Dandelion
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"Dandelion" is derived from the Greek "taraxos" (disorder), and "akos" (remedy), on account of the curative action of the plant.
The parts used medicinally are the root and the young tops which contain a bitter, milky juice (latex).
Interesting Facts
The English name "dandelion" is a version of the French "dent de lion" meaning "lion's tooth", referring to the coarsely-toothed leaves. It has the same meaning in several other European languages, such as the Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Norwegian and German.Nowadays, Dandelion have different names in different countries, here are some approximate translations:
- in French: "urinate in bed", referring to its diuretic properties. Similar translation in the English folk language, also in Italian and Spanish.
- in some north-eastern Italian dialects: "dog pisses", referring to how common they are found at the side of pavements.
- in other northern Italian dialects: "blowing", referring to the blowing of the seeds from the stalk. The same is in German and Polish: "blowing flower".
- in Turkish: "black endive".
- in Hungarian: "dog milk", referring to the white sap found in the plant's stem.
- in Lithuanian: "sow milk".
- in Finnish and Estonian: "butter flower", referring to its buttery color.
- in Swedish: "worm rose", referring to its low status (being mostly considered a weed) despite a fairly pleasant appearance.
- in Dutch: "horse-flower".
History and Folklore
- Dandelions have been largely used for food as well as a medicinal herb for many centuries in several different countries of the world including Arabia, India, China, Europe and North America.
- The first mention of the plant as a medicine is in the tenth and eleventh centuries by the Arabian physicians.
- The Ojibwa people of Wisconsin recommend the root tea for heartburn.
- Chinese herbalists recommend a strong root infusion for treating tonsillitis.
- Dandelion was used to treat urinary system disorders, skin problems, pneumonia, bronchitis and upper respiratory infections.
- The juice once was quite popular as a diuretic, laxative, and remedy for rheumatism.
Health Benefits
- The leaves have large amounts of numerous vitamins, including Vitamin A, C, Vitamin D, and B-complexes, as well as minerals like Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, Potassium, Manganese, Copper, Chlorine, Calcium, Boron, and Silicon. Because of this numerous nutrients it is highly recommended as a food supplement for postmenopausal women.
- It stimulates the immune system, increasing mineral absorption and suppressing abnormal cell growth.
- It is a general stimulant, especially to the urinary system, and it is used in kidney disorders. Studies show beneficial effects of dandelion on reducing urinary tract gravel, attributed to its disinfectant action. As a tonic, it actually strengthens the kidneys.
- It is a powerful diuretic, flushing excess water from the body, but does not deplete the body of Potassium. The diuretic effect reduces serum cholesterol levels; it is used in treating edema associated with high blood pressure and heart weakness.
- It is a natural blood purifier and it is used for detoxification. It can help detoxify the liver and gallbladder, so it is used for liver dysfunction, including liver conditions such as hepatitis and jaundice.
- It is believed by many experts to promote the flow of bile, so it is used to improve minor digestive problems and bile deficiency.
- It is a very popular laxative, and it is used to treat constipation.
- It helps to keep blood sugar levels constant and reduce hyperglycemia.
- It is used in folk medicine to ease joint and bone conditions and as a remedy for rheumatism and gout. This quality makes this plant useful for treating joint pain at menopause.
- It is used for inflammatory skin conditions, eczema and acne.
I use Dandelion Root Capsules
every day, before lunch. Sometimes I make a hot cup of tea, it tastes like roasted coffee. This amazing plant has so many benefits, it is impossible to ignore! It is very helpful in loosing weight, because it flashes the system, and keeps blood sugar level constant. Menopause Help Line
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