The Many Ways Dandelion Leaf Helps You

Have you heard the song that begins, “How many dandelions this year will grow”? The answer would have to be billions for fields and yards turn yellow in the spring with dandelion flowers. Most people just consider dandelion to be a nuisance. It most likely will be more welcome to you by the time you finished reading this article.

It is officially Taraxacum officinale but commonly called dandelion. The name comes from the French words ‘dent de lion,’ that mean ‘lion’s tooth.’ This is a reference to the jagged-edged leaves. Dandelion in your yard is identical to the herb with so many benefits. Let’s see what some of them are.

All the dandelion plant is useful. The roots can be eaten as vegetables or roasted and ground to make a type of root “coffee.” A cursory look through the internet reveals the flowers are used to make wine, in cooking (dandelion flower cookies?), a syrup, jam, and an oil to rub on sore joints. But the leaves have the most diverse list of uses.

Dandelion leaf is an excellent source of iron, sodium, beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, and especially calcium. Some feel that dandelion might have been one of the “bitter herbs” mentioned in the Bible. The leaves do add a bitter flavoring to salads and they can also be cooked like spinach. The best leaves are those that appear before the plant flowers.

Dandelion leaf is rich in sodium, calcium, vitamins A and C, iron, and beta-carotene. The bitter flavoring it gives to salads leads some to believe that dandelion might have been one of the “bitter herbs” mentioned in the Bible. Some enjoy cooking them like spinach. The best leaves are those first ones in the spring that appear before the plant flowers.

Dandelion has special benefit for female issues. It will enrich breast milk in nursing mothers and this benefits both mother and child. It is beneficial both before, during, and after pregnancy. The diuretic action of dandelion helps relieve some of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Yes, dandelion is healthy and safe for men, woman, children, and animals.

Dandelion is also good for the brain. The flowers are an excellent source of lecithin, a nutrient that elevates the brain’s acetylcholine. This may benefit those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Lecithin is also an ingredient that helps with liver function. Urinary passages are also opened by Dandelion as part of its cleansing work.

Traditional Chinese Medicine uses dandelion to treat upper respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia and bronchitis. Native Americans used it to treat indigestion, kidney disease, and heartburn.

Dandelion leaves and flowers are best when freshly picked. If this is not possible, the leaves can be refrigerated up to five days when wrapped in a plastic bag. Be sure to wash the leaves thoroughly before using. Leaves may also be frozen for longer periods of time. You can also dry the flowers and leaves yourself and store them in a dark, dry, and cool place. Use them in the bath to treat yeast infections, or to make your own dandelion tea (steep about 1 tablespoon of dried leaves in 1 cup hot water). Dandelion may also be purchased in capsules, tinctures, and powdered form.

Dandelion is generally regarded as safe, but some people report allergic or asthmatic reaction to this herb, especially those with allergies to ragweed or daisies. Traditionally dandelion is not recommended for patients with liver or gallbladder disease but some feel this advice is erroneous.

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