What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson

It’s that time of year when a certain plant rears its cheerful yellow head, incurring the wrath of most homeowners. Although regarded as a pesky, prolific weed, dandelion has more to offer than meets the eye. If people were aware of the dandelion’s health benefits, it might be a more welcome addition to the garden.

A member of the marigold and daisy family, dandelion’s name comes from its resemblance to lions’ teeth. Because it produces great quantities of nectar and pollen, it’s an important honey-producing plant. Dandelion contains more vitamin A than apricots or carrots, so it’s a healthful addition to the salad or soup bowl. Known as an essential ingredient in some beverages, it is the basis for beer and wine, and its roots can be ground into a coffee substitute or additive.

Chinese and Ayurvedic physicians have used dandelion since ancient times to treat menstrual and digestive problems, hepatitis, respiratory conditions, obesity, ulcers, skin eruptions, and as a poultice for breast cancer. The Arabs first realized that dandelion increases the production of urine. Perhaps that’s why one of its names is "piss-a-bed." In the Middle Ages, it was believed that a plant’s appearance was an indicator of its use. Because of its bright yellow flowers, dandelion was deemed to be a treatment for jaundice, and other liver and gallbladder conditions.

We can thank early colonists for introducing dandelion to America. They in turn shared it with the American Indians, who adopted it as an all-purpose tonic. It was one of the ingredients in the famous Lydia Pinkham formula that helped women with menstrual discomfort and bloating. For a while, dandelion was considered an all-purpose herb that was contained in numerous medicinal products. The FDA, however, is less than enthusiastic about this plant and discounts its therapeutic value.

Dandelion is beneficial in facial steams and packs, and as an addition to the bath water. Drunk every night before bedtime, it is a gentle sedative. An old gypsy remedy involves gathering dandelion flowers, stems and leaves—and squeezing out the juice, which is applied to warts and corns to remove them. The juice should be left to dry and applied several days in a row.

Dandelion may be used for the following:

Although dandelion causes less potassium loss than other diuretics, if used for long periods of time, it should be supplemented with potassium-rich foods. Dandelion should not be used by pregnant or nursing mothers, and shouldn’t be used by children under age 2 or those over 65 without a doctor’s consent. It may cause a skin rash in some people.

The Coop carries fresh dandelion, as well as in capsules, tincture, compounds and tea.

Health Capsules

Grind into a powder and mix together: 1/4 cup each dandelion root, alfalfa, watercress, parsley, and rose hips. Fill #00 capsules with the mixture. Take one capsule, 3 times a day.

Soothing Tea

Infuse 1 TBS each red clover and dandelion leaves in 1 cup boiling water for 5 minutes. Strain.

Gall Stone Tea