Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a perennial member of the Asteraceae family, growing to about 50cm with ragged toothed leaves, hollow stalks and golden flowers that turn into fairy clocks. Thought to be native to Europe and the Caucasus, it will grow anywhere and requires no particular soil. The name derives from the Greek words for disorder (taraxo) and remedy (akos). The common name is taken from the French ‘dent de lion’ (lion’s teeth), although the plant is called pissenlit in France. This latter name was mirrored in medieval England where it was known as ‘wet-the-bed’, which gives some indication of the plant’s diuretic properties.
Many people will regard the plant as an invasive weed but it is revered by herbalists for its healing capacity, particularly with regard to liver disorders. References to dandelion can be found in the books of the Arab physicians of the eleventh century and of the healers of Myddfai in Wales in the thirteenth century.
All parts of the plant can be used; in Europe it was employed to combat fevers, boils, fluid retention, liver congestion, digestive and skin problems. In China it is a treatment for breast problems, liver disease, and appendicitis, in Russia and India, it is mainly used to treat liver ailments.
The therapeutic effects of the plant are due to its interesting chemical compounds; taraxacin, various terpenoids, inulin and its high nutritional profile. It has the highest vitamin A content of any plant as well as ample amounts of B, D and C. The minerals iron, silicon, manganese, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, copper and phosphorus are complemented by high levels of choline, an important nutrient for the liver. So have a care before you spray this little chemical factory.
The main value of the plant relates directly to its role as a liver tonic; the effect is twofold; it increases bile production and flow to the gallbladder and at the same time causes contraction and the release of stored bile. The positive effect of dandelion on so many conditions must relate to its ability to improve liver function, which is so important to good all round health.
Dandelion leaves have a powerful diuretic activity, and because the plant replaces potassium there are none of the side effects associated with synthetic diuretics, this is valuable in the treatment of high blood pressure because it reduces the volume of fluid in the body.
These functions, on the liver and kidneys, make dandelion one of the most important herbal detoxifiers.
There are indications from recent research the plant may inhibit tumour growth and that the inulin content may buffer blood glucose levels, thus preventing sudden fluctutations in hypoglycaemic activity in diabetics. There is additional evidence that it may be useful in treating premenstrual syndrome.
Most plants that contain a white sap are to be avoided as it is an indication of toxins, but dandelion is quite safe and the sap has been used to treat warts, corns and verrucas.
Dandelion leaves and flowers may be included in salads and sandwiches, the dried root may be ground and used as a coffee substitute, the flowers and leaves to make a country wine, and if you want advance warning of wet weather, the flowers close up on the approach of rain.
Next week Vervain
