Dandelion Leaf
Botanical: Taraxacum officinale Family: Compositae (daisy) - Asteraceae (aster) Other common names: Bitterwort, Pissabed, Lion’s Tooth, Priest’s Crown, Telltime, Puffball, Cankerwort, Blow Ball, Swine Snout, White Endive, Wild Endive, Irish Daisy, Doonheadclock, Yellow Gowan, Clock Flower, Fortuneteller

Potassium-rich Dandelion has been called the "free health food pharmacy" that grows everywhere! Both leaves and roots are considered to be a superior natural diuretic, fine blood cleanser and excellent tonic, that can help detoxify the system, especially the liver and gallbladder. For an overall feeling of good health and improved mobility, you'll want to add this "wondrous weed" to your herbal regimen.

History:
Dandelion wins the prize as the world’s most famous weed pest when it grows in manicured lawns and gardens, but the botanical name (Taraxacum officinale) of this wonderful wildflower means "the official remedy for disorders,” and thought to be derived from the Greek words taraxos, meaning “disorder” and akos, meaning “remedy. ”Since ancient times the entire plant (stems, flower, leaves and root) has lived up to its name and has been used for healing and dietary purposes. The English name, Dandelion, is apparently derived from the French, dent de leon, meaning “lion’s tooth,” because the shape of the leaves resemble the shape of a lion’s tooth. Dandelion maybe distinguished from other similar-looking herbs because of its hollow, leafless stems that contain a bitter milky-white liquid, which is also found in the root (most potent) and leaves. The dark green Dandelion leaves are irregularly shaped with jagged margins and hairless mid-rib. The magenta-tinged leaves are arranged in a rosette pattern and may grow to a foot and a half in length. The compact, golden-yellow Dandelion blossoms are singular and round, blooming from early spring until well into autumn and reaching up to eight inches in height. Dandelion is a perennial that is believed to be a native of Greece, but grows spontaneously in most parts of the globe, thriving (with its deep, tenacious roots) under almost any conditions. Earliest mention of Dandelion is obscure, although many say Pliny (A.D. 23-79) wrote about it. The Chinese recorded its use in herbal medicine in A.D. 659 and have been using it in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat breast cancer for at least one thousand years. Interestingly, today's research has shown that Dandelion has worked effectively against two malignant growth systems, stimulating macrophage action, and possibly demonstrating some potential in the area of cancer research - and echoing its use in Traditional Chinese Medicine for this disease during the last thousand years. Arabian physicians of the tenth and eleventh centuries spoke of its nutritive value, and in Europe, it was noted in Welsh medicines of the thirteenth century and mentioned in the Ortus Sanitatis of 1485. Dandelion was purposely introduced from Europe into North America by the early colonists who regarded it as an important part of their herbal medicines and diets. Native Americans soon found the flower equally important, using it as a tonic and physic (the Mohegan tribe), for heartburn (the Ojibwas) and for chest pains (Meskwakis). Dandelion was included in the British Pharmaceutical Codex and United States Dispensatory from 1831 through 1926, and in the National Formulary until 1965. The dried root of Dandelion is listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia. Traditionally, in Europe and America, Dandelion was used as a favorite spring health tonic and is cultivated in India as a liver remedy. In Germany, there is an over-the-counter preparation containing this common weed that has been found effective against gallstones. It is also listed in over-the-counter treatments in Canada, France and the United Kingdom. Other interesting uses for Dandelion have included the flower in a yellow dye, the leaves in a purple dye, the young leaves in a healthy salad, the flowers in wine and as a garnish in food, and the ground root as a tasty, healthy caffeine-free coffee substitute. Some of Dandelion's chemical constituents include bitter glycosides, carotenoids, terpenoids, choline, lecithin (believed to protect against cirrhosis of the liver), tannins, sterols, essential oil, gluten, gum, saponin and fructose-oligosaccharide inulin (a food fiber that is a sort of sugar-replacing starch, widely distributed in other plants and constituting an important part of the world's diet). Dandelion is a nutritive and a wealth of vitamins A, C, D, several B-vitamins and vitamin P. Rich in iron and other important minerals, including boron, calcium, silicon, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium and zinc, Dandelion is also an exceptional source of potassium salts. The root also includes asparagin.

Beneficial Uses:

Dandelion Root and Leaves are known for keeping the internal organs clean and clear. Herbalists treat kidney ailments with Dandelion, and it is also thought to improve gallbladder function, possibly even preventing gallstones (in Germany, the over-the-counter “ Hepatichol” is said to be proven effective against gallstones).

Potassium-rich Dandelion is said to help promote healthy heart function. The potassium works with sodium to regulate the body's water balance and normalize heart rhythms. Dandelion may lower cholesterol and high blood pressure due to its diuretic action in ridding the body of excess fluid, thereby reducing the amount of fluid the heart must pump to circulate blood.

As a blood purifier, Dandelion Leaf is considered an excellent tonic that cleanses poisons from the body. Through its action both on the liver and kidneys (as its French name, pis en lit, "wet the bed" indicates), it gently eliminates toxic wastes from the body. The natural nutritive salts work to purify the blood and also help to neutralize the acids in the blood.

Dandelion Leaf's powerful blood purifying and liver cleansing properties help to clear skin problems, especially acne.  A liver that is not performing at its best can worsen acne, because it cannot break down and clear excess hormones from the body.

Dandelion Root and Leaves are an excellent nutritive and a valuable source of sodium, minerals (especially potassium), large amounts of vitamins A, C and D, B-vitamins and trace elements.

European herbalists regard Dandelion as one of the best herbs for building the blood and relieving anemic conditions. Anemia is caused by deficiency of proper nutrients in the blood, and iron-rich Dandelion is one of its oldest, best-known remedies.

For constipation, Dandelion Leaf is considered a mild laxative that stimulates the bowel and is also said to ease the discomforts caused by inflammation of the bowel.  Furthermore, its inlulin content (a prebiotic fiber) passes undigested to the large intestine and stimulates the growth of gut micro-flora known as Bifidobacteria or Lactobacilli.  These bacteria may crowd out pathogenic bacteria and provide disease resistance in the bowel.

**Provided itself beneficial in research that involved people, endorsed by Germany’s Commission E for Therapeutic use, Bladder Stones, Bronchitis, Gallbladder Problems, Gas, Indigestion, Kidney Stones, Lack of Appetite, Liver Dysfunction, Pneumonia, Respiratory Problems, Urinary Tract Infections

*Provided itself beneficial in research that did not involve people, the study could have been done in a test tube, petri dish or animals for Therapeutic use, Colds, Gas, Lack of Urination, Osteoporosis

Contraindications:
None


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Disclaimer: The information presented herein by Organic Herbs Medicine Cabinet is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.