Dandelion - Taraxacum Officinale
Bitter * Sweet * Salty * Cooling * Drying Diuretic * Alterative * Digestive Stimulant * Cholagogue Rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, potassium, calcium, and iron. Highly nutritive, Dandelion aids the body in building and restoring energy reserves. Affinity for liver and kidneys. Wakes up the organs in the Spring. Gentle enough for daily use if regularly exposed to chemicals, during hormonal shifts or from substance abuse. Roots
Stronger affinity for the Liver Liver: all liver distress, helps bile production , inflammation, jaundice, hepatitis Digestion: prebiotic fiber supports soothing tract through encouraging friendly bacteria growth, bloating, digesting fats & protein Reproductive: stimulates the liver to aid in excess and regulation of hormones especially excess estrogen during menopause, pregnancy and post birth, when on hormone replacement therapy, assists breast swelling and tenderness including from impacted glands, cysts and mastitis, helps inhibit yeast growth, aids PMS and bloating by assisting the kidneys to eliminate excess water held during hormonal shifts Skin: decongested liver and bloodstream decrease the need for skin to help with detoxing, psoriasis, eczema, rashes, acne Circulatory: aids in cleansing blood of free radicals, supportive to lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels
Inulin supports balancing blood sugars Swollen glands
Leaves
Stronger affinity for the Kidneys Kidneys: balances water states, removes excess water while maintaining potassium (unlike pharmaceutical versions) due to its natural stores of the mineral, stones, gout Digestion: bloating, digesting fats & protein by support hydrochloric acid production Reproductive: endometriosis, cycle regulation, water retention
Calcium supports bone health
Iron support anemia Flowers Musculoskeletal: emotions stuck in muscles, stiff, tense muscles especially in shoulders, neck and back
Reproductive: breast and lymph flow Emotional: exhilarant, uplifting, joy, sunny disposition Stems
Natural latex in the sap aids in dissolving diseased skin tissue Warts, Acne, Sores, Stings
If you have an allergy to synthetic latex, patch test first
Contradictions: use away from taking medications, when using prescription diuretics, excess hydrochloric acid, take with moistening herbs for dry constitutions For educational purposes only. Not intended for medical advice. Always consult your physician.
“Beautiful as a dandelion-blossom golden in the green grass, this life can be.” Edna St. Vincent Millay
Dandelion is part of the Asteraceae family and relative to Arnica, Burdock, Calendula, Chamomile, Echinacea, Goldenrod, Mugwort, Yarrow and many more.
Botanists can't assign the origin of this people loving plant. Like a loyal pet, it has followed humans wherever they go and now grows across the entire temperament band of the globe.
Common names:
*Lion's tooth comes from the early French phrase "dente de leon" due to the appearance of the leaves
*In Greek, taraxos achos means "disorder remedy"
*Another French phrase is "pissenlit" or "pee the bed" due to the diuretic properties
*Other fancy monikers include blow ball, bitterwort, fairy clock and devils milk pail.
*One article dubbed Dandelion princess of the lawn!
A tale of the universe, the bright yellow flowers harken the sun, the puff seed heads represent the moon and seeds floating in the wind epitomize the stars in the sky. According to Culpepper's, it is ruled by Jupiter. The element is Air.
In the Victorian Language of Flowers, Dandelion symbolizes Rustic oracle. There are many ways blowing the seeds off can predict your future and I've found they contradict each other. The traditional "they love me, they love me not" might be your best option when seeking consultation from the plants or better yet simply make a wish and send it off with the seeds to be planted. If a flower held under your chin glows gold, it is an indicator of good health.
Let the Dandelion flowers tell you time and weather. They predictably open around 5am and close around 8pm. If they close during the day, expect rain.
Dandelions symbolize tenacity and survival, persevering even through cracks in the pavement, in order to thrive. Find joy in the bright delight of the flowers, shining brightly in the sun.
Call on its flower essence to aid in releasing emotions, find a sunnier perspective and openness to cosmic influences.
Working with Dandelion
“But like all good rebels, the dandelions are irrepressible.” —Guido Masé
A new installment to the herb of the month series is a deeper dive into how to work with the plants! From growing and harvesting to medicine making and kitchen witching.
Dandelion is pure abundance. You do not have to look far for a place to harvest, but ensure it has not been sprayed or is too close to a road.
Dandelion releases ethylene gas. It can stunt nearby plants so keep it weeded near valued flowers, but let it roam in orchards as it promotes even ripening.
Root
Harvesting: Spring or fall. Fall dug roots are 25% inulin so consider what benefits you are looking for from the roots you will use.
Uses: Dry for decoctions. Tincture fresh roots. Bitters. Roast fresh or dry for coffee replacement. Aperitif.
Leaf
Harvesting: Vibrant. Free of pest bites. Young leaves are less bitter.
Uses: Eat fresh or steamed. Dry for tea. Salads, soup and casseroles. Pesto and chimichurri. Garden compost spray.
Flower
Harvesting: Mid morning on rain free days.
Uses: Steep in oil for massages. Flower essence. Steep in honey. Make a jelly with yellow parts only. Pickle buds as local capers. Wine, beer and cordials.
Stem
Harvesting: When moist and full
Uses: Steep in vinegar for warts, acne, sores and stings
Seed Heads
Harvesting: Breezeless day
Uses: Symbolism for wishes, lightly coat with hairspray to maintain its shape in crafts, flower arrangements and flower crowns
Steep the entire plant in vinegar for nutrient dense dressings.
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