Uses of Dandelion

 

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

Other Names
 Common Dandelion, Lion's Tooth, Priest's Crown, Pu Gong Ying, Swine's Snout, Dent de Lion

Herb Pictures by Karen Bergeron

 

Dandelion Herbal use and Medicinal Properties The whole plant is used as a medicinal herb internally and externally. External Uses

Dandelion tea is said to have been in use for centuries now, and have been used to cure breast maladies and other digestive disorders. It has also been said to be useful in soothing aching joints and it helps in clearing up some skin conditions. Given the fact that the dandelion plant can thrive in regions where no other plants will grow, it is said to be a favorite among the herbalists, especially the Japanese.

Dandelion Plant:

Very few people would actually plant dandelions on purpose. Do not get me wrong when I say this, herbalists would be extremely happy when they see these plants appear. The plant is known to easily proliferate once the plant flowers and the seeds appear. Dandelions are versatile plants, in that they can be reproduced from the root as well. All you have to do is pull off the top part of the plant from the ground; and this will not kill this plant.

Edible Dandelion:

All the parts of the dandelion are said to be edible. The roots of the dandelion plant will be harvested and cooked along with the roots from other plants, such as carrots and potatoes. The root is said to be a little bitter and are said to be par-boiled before you add them to the other roots. The root can also be roasted and grounded so that it can be used as a substitute for coffee.

The yellow blossoms of the dandelion can also be used as part of your food. People could deep fry them and they can be added to salads, or some people even pickle them. The yellow blossoms can also be part of the wine making process.

The most eaten part of the dandelion plant is the leaf. The leaves can be part of the salads or can be made into loose tea leaf.

Dandelion Tea:

Dandelion tea is an herbal tea that is produced from the leaves of the plant that goes by the same name. The leaves of the plant are said to be full of nutrients and are said to be loaded with calcium and iron, along with minerals and vitamins.

Dandelion tea has uses that include the following –

• A gentle diuretic
• Decrease serum cholesterol
• As an appetite stimulant
• To treat respiratory conditions that includes colds, bronchitis and pneumonia
• Purifies the gallbladder and the liver
• Treats rheumatism, jaundice, hepatitis and tinnitus

Elaborating On Some Uses:

Improves Stomach Conditions:

Dandelion tea is known to reduce the symptoms of a stomach condition – especially the types of indigestion, constipation and flatulence. The herb is known to act as a mild laxative and is said to stimulate people’s appetite. As per research, the herb is also a natural probiotic, in that it increases the functioning of the good bacteria in your system.

Functions of the Liver:

As per the health care providers and herbalists who indulge in traditional medicine, the tea made from dandelion leaves is said to clinically detoxify the liver. This would mean that it is useful in the overall functioning of the liver and is said to help in stimulating the production of bile.

Diuretic:

Dandelion could be an effective diuretic, which would mean that it would increase the production of urine, and would help in replacing the electrolytes that have been lost from the body owing to the increase production of urine.

Please note that it is best that you consult a doctor before you turn to dandelion based products to aid you in the quest for better health.