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Dandelion
Latin Name: Taraxacum offinale Family: Compositae |
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Climate range.................................. Aspect range.................................... Mature height................................... Mature width.................................... Special purpose............................... Foliage type..................................... Soil Type.......................................... Propagation..................................... Sow-Plant........................................ Space Apart..................................... Flowering Season............................ Flower Color.................................... |
Tropical, Warm, Temperate, Cool Full sun 20" 4" Medicinal, Culinary, Native to Kootenays Perennial Moist Conditions Root, Seed Spring 6" Late Spring Yellow |
COMMENTS:
This hardy herb has rosettes of oblong, deeply toothed leaves. Golden flowers, often striped with brown, from Spring to Autumn, are followed by balls of tufted seeds.
Uses: The flowers are made into wine, the buds are pickled, and the leaves, rich in vitamins A and C and minerals, are eaten in salads. The leaves are a powerful diuretic, treating urinary disorders and fluid retention without depleting body potassium as much as other diuretics. They detoxify the blood, so are given for acne and eczema. The white sap treats warts and corns. The roots reduces inflammation and is an important liver stimulant used for jaundice, gallstones, and rheumatic joints. The roots yeild a magenta dye.
Premenstrual Syndrome: Animal studies show that dandelion does have diuretic action. Diuretics may help releive the bloated feeling of premenstual syndrome. Try some before your period and see if it works for you.
Weight Loss: In one study, animals fed dandelions lost up to 30% of their weight, but authorities do not recommend diuretics for permanent weight control. They advocate a low-fat, high-fiber diet and regular aerobic excercise.
High Blood Pressure: Physicians often prescribe diuretics to treat high blood pressure. dandelion might help. High blood pressure is a serious condition requiring professional treatment. Use dandelion in consultation with your physician.
Congetive Heart Failure: Dandelion might be appropriate in conjunction with other medications and therapies prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you wish to try dandelion for this condition.
Cancer Prevention: A 1 cup serving of raw dandelion leaves contains 7,000 international units of vitamin A. That's 1 1/2 times the Recommended Dietary Allowance and more than you would find in a carrot. Dandelion also contains some vitamin C. Vitamins A & C are antioxidants that help prevent the cell damage scientists believe eventually causes cancer.
Yeast Infection: One study shows dandelion inhibits the growth of the fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infections. ( Candida albicans)
Digestive Aid: German studies suggest that dandelion stimulates the flow of bile, which helps digest fats. In Germany, physicians routinely use dandelion to help stimulate bile and prevent gallstones.
Dosage and Preperation: For using as a diuretic, for premenstual syndrome, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure or digestive aid, take it as a leaf infusion, root decoction, or tincture.
Leaf Infusion: Use 1/2 ounce of dried leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Root Concoction: Gently boil 2 -3 teaspoons of powdered root per cup of water for 15 minutes. Cool. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
In a tincture take 1-2 teaspoons up to 3 times a day.
As a potential aid to help keep vaginal yeast infection at bay, add a couple of handfuls of dried leaves and flowers to the bathwater.
Dandelion should not be given to children under the age of 2. For older children and people over 65 start with a low-strength preperation and increase if needed.
Recipe File
Liver Tonic
Please see this page for signs of disharmony in the liver.Mix all ingredients together. Use 1-2 teaspoon per cup of boiling water. Simmer for 15 minutes. Drink 1 cup after each meal.
- 2 parts Dandelion Root
- 2 parts Meadowsweet
- 1 part Fringetree bark
- 1 part Goldenseal
Jaundice Tonic
Mix together all ingredients. Use 1 teaspoon per cup of boiling water. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Drink a small cupful every 2 hours while symptoms last.
- 1 part Balmony
- 1 part Black root
- 1 part Dandelion root
- 1 part Fringetree bark
- 1 part Goldenseal
Gallbladder Inflamation
Please see this page for signs of disharmony in the Gall Bladder.Mix together all ingredients. Use 1 teaspoon per cup of boiling water. Simmer for 15 minutes. Drink one cup 3 x a day.
- 2 parts Marshmallow root
- 1 part Dandelion root
- 1 part Fringetree bark
- 1 part Wahoo
- 1 part Mountain grape
Detox TeaThis mix can be taken until gone, approx 1 month. Mix all the ingredients together and store in a glass jar in cool place. Use 1/2 oz. of mix to 2-4 cups boiling water. Steep overnight and drink all of the cups, in small sips, cold, throughout the next day.
- 2 oz. Celery tops and seeds
- 1 oz. Fennel seeds
- 2 oz. Parsley
- 2 oz. Corn Silk
- 1 oz. Cherry stems
- 2 oz. Dandelion
- 2 oz. Couchgrass
- 4 oz. Blackberry leaves
Relaxing Tea Formula
Mix together 1 equal part each of:
- Alfalfa
- Chamomile
- Dandelion
- Horsetail
- Oatstraw
Steep 1 tbls. of herbs to 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Useful for relaxing and rebuilding worn out muscles.
Mild Sedative
- 1 tablespoon red clover
- 1 tablespoon dandelion
Steep the herbs for 5 minutes in 1 cup of boiling water. Strain and drink just before bedtime to help you sleep.
NOTE: The linked words above will take you to products available for that condition. Other pages of interest:Organs
NOTE:The linked words above will take you to products for that condition. Other pages of interest: Eat your weeds, Liver Health, & Alternate Grain Recipes.


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