DANDELION

DANDELION

(Taraxacum officinale)      Top Pick

Other Names

Blowball, Cankerwort, Lions Tooth, Piss-a-beds, Priest’s Crown, Swine, Snout, White Endire, Wild Endive.

Description

Dandelion, which is considered a weed, is a hardy perennial plant found almost everywhere.   The milky stem produces irregular shaped toothed leaves, and single yellow flowers that bloom, then turn to a silky fluffy seed, also called a puff ball.

Classification

Cold

Taste

Sweet

Balance Yin/Yang

Cold

Humor

Fire  ê Water ê  Air   é

Uses/Applications

Dandelion is a very powerful diuretic and one of the best natural sources of potassium.   Use to treat inflammation and congestion of the liver and gallbladder, insomnia, fever, and anxiety.   It is a good tonic stimulant removing poisons from the body.   Mix Dandelion leaves in your pet's food to give them a beautiful coat.

Leaves

Fresh

Add to salads as a cleansing remedy.

Infusion

A less effective diuretic than the juice.   The infusion makes a cleansing remedy for toxic conditions, including gout and eczema.   It is also useful as a gentle liver and digestive stimulant. 

Juice

Puree the leaves when a diuretic action is needed.

Tincture

Add to remedies for a failing heart to ensure adequate potassium intake.

Root

Decoction

Use for the same conditions as the tincture.

Tincture

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

White Sap

The stem or root is used topically on warts.

Combinations

For liver or gallbladder combine with Couchgrass or Yarrow.

Constituents

Glycosides, Triterpenoids, Up to 5% Potassium, Carotenoids, Terpenoids, Choline, Bitter Compounds, Inulin.

Action

Diuretic, Cholagogue, Anti-Rheumatic, Laxative, Tonic, Anti-Bilious, Hepatic.

Food Values

Vitamin A, B, C, and D, Potassium, Iron, Calcium, Sodium, Silic Acid, Sulfur, Cobalt, Minerals.

Part Used

Root, Leaves, Flowers.

Collection

Collect the leaves and flowers anytime.   Collect the roots in early or late summer as this is when they are the most bitter.

Preparation

Capsule

Take 1 capsule three times per day.

Cold Extract

Use 2 Tsp. plant with one cup water.   Let stand 8 hours.   Take one cup per day.

Decoction

Put 3 Tsp. root in a cup of water and bring to a boil.   Simmer 10 - 15 minutes.   Take three times per day.

Extract

Take 10 - 20 drops in juice or water once a day.

Infusion

Steep 2 Tsp. plant or root in one cup boiling water.   Take one cup per day.

Juices

For a spring tonic take 1 Tsp. juice pressed from the leaves in milk.   Take up to 20 ml. per day as required.

Leaves

Eat raw in salads.

Tincture

Take 5 - 10 ml. three times per day.

Growing Directions

Dandelion is not cultivated.   It grows abundantly everywhere and is dubbed a pesky weed.

History

Dandelion is a relatively recent addition to the medicinal repertoire.   It was not mentioned in Chinese herbal medicine until the 7th Century and in Europe it first appeared around 1485. 

The name Dandelion came from a 15th century surgeon who compared the shape of the leaves to a lion’s tooth.   The Chinese use the whole plant while the West separates the leaves and roots.

Additional Information

1.   In China the whole herb is used, including the flowers, leaves, root, and seed heads.   Oriental species are considered to clear heat and toxins from the blood, so are used for boils and abscesses. 

2.   Dandelion leaves are rich in potassium and the root is a favorite liver stimulant with many Herbalist’s. 

3.   Dandelion is also extremely rich in minerals and can help prevent iron deficiency anemia.

Cautions

1.   May cause skin rash in sensitive individuals.

Magick Information

Gender: 

Masculine

Planet:

Jupiter

Element: 

Air

Deity: 

Hecate

Powers:

Divination, Visualization

Magickal Uses:

To find out how long you will live, blow the seeds off the head of a Dandelion.   The number of seeds left on the stem is number of years you will live.   To send a message to a loved one visualize the message then blow the seeds from the Dandelion head.