Herb Spotlight - Dandelion

Before you spray your yard with weed killer (please don't do that), consider the benefits of the most common and hated lawn weed: the dandelion. I've always enjoyed the bright and sunny flowers of Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), and the bees love them too. These little plants populate my yard every summer and I wouldn't have it any other way.

If you are lucky enough to have dandelions growing in your yard, you have free access to this herbal powerhouse.

Watch Me Talk About Dandelion

The Benefits

Herbalists often love this well-hated plant. It has many benefits, is readily available, and has only a few potential side effects (skip to the bottom to read more on that).

Dandelion greens and dandelion root are the two most common parts of the plant to be used, but the whole plant is edible. Consider dropping a couple of dandelion flowers in your next cup of tea.

The Greens:

Dandelion greens are packed with nutrients and fiber. The greens do have a bitter taste, which makes them a great addition to your Spring salads. Dandelion greens can be a good source of Vitamins A, C, and K; as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium.

The Roots:

I said it earlier, but I will say it again... Dandelion root is a powerhouse herb. The benefits are numerous and if you want to learn more check out this article or this one. But the quick and dirty highlights are:

1. Tonic and Alterative - this means that dandelion root helps to restore the proper function of the body (specifically it improves the quality of circulating fluid) and increases health and vitality. Alterative herbs help the body eliminate metabolic waste and therefore dandelion root is often taken during a season cleanse to help support the liver and other organs.

2. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant - inflammation is normal. It's our body's reaction to injury, infection or stress. Anti-inflammatory herbs help the body calm this reaction, while antioxidants help prevent age-related cell breakdown and can even help prevent some cancers.

3. Dandelion root (and the leaves too) contains the prebiotic fiber inulin which can help support healthy digestion and elimination.

4. Antimicrobial and antiviral - this helps us fight off infections.

5. Dandelion also contains compounds that can help lower cholesterol, improve the secretion of insulin, and even suppress the appetite.

How to Use Dandelion

• the simplest way to begin using dandelion is to pick up some dandelion tea at your grocery store. I would suggest starting with a simple dandelion tea vs an herbal blend that contains other herbs. This way you can get to know dandelion on its own and if you have any sort of allergic reaction, you know exactly what herb caused it.

• if you have a yard, go out in the spring and summer to collect leaves. Add them to your salads or soups.

• you can dig up, clean, and dry dandelion roots to use for tea or tinctures. However, I will admit I never do this. I buy dandelion roots from a reputable herb company rather than harvest roots from my yard. I do however harvest greens quite often.

• you can also purchase dandelion capsules, but I don't recommend this. Dandelion can upset your digestive system and taking herbs by capsule can often be too much for people, especially those with a sensitive system.

  
  

Words of Caution

While dandelion is considered quite safe, there are some potential side effects. As I stated above, dandelion can bother people with sensitive digestive systems.

Dandelion can interfere with some medications, including certain antibiotics, anticoagulants, and some diabetes medications.

Some people are allergic to dandelion. Allergies can be severe, so if you have never used dandelion before or if you have a ragweed allergy, use caution the first time.

Lastly, if you harvest it yourself, be certain it wasn't sprayed with weed killer, pesticides, or fertilizers.

Disclaimer

The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please be sure to research herbs and consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine, particularly if you have a known medical condition or if you are pregnant or nursing. The information provided should not be considered health advice. You are responsible for consulting a medical professional before implementing a new herb or herbal remedy. Allergic reactions and interactions with prescription and over-the-counter medication can occur and can be serious.

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