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Dandelion Herb -Benefits, Uses And Side Effects

Scientific name: Taraxacum spp

Actions: Alterative, anti- rheumatic, anti-tumor, aperient, bitter, blood purifier, cholagogue, deobstruent, depurative, diuretic, hepatic, immune enhancer and rebuilder, laxative (mild), liptotriptic, nutritive, stomachic, tonic.

Description

The dandelion is a perennial plant. The oblong or spatulate, irregularly dentate or pinnatifid leaves grow in a rosette from the milky taproot, which also send up one or more naked flower stems, each terminating in a single yellow flower. The familiar puffball that succeeds the flower is a globular cluster of achenes, each of which is fitted with a parachute-like tuft.

Dandelion is often cultivated as an edible salad crop and as a medicinal herb plant. It is found growing in pastures, lawns, waste ground, sand, rocks, even cracks in concrete. From a thick, long, tap root, dark brown outside, white and milky white inside, grow long jaggedly toothed leaves, shiny, dark to light green and growing in the shape of a rosette close to the ground. A purplish flower-stalks rise straight from the center, it is leafless, smooth, hollow and bears a single bright golden yellow, furry looking flower which blooms almost anytime of the year. When mature the seed in the flowers heads are round and fuzzy, carried by the wind to be germinated where ever they land. Gather edible leaves and flowers anytime, roots in spring. Dry for later medicinal herb use.

Uses and benefits of Dandelion

• One of nature's top herbs.
• A liver and gallbladder tonic.
• Aids in pancreatic function.
• A kidney and bladder tonic and cleanser.
• Said to have the same diuretic strength as LasixQ (trade name for furosemide).
• Promotes the formation of bile.
• Improves the enamel of the teeth.
• A great alkalizer.
• Effective in liver conditions including hepatitis, jaundice and cirrhosis.
• High in iron, and other minerals, which increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
• A natural source of protein.
• Aids in blood sugar issues including diabetes and hypoglycemia.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

• Dandelion may intensify the blood sugar-lowering effect of the diabetes drug, glipizide. Use with caution.
• In high doses, dandelion can increase the diuretic effect of loop diuretics such as bumetanide and furosemide. This is also true for thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide and indapamide. Consult your doctor for guidance.