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 | Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
 Perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Common names: Dandelion, Lion's Tooth, Wild Endive, Priest's Crown, Swine Snout, Wet-a-bed, Monks Head, Milk Witch, Irish Daisy
Range: Native to Eurasia, naturalized throughout North America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, India, and South Africa
Parts Used: Leaf, root
Preparations: Consumed raw or as a cooked vegetable (including the flowers), tea, tincture, extract
Historical Significance: This hardy plant is considered a persistent and invasive weed by some gardeners. However, dandelion is deliberately cultivated in many part of the world as a food. It is known by many nicknames, including dents de lion to the French, a tribute to the lion-tooth shape of the leaves. The Arabs introduced Europeans to the herb in the 10th century, where it found a place among other apothecary drugs by the 16th century.
Dandelion has long been considered a culinary herb. The ground roots are roasted as a coffee substitute, while the flowers are an excellent addition to salads, served sautéed as a vegetable, or brewed into wine. The English partake of “Dandelion and Burdock,” a fermented soft drink that’s been in circulation since the 13th century. The young leaves can be sautéed or steamed, or eaten raw in sandwiches. In addition, the leaves are abundant in several nutrients, including more iron and calcium than spinach.
Dandelion is valued for its diuretic properties, earning it yet another French nickname of pis en lit, which literally translates to "piss in bed." This distinction appears to be well deserved since the herb’s efficacy has been compared to the prescription drug Furosemide in studies, but without the side effect of depleting the body of potassium (or actual bed wetting). In fact, dandelion root is a registered diuretic drug in Canada. The herb also has a mild laxative effect.
Native Americans used dandelion as both a food and medicine for centuries. It was also a primary ingredient in the infamous Lady Pinkham's tonic for women. Dandelion is also known in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it is recommended to stimulate lactation. Some of the constituents of the plant have demonstrated anti-cancer properties in vitro, specifically inhibiting leukemia, melanoma, and colon cancer cells. Some studies indicate that dandelion may lower serum glucose levels.
The fresh milky juice squeezed from the stems is an excellent wart remover. In fact, if applied at the first sign of a wart, three times a day, the offending growth should disappear within two to three days.
Constituents: Taraxacin, inulin, phenolic and citric acids, vitamins A, C, B. The leaves contain vitamins A, B, C, D, potassium, calcium, and iron.
Cautions/Contraindications: Due to its potassium content, do not consume dandelion or dandelion products if you have a history of gallstones or gallbladder disease, unless under the guidance of a qualified health care practitioner. Do not combine with lithium, hypoglycemic medications, or other diuretic drugs. May produce mild stomach upset in some individuals. Allergic reactions are very rare.
Disclaimer: This information has not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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