The Many Ways Dandelion Leaf Helps You
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The first line of a little known song asks the question, “How many dandelions this year will grow?” Indeed, in some parts of the North America hills are yellow with dandelion flowers in the spring. Most are either ignored or poisoned as a nuisance. If we had known what this article will reveal, we might have gathered them instead of treating them as a curse.
Though most people simply call it dandelion, its official name is Taraxacum officinale. The word dandelion is from the French phrase ‘dent de lion,’ meaning ‘lion’s tooth’ referring to the jagged-edged leaves of this weed. Dandelion the herb is one and the same with the yellow weed growing in your yard. But it has more benefits than most people know.
The entire dandelion plant is beneficial. The roots, for example, are eaten as vegetables or roasted and ground into a type of root “coffee.” The flowers are used in making wine, in cooking (dandelion flower cookies?), in making dandelion syrup or jam, and it is made into an oil to rub on sore joints. But the uses for the leaves are even greater.
Dandelion is generally regarded as safe, though some have allergic or asthmatic reactions to this herb. The danger is heightened in those who are allergic to ragweed or daisies. Patients with liver or gallbladder disease are warned to stay away from dandelion but others feel there is no danger.
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 is good for female organs. It enriches breast milk in nursing mothers and this, in turn, benefits both mother and child. It is good for women both before, during, and after pregnancy. Women suffering from premenstrual syndrome may find that the diuretic action of dandelion helps relieve some of the symptoms. In short, dandelion is safe and healthy for men, woman, children, and even animals.
Dandelion flowers are an excellent source of lecithin, a nutrient that elevates the brain?s acetylcholine. As a result, it may help retard or stop regression of mental ability caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Lecithin also helps the body maintain good liver function as mentioned before. Dandelion also opens the urinary passages 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 leaves and flowers are best fresh. However, they can be stored in the refrigerator for five days wrapped in plastic, or frozen for longer periods. Be sure to wash the leaves with water before you use them. Another way to preserve them is to dry the flowers or leaves and store them in a cool, dark, dry place. Some add them to their bath to treat yeast infections. Others use the dried plant to make their own dandelion tea (steep one tablespoon of dried leaves in one cup hot water). You can also purchase it in tinctures, capsules, and powdered form.
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