Plant Medicine Summary: Dandelion

Dandelion is one of those plants that grows EVERYWHERE ... and people actually kill it! STOP SPRAYING YOUR DANDELION!! It has amazing nutritional and medicinal properties.

Brief History

The first mention of the Dandelion as a medicine is in the works of the Arabian physicians of the tenth and eleventh centuries, who speak of it as a sort of wild Endive. In this country, we find allusion to it in the Welsh medicines of the thirteenth century. Dandelion roots have long been largely used on the Continent, and the plant is cultivated largely in India as a remedy for liver complaints. Dandelion is a native of Europe. In India it is found through Himalayas.

How Do I Use It?

A very common plant, dandelion grows wild almost everywhere!  Nutritionally, the dandelion has remarkable value. It contains almost as much iron as spinach, four times Vitamin A content. An analysis of dandelion shows it to consist of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Its mineral and vitamin contents are calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sodium, Vitamin A and C. Folate, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Copper, Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Iron, Potassium and Manganese. http://www.herballegacy.com/Chhabra_History.html

It helps with acne, stimulates the digestive system and supports the liver. Aids in the treatment with bronchitis, sprains and bruises. It helps normalize hormone production. (Gladstar, Rosemary)

Tea

• We use it mostly in teas because it is so plentiful and can be harvested so often! Tea can be made using leaves, flowers, roots.

Tincture 

• Can be made into tincture for ease of use and long term storage.

Glycerite/Syrup

• This is the perfect application to use with children.

Salve for sore muscles

• This is nice warming salve. Very soothing and light. 

 
Our Experience With It

• It has so many vitamins and minerals it works so great in a daily tea for vitamin supplement (and can be combined with so many other herbs). To improve your nutritional needs this is a great herb to use. We will combine it with nettle and the difference in how we feel after using that combination is amazing!
• (Paula) "I have kidney stones from time to time. I have found that as soon as I feel one coming on, I start drinking Dandelion Tea and up to this point it has taken care of the problem within a couple of days. I love it for this!"
• Dandelion is great to use if you need potassium.
• We have also made dandelion jelly. It turns out so pretty and tastes a lot like honey. It has such a sweet mild taste. It is yummy!

 
Part of Plant Used:
       Roots, Leaves, Flowers

Few Properties Of Dandelion

• Depurative - Detox
• Diuretic - Eliminate fluid
• Galacagogue – Increase breast milk
• Stomachic – Aids the stomach
• Tonic - Support Immune System

 
RECIPE - Dandelion Jelly (from Paula)

"I made this with one of our grandson’s. He was 6 when we did it. He loved it! It tastes a lot like a mild honey."
1. Fill a gallon bowl with dandelion flowers. Snip off the base as you use only the petals of the flowers.
2. Pour boiling water over the petals. Let sit overnight. The tea color from this should be a pretty yellow. Strain water off petals.
Needed: 1 ½ cups of water, 2 cups sugar, 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, ½ box pectin.
1. Mix everything in a saucepan.
2. Bring to boil and boil for 2 minutes.
3. Fill jars with mixture and can or refrigerate.

Caution
Dandelion is sprayed so much. Always make sure the dandelion greens and heads harvested have never been sprayed with herbicide.
 
NMM Mixes With Dandelion

Kidney Stone Herbal Soldiers - The herbs in this packet are specifically used in helping dissolve 'gravel' in the kidneys, have antiseptic effects, help to eliminate urinary tract infections, soothing and helps with toxin removal.

NOTE: We use dandelion we harvest ourselves so much in our daily teas, we would recommend doing that to everyone! That is the best way to use dandelion and reap the many benefits on a daily basis.