filled with an abundance of nectar.
Common Names: blowball, cankerwort, doon-head-clock, witch’s gowan, milk witch, lion’s-tooth, Irish daisy, monk’s head
Family: Asteraceae
Part used: roots, leaves, flowers
Taste: Root: bitter, sweet, earthen, salty, Leaf: bitter, sweet, salty
Energetics: Drying, cooling
Native: Eurasia but Dandelions are found on all continents.
Preparation: decoction, tincture, capsules, extracts, food, you can use Dandelion leaves in salads, soups, sauté, casseroles, and stews.
Who is dandelion?
I think most of us have seen dandelions growing on the side of the road, in an abandoned field, creeping their way through the cracks in the pavement, or even making an appearance in our yards. She has bright yellow flowers resembling little balls of sunshine, long, jagged leaves 3-12 inches long, and sturdy hollow stems that produce a white milky sap.
Most often when people mention dandelion we think of a fluffy white plant used to make wishes, but she is much more than that! Her leaves and flowers have provided humankind with gentle healing through the centuries. The first records of dandelion being used as a medicinal plant ally date back to the 10th century. This plant was very well known by the Romans, Egyptians, and ancient Greeks, and now she will be known to you.
Before we take a deep dive into dandelion’s medicinal properties, let’s talk about her nutritional benefits:
Dandelion is considered a food source. Why? Because she is full of vitamins and minerals.
Dandelion has vitamins A, B, C, E, and high levels of vitamin K.
She is also full of minerals like Potassium, Iron, Folate, Magnesium, Calcium, and Zinc.
She can be taken as a tea or tincture and added to salads, soups, or any savory dish you can think of.
What makes dandelion an herbal ally?
Supports the Liver
Your liver performs hundreds of functions a day; a few of those functions are:
Aiding digestion by producing bile
Helping to clear toxins from the body
Serving as a storage for vitamins
Regulating the balance of hormones
Historically, dandelion root has been used to improve liver health by enhancing its detoxification function through an increase in bile flow. The vitamins and minerals that come from this plant ally also help cleanse the liver and blood.
The liver is one of our hardest working organs, so why not help keep it functioning at its optimal state with a little help from dandelion.
Supports Kidney Health
Dandelion is a diuretic, meaning it promotes urine production. Increased urine production allows your body to expel toxins.
Most diuretics can cause a loss of potassium in the body, but Dandelion leaves are high in potassium. Nature has a way of finding balance, making this plant a safe and supportive herb for kidney health.
Lowers Blood Pressure
We’ve mentioned a few times that dandelion leaves have a high content of potassium.
So how does this mineral found in dandelion help decrease blood pressure?
Potassium works in the body to relax blood vessel walls…The combined diuretic effect, plus the high levels of potassium make dandelion a historically effective ally for those experiencing high blood pressure.
May inhibit SARS-CoV-2
We know plants have supported us for hundreds of years, so it’s no surprise that we continue to see their benefits today. A recent study(although more research may be needed) shows that dandelion extract may be used to prevent the inhibition of the spike protein to the receptor ACE2. Meaning that dandelion extract may potentially hinder viral entry into cells. (For in-depth information, check out the full article here)
Benefits the Digestive System
Did you know that dandelion root can restore gut flora? Dandelion root contains a substance called inulin which acts like a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in your gut. She is also considered a bitter. Bitter herbs stimulate a response in your taste buds which then sends a signal to your digestive system to begin secretions in the stomach - optimizing digestion!
Good for Your Skin
If you experience hormonal breakouts right before or during your cycle, dandelion might just become your best friend. Dandelion provides hormonal balance by supporting the liver, which can directly ease breakouts caused by fluctuating hormones during your cycle.
Dandelion sap (the milky white substance found inside the stem of dandelions) can be used to treat skin infections like ringworm, eczema, boils, and abscesses.
Other Dandelion Benefits: Edema, Gallbladder, Gallstones, Jaundice, Constipation, Anemia, Healthy bones
Dandelion Side Effects
Those with sensitive skin will need to be careful when coming into contact with dandelion sap as it can cause contact dermatitis. Dandelion should be avoided if there is obstruction of the bile duct or gallbladder.
If you have kidney problems make sure to consult your doctor before using dandelion.
Dosages
Root: 1 teaspoon for every 8 oz. of water
Tincture: 6-12 drops, 3 times a day
Fresh leaves: steamed or raw
Dandelion Root Coffee
This rich flavorful liver tonic can be simmered and drank of its own or ground and added to coffee.
Chicory root, another coffee like liver tonic, can be similarly roasted.
METHOD: Place a thin covering of chopped and dried dandelion and/or chicory roots in a pan. Add water to dampen the roots. At a medium heat gently stir as the water evaporated. Continue to stir occasionally, watching for the roots to darken,
When dark and fragrant (careful not to burn at this stage!), remove from heat. When cool store in a jar.
Alternative: Pan roast dry dandelion in a thin layer in the oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit (no higher) for 30-40 minutes - until that coffee-like aroma fills the kitchen. But watch carefully as if left in at this point the roots can easily burn.
Try our Dandelion & Olive Tapenade Salad Recipe!
Dandelion Flower Essence
Most people have heard of dandelion being used as a tea or a tincture, offering healing benefits to the liver, digestive system, kidneys, skin, and more.
But did you know that there are other ways dandelion flowers can be used?
Dandelion flowers can also be used to create flower essences, historically flower essences have been used to guide your body both energetically and physically into a flow of wellbeing. Different flowers are used for different needs, just like herbs!
Who is dandelion flower essence for?
Dandelion flower essence can be used in situations where a person has a hard time adapting to change. This essence is for the kind of person who is go-go-go: the overachiever and perfectionist type. Physically, this essence can also be helpful for those feeling tension in the muscular body from overwork or worry.
What can dandelion flower essence do for you?
Although this form of therapy is not widely known, many people have benefited from allowing themselves to be guided back into balance by our beautiful flower allies.
Dandelion flower essence allows you to slow down, helping you listen to your emotional and physical needs. It also releases tension and allows the flow of energy to bring clarity and focus.
