DANDELION
(Taraxacum offininale)

Hawksbeard flower heads and ripe seeds
are sometimes confused with Dandelions.

A dandelion flower head
composed of hundreds of
smaller florets (top)
 and seed head (bottom)

(Top) They grow individually on hollow flower stalks 2 to 18" tall. Each flower head consists of hundreds of tiny ray flowers. Unlike other composites, there are no disk flowers.

(Bottom) The flower head can change into the familiar, white, globular seed head overnight. Each seed has a tiny parachute, to spread far and wide in the wind.The thick, brittle, beige, branching taproot grows up to 10" long. All parts of this plant exude a white milky sap when broken.  

Dandelion leaves are at their best when they've just emerged.

The dandelion is a perennial,
herbaceous plant with long,
 lance-shaped leaves.
They're so deeply toothed,
they gave the plant its name
 in Old French:
 Dent-de-lion means lion's tooth
 in Old French.
The leaves are 3 to 12" long, 
and 1/2 to 2-1/2" wide, 
always growing in a basal rosette.

Part used: 

leaf :Dandelion leaves produce a diuretic effect while the roots act as an antiviral agent, appetite stimulant, digestive aid, and may help promote gastrointestinal health.

Roots:

Properties: cholagogue, hepatic, diuretic, lithotriptic,alternative, stomachic, astringent, galactagogue.

What it affects: kidneys, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, stomach, blood and intestines.

Preparation and amount:

infusion: steep 30 min and take 3-4 cups a day, hot or cold.

Dedoction: simmer root for 30 min. and take 6 oz. frequently or 3-4x a daytake it hot or cold.

Tincture: take 30-60 drops(1/2-1 tsp) frequently.

Powder:(leaves): take 10-20 #0 capsules (60-120 grains) frequently.

Powder (root): take 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) frequently.

Dandelion is a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Its leaves are often used to add flavor to salads, sandwiches, and teas. The roots can be found in some coffee substitutes, and the flowers are used to make certain wines.


Purposes:
 Internally, dandelions is especially important in promoting the formation of bile and removing excess water from the body in edematous conditions resulting from liver problems. The root decidedly affects all forms of secretion and excretion from the body. By removing poisons from the system, it acts as a tonic and stimulants as well. It cleanses the blood and liver.It is excellent, especially as a blood cleanser for diabetes, dropsy, and eczema.as .Because of its high mineral content,  it is used to treat enemia. It reduces serum cholesterol and uric acid levels. Lukewarm dandelion tea is useful for dyspepsia with constipation, fever and insomnia.


Dandelion improves the functioning of the pancreas, spleen, kidneys and stomach. An infusion of the fresh root good for gallstone, other liver problems and jaundice. For stomaches, drink 1/2 cup of the infusion every 1/2 hour until relief is obtained. The root is a specific for hypoglycemia. Drink a cup of the tea 2-3x a day and maintain a balance diet.. With a good diet, the root tea can eliminate adult-onset diabetes. The root tea will also help lower blood pressure, thus aiding the action of the heart.


Dandelion relieves menopausal symptoms and is useful for boils( take internally), breast tumors, cirrhosis of the liver, constipation, liver and spleen enlargement, fluid retention jaundice, bronchitis, hepatitis, low blood sugar and rheumatism. It may also help prevent age spots on the skin. Serious cases of hepatitis have been cured with the used of dandelion root tea within a week or two when the diet is controlled properly and limited to easily digested foods.


The fresh juice is particularly effective, but a tea can also be prepared. Dandelion leaves are healthful as salad greens, especially in springtime.The roasted root is a coffee substitute.


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