• Scientific name: Taraxacum officinale
• Origin: Europe
• Part used: leaf and root
• Medicinal Properties: Cholagogue, diuretic, hepatic, lithotriptic, stomachic, alternative, astringent, galactagogue.
• Organs it affect: liver, kidneys, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas, intestines, and blood.

Dandelion is a beautiful plant with a small bright yellow flower, the name dandelion means lion's tooth, it is named like that because of the jagged edges of its leaves that resemble teeth. Dandelion is one of the prized herbal remedy because of the many ailments it can cure. The green leaves and the roots of this plant are great for juicing. The bitter taste of dandelion leaves increases as the summer progresses and its taste is at its mildest in the spring, that is why dandelion based juice has come to be considered an excellent spring tonic capable of cleansing and strengthening the blood and bones.

Preparation and Dosage:

• Infusion: Steep 30 minutes. Take 3-4 cups daily, hot or cold. May be sweetened with honey
• Decoction: Simmer root 30 minutes. Take 6oz. frequently or 3-4 times daily, hot or cold. It maybe sweetened with honey.
• Tincture: Take 30-60 drops (1/2-1tsp.) frequently.
• Powdered leaves and roots: follow the dosage in the container.

Medicinal Benefits:

• Dandelion is especially important in promoting the formation of bile and removing excess water from the body in edematous conditions resulting from the liver problems. It is thought to be especially useful in cases of enlargement of the liver and for jaundice, even in little children.
• Dandelion tea can help cure even the serious case of hepatitis.
• Dandelion tea or juice improves the functioning of the pancreas, kidneys, spleen, and stomach.
• Dandelion tea and juice can help lower serum cholesterol and uric acid levels in the body by as much as half.
• Dandelion is a good blood cleanser and it helps prevent age spots and other skin disorders.
• Lukewarm dandelion tea is useful for dyspepsia.
• Dandelion is used as a mild laxative in habitual constipation.
• Dandelion is good for fever.
• Dandelion is good for stress and insomnia.
• The root tea of dandelion combined with a good diet and exercise can eliminate diabetes.
• Dandelion relieves menopausal symptoms
• Dandelion is a superior source of organic magnesium. Magnesium alkalinizes the bloodstream and at the same time contributes to bone density and health. It is vital for strong teeth and preventing tooth decay and pyorrhea.
• Dandelion has a good effect in increasing the appetite and promoting digestion.
• Dandelion is useful in the treatment of warts. The milk from the cut end of dandelion should be put on the wart twice or thrice a day.
• Dandelion's rich iron content makes it useful for treating anemia.
• Dandelion root is a rich source of nutritive salts which is useful in a variety of ailments.

Nutrient Content of Dandelion: Dandelions are nature's richest source of beta-carotene, Vitamin A (helps fight cancer), it is also rich in fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and the B vitamins (helps reduce stress), thiamine and riboflavin, and are a good source of protein. Dandelion is also rich in micronutrients such as copper, cobalt, zinc, boron, and molybdenum, as well as Vitamin D. Dandelion greens contains nearly as much iron as spinach.

Culinary uses:

• Dandelion leaves is used in salad, the leaves should be torn to pieces rather than cut to keep their pungent flavor. The leaves can also be cooked in a little boiling water or in combination with spinach and cooked in the same way.
• The dried leaves are used for tea and as an ingredient in diet drinks.
• Dandelion coffee is made from its ­dried, roasted and ground roots. It is a natural beverage, without the harmful effects of the conventional tea and coffee.

Warning: Although dandelion is generally safe if taken in a recommended dosage some people still experience negative reaction to it.

• Dandelion root should not be taken with pharmaceutical drugs that have a diuretic action.
• People who are taking medications for diabetes should use dandelion root with caution, as it may intensify the blood sugar lowering effects of those drugs.