Dandelion (from the Middle French dent de lion, meaning lions tooth because of its sharply indented leaves) is found throughout Europe, Asia and North America.
The first written documentation dates back to Arabian physicians in the 10th and 11th centuries who looked upon it as a type of wild herb, naming it Taraxacum, meaning "bitter herb." Its full name of the common dandelion is Taraxacum officinale. It is part of the Asteraceae family.
Many of us will remember it from our childhood days, when we would blow the white fluff balls in one big breath and watch the parachute type seeds float high in air, reaching far and wide.
Older generations of gardeners chewed part of the root for bladder disorders.
Indigenous Native American also liked to chew the root, harnessing its medicinal properties.
Many pharmaceutical diuretics leach potassium from the body, but dandelion does not.
Taraxacum it is used for liver complaints, gallbladder, dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, gout, rheumatic problems, eczema and urinary problems.
The young leaves can be used in salads containing more beta-carotene than carrots, more iron than spinach and contains high levels of vitamins A, C and numerous B vitamins, plus potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and zinc.
According to Botanical.com: "Dandelion is…used in many patent medicines. Not being poisonous, quite big doses of its preparations may be taken. Its beneficial action is best obtained when combined with other ingredients."
The roots are used in many diet and digestive drinks, and when prepared as wine, is said to be a great tonic, stimulant for the body and good for cleansing the blood.
It can be enjoyed as an alternative to regular coffee and less harmful to the body's nerves and digestive organs. Instead, it gives an all-round stimulating influence upon the bodily systems, allowing liver and kidneys to do their job more effectively and keeping the bowels clean.
In-depth scientific evidence of its effectiveness is lacking, and one should seek a herbalist or a physician for professional advice regarding its use.
Sources:
Carrots Love Tomatoes by Louise Riotte
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandelion
botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/d/dandel08.html
PDR for Herbal Medicine
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