The Ordinary Weed With Surprising Anti-Cancer Potential

Why this everyday weed is doing better in clinical studies than some supplements.

Although often overlooked for their nutritional value, dandelions are rich in vitamins, fiber, and many other nutrients. Tati Liberta/Shutterstock

First, the name. Dandelion comes from the French dents de lion, “lion’s teeth,” thanks to those jagged leaves that look like a big cat’s dental situation on a bad day.

In Gaelic, it’s Bearnan Bride, “little notched plant of Bride,” tying it to St. Brigid, patron saint of various admirable things, including midwives, poetry and, apparently, vigorous perennial herbs.