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Focus on Herbs:
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by Lynne Latella
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“If dandelions were hard to
grow, they would be most welcome on any lawn.”
– Andrew V. Mason, author
Dandelions provide a brilliant color boost to almost every yard.
Unfortunately, they are mostly unwelcome. Regarded as a pesky, prolific
weed, dandelions have more to offer than meets the eye and the hoe.
Many people may not be aware of the health benefits of dandelions. If
they were, they would likely regard them as the most welcome guests in
the lawn.
Related to marigolds and daisies, the dandelion’s name is derived from
its resemblance to lions’ teeth. Because they produce large quantities
of nectar and pollen, they are key honey producing plants. They contain
more vitamin A than apricots and carrots, making them a healthy
addition to one’s diet. In fact dandelions are essential ingredients in
beverages such as beer, wine and coffee substitutes.
Chinese and Ayurvedic doctors have used dandelions since ancient times
to treat menstrual and digestive problems, hepatitis, respiratory
conditions, obesity, ulcers and skin eruptions, and as a poultice for
breast cancer. The Arabs first realized that dandelions increase the
production of urine. Perhaps that’s why they are sometimes referred to
as “piss-a-bed” plants. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that the
plant’s appearance was an indicator of its use. Because of dandelions’
bright yellow flowers, they were deemed to be a treatment for jaundice
and other liver and gall bladder conditions.
Thanks to early colonists, dandelions were introduced to America. The
colonists shared them with the American Indians, who adopted the plant
as an allpurpose tonic. Dandelion was one of the ingredients in Lydia
Pinkham’s famous formula for women with menstrual discomfort and
bloating. For a time, dandelion was considered an all-purpose herb that
was contained in numerous medicinal products. The FDA, however, has
been less than enthusiastic about it and discounts its therapeutic
value.
An old gypsy remedy involves squeezing the juice from dandelion
flowers, stems and leaves and applying it to warts and corns to remove
them. The application was left to dry and reapplied several days in a
row for effectiveness. Dandelions are beneficial in facial steams and
packs and as an additive to bath water, although they may cause a skin
rash with some people. Drunk every night before bedtime, dandelion tea
is a gentle sedative.
Dandelion has been used for the following:
• Heart failure
• Fluid retention
• Mild hypertension
• Blood sugar conditions
• Joint inflammation
• Constipation
• Poor appetite
• Night blindness
• Yeast infection
• PMS
• Weight loss
• Liver, gall bladder, spleen and pancreas infl ammations
• Eczema and acne
Although dandelion causes less potassium loss than other diuretics, if
used for long periods of time it should be supplemented with
potassium-rich foods. It should not be used by pregnant or nursing
women, nor by those under age 2 or over 65 years of age without a
doctor’s endorsement.
The Co-op carries dandelion in tinctures, capsules, compounds and tea.
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