Suppose your doctor tells you that he has just discovered a miracle drug which, when eaten, or taken as a beverage, could, depending on the peculiarities of your body chemistry, prevent or cure liver diseases, act as a tonic and gentle diuretic to purify your blood, dissolve kidney stones, assist in weight reduction, cleanse your skin and eliminate acne, improve your bowel function, prevent or lower high blood pressure, prevent or cure anemia, eliminate or drastically reduce acid indigestion and gas  . . . and, at the same time, have no negative side effects and selectively act on only what ails you. If he gave you a prescription for this miracle medicine, would you use it religiously?

                                               --Peter A. Gail, Ph.D., The Dandelion Celebration•The Guide to Unexpected Cuisine 

 

Common Name:          Dandelion

Botanical Name:          Taraxacum officinalis

Parts Used:                    root or leaf 

 

          Who knew that the humble and common dandelion housed such a treasure of medicine, and is even good to toss in a salad? Right before our very noses is a powerful diuretic, comparable to the pharmaceutical, Frusemide, (commonly branded as Lasix), yet without any of the nasty side-effects, such as the loss of vital potassium from the body, which can actually aggravate heart problems. Dandelion's abundant supply of potassium makes it one of the most balanced and effective diuretics for water retention due to heart problems. 

 

         As an overall tonic and alterative herb, dandelion is safe and very supportive for the liver, and as a cholagogue, it relieves gall bladder problems as well. Because skin problems are often related to liver function, dandelion is one of a small group of herbs helpful for psoriasis and acne (in combination with other herbs). 

 

       Dandelion has a gentle laxative effect, relieving constipation gently when used in combination with other herbs, such as barberry, boldo, cascara sagrada, licorice and rhubarb. Dandelion is also anti-rheumatic, relieving aches and pains in the joints, muscles and bones. 

 

YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TRY:

 

Dandelion is like many other plants, in that we use many different parts of the plant as herbal medicine, such as roots, leaves, and flowers. These herbs are seasonally harvested, as each part reaches its peak of potency at a certain time of the growing season. Dandelion leaves are best picked when tender, before the plant blooms. 

 

As if all these wonders weren't enough, dandelion leaves are a great bitter accent to your salad, and pack a punch of Vitamins A and C... Here is a wonderful, simple salad to try with your own freshly harvested dandelion leaves.

 

Dandelion Salad (from www.marthastewart.com)

1T finely chopped garlic stapes or wild (spring) garlic

1T fresh lemon juice

1/2 t coarse sea salt

1/4 t granulated sugar

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

8 cups (4 oz.) dandelion greens, large leaves tom in half 

 

Combine garlic stapes, lemon juice, salt and sugar in a bowl. Whisk until well combined. Drizzle in oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking until creamy. Drizzle dressing over greens, and toss to coat. 

 

Contraindications, if any: None. Safe for use even during pregnancy, and for long-term use. If using for gallstones, or other chronic health condition, consult a qualified natural healthcare professional for proper dose and duration.