Herbal Medicine: Dandelion


Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, has been found recorded in medicinal use since 659 BCE.

Native to most of Europe, Asia, and northern Africa; Dandelion has been naturalized world-wide. Mostly viewed as a weed by society, its medicinal qualities are only known to those of us in pursuit of the knowledge and use of herbs as medicine.

Historically added to Spring salads as an aid in digestive, kidney, & immune support after a long hard winter surviving mainly on preserved foods. Dandelion was consumed in small quantities in ancient Celtic, Roman and Greek civilizations to help balance ones appetite for the various foods offered in the meal.

In northern America many Native American tribes implemented Dandelion for various uses as medicine including a detox cleanse, as a healing poultice or compress, in a decoction to ease stomach upset, ingesting the leaves for alterative effects, steaming the leaves and applying them topically for the treatment sore throats, in a tea as a nerve-calming tonic, the roots were chewed to relieve tooth pain; and in central America Dandelion has been used as a blood purifier.

Dandelion was also administered in a wine to help improve fatigue after illness. Roasted and powdered, Dandelion root makes a good substitute for coffee (although some of us swear by our coffee), and has also been made into wine, beer, and digestive cordials and liqueurs.

Dandelion root and leaves help to elevate ones mood, promotes lactation in breastfeeding women, is an excellent aid in relieving symptoms associated with menstruation and menopause, supports liver, kidney, and gallbladder health. As well as helping to balance blood-sugar levels.

Dandelion has been used for centuries in the treatment of jaundice, liver diseases, liver detox, infections, swelling, water retention, breast problems and tenderness, gallbladder problems, pneumonia, and viruses; and as a bile & urine stimulant.

Dandelion also treats anemia, constipation, gallstones, kidney and liver disorders, yellowing of the skin associated with liver disfunction, cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver disease. It encourages healthy digestion.

Dandelion contains iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, potassium, phosphorous, choline, calcium, boron, and sodium.

Dandelion is a diuretic, tonic, slightly aperient, mild laxative, choleretic, appetite stimulant, cholagogue, mild purgative, hepatic, lymphatic, alterative, & demulcent.

*DO NOT USE Dandelion as medicine for longer than six weeks without a break; if you are taking prescription medications for lowering blood sugar; if your doctor has informed you of a gallbladder problem, blockage or inflammation of the bile duct, or an obstruction of the bowel; if you're experiencing an accute gallstone attack; and Dandelion can cause skin rash, diarrhea, heartburn & stomach upset if used more than recommended.*

Stop killing, uprooting, and spraying these wonderfully beneficial flowers with herbicides; and start harvesting them for a happier & healthier you!

~Tanya Capps~
Herbal Witchcraft Magazine

https://www.herbalwitchcraftmagazine.com

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