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DANDELION ROOT

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Shraddhananda:

DANDELION ROOT.
Hundreds of species of dandelion grow in the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. As most of us know, Taraxacum official or Dandelion ("Dent de lion" meaning Lion's tooth) is a hardy perennial that can grow to a height of nearly 12 inches.  They have deeply notched, toothy, spatula-like leaves that are shiny and hairless (a trait that distinguishes them from Catsears which are hairy) and which funnel rain to the root.  Their bright yellow flowers open with the sun in the morning and close in the evening or during gloomy weather. The dark brown roots are fleshy and brittle and are filled with a white milky substance that is bitter and slightly smelly.

Traditionally, dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver problems. Native Americans also boiled dandelion in water and took it to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn, and upset stomach. In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion has been used to treat stomach problems, appendicitis, and breast problems, such as inflammation or lack of milk flow. In Europe, it was used in remedies for fever, boils, eye problems, diabetes, and diarrhea.

Today, many herbalists work with Dent-de-Lion as a:
~ gentle diuretic
~ to purify the bloodstream and liver, stimulating the manufacture of bile
~ decreasing uric acid
~ maximizing the performance of the kidneys, pancreas, spleen, and stomach
~ tonic for menopausal women
~ and more.

The root is harvested in early winter, when the medicine is strongest in the root, and decocted in an alcohol menstrum for six weeks or more.  The leaves are harvested in the the spring, and also contain many great nutrients.

The leaves and roots are worked with differently, so tell us about your relationship to Dandelion Root (as well as the leaves and flowers).

LauraBenelli:
I have been purchasing loose teas for my Wellness Blend for several years now, and Dandelion is always one in my Blend! I'm grateful to know even more about it from your post. THANK YOU :):)

bdeneke:
I would love some dandelion root!  Hope I win!  We are moving to an area that is too heavily forested for dandelions to grow.  As a child one of my favorite things to do was to rub my entire body and face with dandelion flowers until I was yellow like a lion.  I'll bet that was having a wonderful effect on the functioning of my body!

crystaldawn:
Funny that we are 'doing' Dandelion as the herb of the month at my herbal study group (just started last month).  It'd be great to win and share with all my herbies at our February meeting.  We plan to bring harvested root and make tincture and teas that night, but how great would it be to sample RMH's tincture??

surain:
I do love a good Dandelion Root tonic for what ever ails ya  :) so purifying so misunderstood :-\ I  think of how we might change our health by getting to know and using the plants around us. Maybe trading our mowers for a good pare of snips and a shovel.

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