The Medical Sanctuary Holistic Medical Centre

The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a common garden herb, with easily recognized flowers. It is commonly referred to as the enemy of the suburban lawn. However it is
not well known that it happens to be a very nutritious food and has been used for medicinal purposes since the 10th century. The leaves contain substantial levels of vitamins A, C, D, and B complex as well as iron, magnesium, zinc potassium, manganese, copper, chlorine, calcium, boron, and silicon. The substances eudesmanolide and germacranolide are the active constituents in dandelion and are unique to this plant.

Most people don’t realize that the common dandelion is a very powerful detoxification agent. It has been used for generations to treat liver and kidney ailments of all sorts. Its detoxification power has also been used to treat respiratory problems, cure gastro-intestinal ailments and cleanse the circulatory system.

As a detoxification agent, the root of the dandelion herb is considered to be one of the most effective and beneficial herbal remedies. The waste products accumulated in the liver and the gall bladder are removed by this herbal remedy. The kidneys are also stimulated by the dandelion at the same time and it enables the rapid removal of toxins through the urine produced. The herbal remedies made from the leaves of the dandelion are used as a diuretic; it is also used in the treatment of high blood pressure which it accomplishes by reducing the total volume of fluid present in the body at any time.

The word dandelion literally means “lion’s tooth” because of the jagged shape of the leaves. The French figured out the medicinal and detoxification value of dandelions a long time ago. Their name for dandelion is “pissenlit” which translates in English to, “piss in bed”. The name is said to derive from the fact that dandelions very quickly cleanse and accelerate the urinary system. It is not uncommon to hear reports of children playing in a field of dandelions then wetting the bed later that night…..The dandelions did it!
The root of the dandelion is known to be a remarkably well balanced herbal remedy, the steady and gradual elimination of toxins accumulating in the body due to infection or pollution is accelerated by the root of the dandelion.. The dandelion possesses major and effective therapeutic benefits, in the treatment of a variety of conditions these include the treatment of persistent constipation, the treatment of various types of skin problems, including acne, and eczema, and diseases like psoriasis. The root also treats other types of arthritic conditions, including severe conditions such as osteoarthritis, and disorders like gout.

All parts are eatable but generally only the flower and leaves are consumed. The leaves can be used in a salad and one can eat them that way. Or put a colander full of dandelion leaves in a juicer along with an apple and make apple-dandelion juice. If you are using freshly picked dandelion make sure the dandelions you collect have not been treated with pesticides or weed killer. A fine herbal wine can be produced from the dandelion, as too can a great herbal beer. Most commonly however the dried herb is an excellent substitute for coffee and tea bag can be purchased in most well stocked supermarkets.

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