Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

In the spring dandelion leaves and roots produce mannitol, a substance used in the treatment of hypertension and weak heart throughout Europe. A tea made of the roots and leaves is good to take during this period, from about mid-March to mid-May. Bring 1 quart of water to a boil, reduce heat and add 2 tbsp. cleaned and chopped fresh roots. Simmer for 1 minute, covered, then remove from heat and add 2 tbsp. chopped, freshly picked leaves. Steep for 40 minutes. Strain and drink 2 cups per day.

Dr. David Potterton, a licensed, practicing medical herbalist in Great Britain, once wrote that the high insulin content of the root may be regarded as "a sugar substitute to prescribe for people with diabetes mellitus." Three capsules of the dried root each day is recommended for this. The Nature's Way brand from your local health food store is often purchased with this in mind.

For those with a problem of reduced vision in the dark, the substance called helenin found in dandelion flowers may be just the ticket. According to the journal of the American Medical Association for June 23,1951, which carried this report, the blossoms also contain vitamins A and B2 (riboflavin). Steep a handful of freshly picked flowers in a pint of hot water for about 20 minutes. Drink 1 cup twice a day.

Dandelion is useful in treating warts, fungus infections, external and internal malignant growths, ulceration of the urinary passages, and obstructions of the liver, gallbladder, and spleen. Dandelion is a laxative, a stomach remedy, a promoter of healthy circulation, a skin toner, and a blood vessel cleanser and strengthener. Dandelion cures rheumatism, badly affected arthritic joints, and it is a marvelous tonic. Dandelion makes a fine wine, a great beer, an excellent coffee substitute, as well as a good food for birds, bees, pigs, rabbits, and people.

A large number of constituents have been isolated from the underground parts (rhizome and roots) of dandelion, but it is difficult to attribute much therapeutic utility to any of them. An undefined bitter principle, designated taraxacin, apparently has some favorable influence on the digestive process, but the compound responsible for the mild laxative action of the drug is unknown. In small animal experiments, extracts of the leaves have exhibited a pronounced diuretic action, but again, the responsible principles remains unidentified. A recent report found that a triterpene fraction of an ethanolic extract of a root had significant antiplatelet aggregation activity in human platelets. Dandelion appears to be essentially free of significant toxicity or side effects. Some few individuals do develop a skin rash (allergic dermatitis) following repeated contact with the plant. In summary, no significant therapeutic benefits should be expected from the use of any dandelion products. The roots may stimulate the appetite a bit and aid digestion, as well as produce a slight laxative effect. Leaves of dandelion may also have a transient diuretic action. However, many persons do enjoy dandelion greens, and they are a fairly good source of vitamin A.

The leaves contain a high amount of potassium, which balances their function as a powerful diuretic. This is in contrast to orthodox diuretics, which need a potassium supplement to balance the requirements of the body. In Chinese terms dandelion resolves painful urinary ailments. The root functions differently, being used to treat the liver to improve its function, and as a mild laxative. In Chinese usage, dandelion is indicated for heat disorders, especially in the liver, where there are red, swollen, and painful eyes, and for damp-heat jaundice. Both leaf and root act as a tonic to the gallbladder. Its detoxifying properties are thought to have a beneficial effect on removing the effects of pollution on the body. In addition, the Chinese use it where there are firm or hard abscesses, especially involving the breast and digestive system. For these dandelion can be used internally and topically. In women who are breastfeeding, dandelion is used to promote lactation. The Chinese properties are those of bitter, sweet, and cold.

Other names

• Blow Ball
• Cankerwort
• Lion's Tooth
• Pissabed
• Priest's-crown
• Puff Ball
• Pu Gong Ying
• Pu-kung-ying
• Swine Snout
• Telltime
• White Endive
• Wild Endive

Parts used

Leaves, root.

Uses

Diuretic - Dandelion leaf is used as a diuretic and to treat high blood pressure by reducing the volume of fluid in the body.
Detoxifying remedy - Dandelion root is one of the most effective detoxifying herbs. Working principally on the liver and gallbladder to help remove waste products. Dandelion also stimulates the kidneys to remove toxins in the urine. A remarkably well - balanced remedy, the root encourages steady elimination of toxins due to infection or pollution. Dandelion has major therapeutic benefits for many conditions, including constipation, skin problems such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis, and arthritic conditions, including osteoarthritis, and gout.
Gallbladder problems - Both dandelion root and leaf have a marked action on the gallbladder and are used to prevent gallstones. The leaf may also help to dissolve already formed gallstones.
Dandelion is also used to treat ankylosing spondylitis, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Habitat & cultivation

Dandelion grows wild in most parts of the world and is cultivated in Germany and France. Dandelion is propagated from seed in spring. The young leaves are picked in spring for tonic salads and later as a medicine. The root of 2-year-old dandelion is unearthed in autumn.

Research

Leaves - Research published in the journal Planta Medica, in 1974, confirmed that dandelion leaves are a powerful diuretic, though their exact mode of action is not understood. Unlike many conventional diuretics, which cause loss of potassium, dandelion leaves contain high levels of potassium, giving a net gain of the mineral.
Root - German research published in 1959 showed that the root of dandelion has a significant cleansing action on the liver and stimulates bile production. It is also mildly bitter and a gentle laxative.

Constituents

Dandelion contains: Leaves - bitter glycosides, carotenoids, terpenoids, choline, potassium salts, iron and other minerals, vitamins A, B, C, D.
Root - bitter glycosides, tannins, triterpenes, sterols, volatile oil, choline, asparagin, inulin.

How much to take

As a general liver/gallbladder tonic and to stimulate digestion, 3-5 grams of the dried root or 5-10 ml of a tincture made from the root can be used three times per day. Some experts recommend the alcohol-based tincture because the bitter principles are more soluble in alcohol. As a mild diuretic or appetite stimulant, 4-10 grams of dried dandelion's leaves can be added to 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water and drunk as a decoction; or 5-10 ml of fresh juice from the leaves or 2-5 ml of tincture made from the leaves can be used three times per day.

Side effects

Dandelion leaf and root should be used with caution by persons with gallstones. If there is an obstruction of the bile ducts, then dandelion should be avoided altogether. In cases of stomach ulcer or gastritis, dandelion should be used cautiously, as it may cause overproduction of stomach acid. Those experiencing fluid or water retention should consult a nutritionally oriented doctor before taking dandelion leaves. People taking the leaves should be sure that their doctors monitor potassium levels. The milky latex in the stem and leaves of fresh dandelion may cause an allergic rash in some individuals.

Applications

LEAVES:

FRESH  - Add to spring salads as a cleansing remedy.

JUICE - Puree the leaves when a diuretic action is needed. Take up to 20 ml juice, three times a day.

INFUSION - A less effective diuretic than the juice, the infusion makes a cleansing remedy for toxic conditions including gout and eczema. Also use as a gentle liver and digestive stimulant. Make with freshly dried leaves.

TINCTURE - Often added to remedies for a failing heart to ensure adequate potassium intake.

ROOT:

TINCTURE - Use the fresh root for toxic conditions such as gout, eczema, or acne. Also prescribed as a liver stimulant in liver disorders and related constipation.

DECOCTION - Use for the same conditions as the tincture.

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