Herb profile: dandelion
Spring is here, and that means dandelion’s bright yellow flowers can be seen in masses on lawns, roadsides, and in fields. Unfortunately, many people view it as a weed, but dandelion’s health benefits have led it to have a long medicinal history in herbalism; dandelion is an abundant food source as well.
While dandelion is native to Eurasia, it can now be found in most parts of the world, thanks to its easily dispersed, prolific seeds.
Beyond being a beautiful (and welcome) sign of spring, dandelion’s health benefits are innumerable, ranging from clearer skin to a stronger ability to fight off the flu.
Read on to learn more about this powerhouse of a herb!
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Plant description
With its distinct yellow flowers turning to white puffballs, dandelion is one of the most well-known plants in the northern hemisphere, signaling the beginning of spring. Dandelion’s leaves—one of the major sources of its nutrients—are plentiful and jagged, sprouting from a central base before tapering down to a long, hidden root.
Parts used
All parts of dandelion are used, from the yellow blooms, to the toothed leaves, to the long, tapered roots. These parts may be used fresh or dried, and can be used in tea, tinctures, salves, jellies, wine, and pretty much anything else!
Medicinal and edible value
The roots are used as a coffee replacement due to its bitter aroma and flavor, and can be blended with other roots for a different taste, including beetroot, burdock root, and chicory root; sometimes cinnamon is added for flavor as well. Its leaves are nutritious—full of calcium, iron, and protein—and are sometimes used as an appetite stimulant; they also work well in salads, providing an earthy, bitter flavor.
The greens can be harvested from March through October. In the folk treatment of cancer, dandelion is prepared through roasting, grinding, and drinking as a tea.
Magical uses
As with all herbs, dandelion has multiple uses in witchcraft. Some magical connections dandelions have relate to creativity, inspiration, bravery, divination, wishes, insight, clarity, welcoming the sun, and driving away bad spirits.
Dandelions are also a welcome addition to a Beltane altar, when you want to have prophetic dreams, and any time you need to connect to the earth.
Cautions
While dandelion’ health benefits are widely reported, there may be side effects for some people. These include skin irritation, particularly in those allergic to marigold, ragweed, or daisies. Regardless of whether you have a known skin allergy, it’s always a good idea to patch test before applying anything to your skin.
As well, some people find that dandelion increases stomach acid production and heartburn.
Please note: I am an herbalist—not a doctor. Always consult your doctor before trying a new herbal remedy.
Dandelion’s health benefits
Dandelion’s health benefits are vast, offering a number of reasons to add some dandelion into your diet. Some of dandelion’s health benefits include:
1. A source of antioxidants
Dandelions contain large amounts of a type of antioxidant called polyphenols, which help protect the body’s tissues against cancer and heart disease.
The flowers also contain large amounts of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which is thought to protect the body against oxidative stress and cell damage.
2. Provides nutrients
Dandelion’s greens provide tons of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The greens are full of vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, while the roots hold a kind of soluble fiber that aids with the growth and maintenance of healthy gut bacteria in your digestive tract.
3. Fights inflammation
Some studies have found that consuming dandelion reduces the amount of inflammation a person may have in their body. While further trials are needed, it won’t hurt you to add a few more dandelion greens to your diet.
4. Improves digestion
Dandelion’s digestive uses are numerous, including using the herb for upset stomachs and as an appetite stimulant. In some cases, dandelion’s root is used as a mild laxative, and is used to improve digestion.
5. Lowers blood pressure
While there aren’t many scientific studies to support the belief, some state that consuming dandelion can lower your blood pressure in the long term. This is because dandelion is a diuretic; diuretics flush excess fluid from the body, which directly affects blood pressure levels.
6. Helps keep skin healthy
Because of all the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants dandelions have, they’re also known to keep your skin looking healthy. Particularly, when extracted, dandelion’s leaves and flowers can help protect from UVB damage.
7. Boosts immune system
Dandelion contains antibacterial and antiviral properties, both of which help keep your immune system healthy. Dandelion’s specific antibacterial and antiviral properties mean it helps fight the influenza virus.
Parting Thoughts
From aiding in digestion to protecting skin from sun damage, dandelion’s health benefits are various and powerful. Next time you’re out walking, take a moment to appreciate dandelion’s bright beauty—and maybe bring a few leaves home for yourself as well.
xoxo,
Catherine
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