Dandelion

Botanical Name: Taraxacum offininale
Family: Asteraceae
Common Names: Dandelion, lion's tooth, wild endive, blowball, faceclock

It's found in all 50 states and throughout much of the rest of the world as well. It's considered an invasive weed in many areas but is highly prized by herbalists in all major forms of natural medicine. It's been called by such innocent names as "wild endive" and such vulgar names as "piss-in-the-bed". Perhaps no other weed enjoys such extremes of hatred and adoration as dandelion.

Dandelion is also the subject of numerous folk legends. Children blow away the tiny, fluffy fruits and wish upon them as the float away, trying to dislodge all the fruits to assure that their wishes come true. Dandelions have also been believed to predict the weather, tell the time of day and find true love.

Traditional Medical Uses for Dandelion

Dandelion has the distinction of being used as a medicinal herb in every major system of herbal medicine. Arabian, Chinese, Ayurvedic, Native American and European healers all exploited the many potential medicinal properties of dandelion.

Early American settlers, especially those whose ancestry was rooted in Germany, practices a yearly "blood thinning" with decoctions made of dandelion leaves. And until 1965, dandelion root was listed in the United States Pharmacopeia

Dandelion in Native American Healing

The Ojibwa people steeped the roots to make a heartburn remedy while Potawatomi healers turned the roots in a biter tonic. The Meskwaki people treated heartburn and chest pain with dandelion root while the Mohegans used it as a psychic.

Dandelion in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, dandelion is considered a bitter herb that reduces Pitta and detoxifies the body. Dandelion is especially prized for its ability to address problems in the breasts and lymph glands. Dandelion is also used for liver problems, diabetes, edema, ulcers, gall stones and any condiion related to Ama.

Dandelion in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Though its use as a medicinal plant almost certainly goes back much further, dandelion's earliest recorded use comes to us via Chinese medical texts dating back 1500 years. Ancient Chinese physicians used dandelion, or pu gong ying, as the entire plant is known in Pinyin, to reduce inflammation, stimulate breast milk production and to ease digestive upset.

Dandelion in Traditional European Herbalism

Nicholas Culpepper put dandelion under the sign of Jupiter and assigned it "opening" and "cleansing" qualities. He recommended dandelion for obstructions of the liver or spleen and conditions with such colorful names as "evil disposition". He also recognized dandelion's diuretic properties and advised in favor of its use for fits and fevers.

Dandelion in Modern Herbalism

Today's herbalists use dandelion primarily as a diuretic. German's Commission E approved dandelion for bile disorders, gastrointestinal problems and urinary issues.

Serious Medical Studies on Dandelion

Dandelion has not been exhaustively tested for potential medicinal benefits in humans. At this time, dandelion's greatest value may be as a salad green. Dandelion is a rich source of several vitamins and minerals and, in that respect, may be "healthier" than many traditional salad greens.

Antiodidant Properties

Dandelion has antioxidant properties and this was proven in a 2003 study published in Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry. This study, an in vitro study of Taraxacum officinale, documented dandelion's antioxidant, prooxidant and cytotoxic activities.


References:

Foster, S., Johnson, R. (2006). Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine.

McGuffin, M., et al. (2000). Herbs of Commerce.

Frawley, D., Lad, B. (2001). The Yoga of Herbs.

Culpepper, N. (1653). The Complete Herbal.

Blumenthal, M., et al. (2000). Herbal Medicine Expanded Commission E Monographs.

Hu, C., et al. (2003). Antioxidant, prooxidant, and cytotoxic activities of solvent-fractionated dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) flower extracts in vitro.