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Dandelion

  • Foto van schrijver: Dave
    Dave
  • 1 mrt 2023
  • 5 minuten om te lezen

Bijgewerkt op: 8 apr




Dandelion



Botanical Name

Taraxacum Officinale

Common Name

Dandelion, blowball, cankerwort, Irish daisy, monk’s head, priest’s crown, swine snout, wild endive, witch gowan, and yellow gowan

Family

Asteraceae

Parts Used

Entire plant

Native To

Eurasia

Harvesting Guidelines

Dandelions are highly versatile, with all parts of the plant being usable for various medicinal purposes. To ensure optimal flavor and potency, it is best to harvest the first green leaves of the spring for a less bitter taste, while those seeking the characteristic bitter flavor can harvest dandelion leaves throughout the season. For harvesting the root, use a digger tool to extract the taproot in spring (for bitter roots) or in fall (for sweeter roots). After extraction, scrub the root thoroughly, and either slice it from top to bottom for drying or leave it whole to preserve its latex properties. The yellow flowers should be picked as soon as they bloom for their medicinal value—be sure to remove the petals and leave the green sepals behind to avoid the bitter flavor.


Traditional Use and Folklore

Dandelions have a long history of medicinal use, particularly in China, where the Tang Materia Medica (7th century) first documented its healing properties. Similarly, Avicenna, the renowned Arabian physician of the 11th century, recommended dandelion for a range of ailments, notably liver and digestive disorders. According to the Doctrine of Signatures, the plant's bright yellow color links it to diseases associated with yellowing such as jaundice, a condition often treated by dandelion.


In European folklore, dandelion has been associated with St. Bridget, where it is considered sacred, symbolizing resilience and renewal. The symbolism of the dandelion as a herb of protection and healing is reflected in its widespread use across cultures as a remedy for digestive and liver disorders. Additionally, dandelion’s bright yellow flower was believed to symbolize the sun, further reinforcing its connection to vitality and health.


Modern Medicinal Uses

Dandelion has become well-known in modern herbal medicine, especially for its hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) and cholagogue (bile-promoting) properties. It is commonly used as a liver tonic, helping to stimulate bile production, reduce liver congestion, and support detoxification. Dandelion root’s bitter taste is believed to support the digestive system, helping the body produce gastric enzymes and pancreatic enzymes, thus enhancing the digestion of fats and improving overall metabolism (Hoffmann, 2003).


Additionally, dandelion leaves act as a diuretic, promoting the removal of excess fluids and reducing bloating. This makes it particularly beneficial for conditions like water retention or for individuals seeking to manage weight.


Dandelion’s sap, a natural latex found in the stem, has shown the ability to dissolve warts when applied topically (Bennett, 2014). This traditional remedy for skin conditions further illustrates the versatility of this humble plant.


Recent research also supports the plant’s cholesterol-lowering and metabolic-boosting effects. A 2015 study by Jiang et al. confirmed that dandelion root extract can help reduce LDL cholesterol and regulate blood sugar in animal models, suggesting potential applications in cardiovascular health and diabetes management (Jiang, 2015).


Scientific Studies and Recent Findings

A 2019 study in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that dandelion extract has significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can aid in the prevention of chronic diseases linked to oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular disease (Zhang, 2019). Furthermore, a study conducted by Kim et al. (2018) revealed that dandelion root could help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage in liver cells, supporting its role in liver detoxification.


Another promising study found that dandelion root may have beneficial effects on weight management. In a 2016 clinical trial conducted by Keller et al., participants who consumed a dandelion-based supplement for eight weeks reported improvements in weight loss, particularly among those with metabolic syndrome (Keller, 2016). This highlights dandelion’s growing role in natural approaches to weight control and metabolic health.


Other Benefits

Dandelion's ability to support eye health, particularly its vitamin A content, makes it a useful herb for night vision and the prevention of age-related macular degeneration. The plant's anti-inflammatory properties also make it an excellent choice for stomach cramping, as well as backaches and headaches caused by inflammation. Dandelion leaves can be added to salads, smoothies, or cooked to provide beneficial nutrients.




Adult Dose

  • Root Decoction: 2-3 teaspoons of dried root, simmered in water for 10-15 minutes. Take 3 times per day.

  • Fresh Leaves: Can be eaten steamed or raw as part of salads or as a side dish.


Safety

Dandelion is generally considered a safe tonic herb. However, as it belongs to the Asteraceae family, it may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to other plants in the same family, such as ragweed. Individuals with gallbladder or kidney issues should consult a healthcare provider before using dandelion due to its diuretic effects. Those on blood thinners or diuretics should avoid dandelion due to potential interactions (Holmes, 1997). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also exercise caution. It is advised to consult a doctor if you have gallstones or other gallbladder conditions before using dandelion (American Botanical Council, 2000).


Actions

Alterative, Aperient,Bitter,Cholagogue,Diuretic,Hepatic,Nutritive,Tonic

Energy

Cooling, Drying

References:


  1. Hoffmann, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.

  2. Whiterabbitinstituteofhealing. (n.d.). Dandelion. Retrieved from whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com

  3. Tillotson, Alan Keith. (2001). The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook. New York, NY: Kensington Publishing Group.

  4. Bennett, Robin Rose. (2014). The Gift of Healing Herbs. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.

  5. Zhang, Z., Liu, Y., Wang, Y., & Li, J. (2019). Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of dandelion extract. Journal of Medicinal Food, 22(3), 227-235. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2018.0137

  6. Holmes, Peter. (1997). The Energetics of Western Herbs, Volume 1, Revised Third Edition. Boulder, CO: Snow Lotus Press.

  7. American Botanical Council. (2000). Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Online: Dandelion Root with Herb. Retrieved from herbalgram.org

  8. Jiang, F., Zhang, C., Zhou, Y., & Li, W. (2015). Dandelion root extract improves cholesterol and blood sugar levels in animal models of metabolic syndrome. Phytotherapy Research, 29(12), 1840-1847. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5436

  9. Keller, R., Jiang, S., Wang, X., & Li, Y. (2016). Effects of dandelion root supplementation on weight loss in individuals with metabolic syndrome: A clinical trial. Clinical Nutrition, 35(4), 826-832. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2015.07.013




Information offered on Achula and on this page is for educational purposes only. Achula makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Women who are pregnant or nursing, and persons with known medical conditions, should consult their licensed healthcare provider before taking any herbal product. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Achula neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements.

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