The Common Dandelion

Survival Food for the Fit

What is your first thought when you see a dandelion in your yard?  If you’re like most Americans, you grab the herbicides and start spraying!  Here in America the Dandelion is considered a nasty weed that spreads like wildfire and it must be kept under control if the lawn is to look acceptable!

In defense of the Dandelion, let’s take another look at it.  In China, France and Germany the Dandelion is cultivated as an herb.  In the spring, before the flowers bloom, the new leaves are used in salads as a tonic and made into teas.  The roots are also made into teas and tinctures.  Its' root can grow up to six feet in finding the nutrients it needs.  It is so high in nutrients it has been called a “survival food”.

Dandelion is considered a liver tonic and blood purifier that helps the liver and gall bladder filter out toxins.  It is restorative to the liver and helps the liver to stabilize blood sugars and eliminate environmental toxins.  Its ability to detoxify can decrease stiffness in the joints and reduce uric acid and serum cholesterol. 

The leaves are high in potassium, boron, calcium, vitamins and iron.  By weight, it contains more carotene than carrots (up to 7,000 units of vitamin A per oz.).  Dandelion is a natural diuretic, and because of its high potassium and organic sodium content, it balances electrolytes instead of depleting them as many diuretics are known to do.  The high potassium content is also helpful for muscle spasms and leg cramps.  High in iron, it can improve iron deficiency.  The root is a “bitter” herb.  Bitters activate digestive juices and stimulate the production of bile which can relieve constipation and assist in carrying toxins out of the body. It’s high calcium content and decent amount of silicon is believed to assist in strengthening the bones and so is thought to be helpful with osteoporosis. 

In The Little Herb Encyclopedia by Jack Ritchason N.D. it states that “the juice of the broken stem … can be used to treat warts.  When used on a daily basis for about a week, it will dry them up.”  Ritchason goes on to say, “When the greens are used as food, it improves the enamel of teeth.”

The entire dandelion plant can be eaten raw or cooked.  The leaves can be added to salads and the roots can be sliced or shredded and added to salads, soups and stews.  Even the flowers are edible and historically made into wines and tinctures.  Dandelion Root tea is popular for its cleansing and detoxing effects and has long been used as a coffee substitute.

Do not use dandelion if you already have gall stones, stomach ulcers or are on an antibiotic.

Renee Wiest M.H., CNHP  Good Health Herbs  4948 Millridge Pkwy. E. Midlothian, VA  804-864-5000