dandelions by bob_jenkins, on Flickr
The Dandelion is a truly under-appreciated plant. This hardy herb has rosettes of oblong, deeply jagged leaves, golden-yellow flowers, often with brown stripes, followed by downy balls of seeds with a tassel. Many Taraxacum species produce seeds asexually by apomixis, where the seeds are produced without pollination, resulting in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
Dandelion is a perennial herb thought to have its origins in Europe and Asia. It is now naturalized throughout the Northern Hemisphere. No one is sure exactly how the dandelion has spread so widely, and there is some debate on the origin of the plant.
Latin name Taraxacum vulgare
Magic name(s) Lion’s Tooth, Urine, Swine Snout
Synonym(s) Blowball, Irish daisy, puffball, priest’s crown, peasant’s cloak.
Family Asteraceae
Caution!
Dandelion is generally considered safe, although there are some people who should use caution. If you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigold, chamomile, yarrow, daisies, or iodine, you should avoid dandelion. People with kidney problems, gallbladder problems, or gallstones should ask their health care provider before eating dandelion. As should people on antacids or diuretics, and diabetics.
Some people may develop an allergic reaction from touching dandelion, and others may develop mouth sores. In some people, dandelion can cause increased stomach acid and heartburn. It might also irritate the skin if used topically.
Main constituents
Taraxacin, Taraxacoside, Inulin, Phenolic acids, Sesquiterpene lactones, Triterpenes, Coumarins, Catortenoids and Minerals.
Uses
Medical
The leaves are strongly diuretic and are used to treat urinary tract infection and fluid buildup, but they’re also high in potassium, so they help to compensate for potassium lost with increased urination. They de-toxify the blood and are given for eczema and acne. The leaf tea is used as an appetite suppressant when dieting. The white stalk juice is used against warts, corns and plantar warts. It may also help fight bacteria and help heal wounds. The root reduces inflammation and stimulates the liver. It’s used for jaundice, gall stones and rheumatism. The bitter compounds in dandelion root help stimulate digestion and are mildly laxative in activity.
Magical
When separated from a friend or loved one, pick a puffball with all the seeds still attached. To each plume attach a fond thought, then turn in the direction of your friend and blow the seeds off the stem. If any remain, your friend is also thinking of you. There are many variations to this. You can blow on a seed ball and count the remaining plumes to determine time of day, how long you’ll live, at what age you’ll marry, how many children you’ll get, and so on.
Grow dandelions at the northwest corner of your house to bring favorable winds. Drink tea made from roasted dandelion roots to promote psychic powers. Leave a steaming cup beside your bed to summon spirits.
Cosmetic
A cosmetic skin lotion made from the appendages at the base of the leaf blades distilled in water, is used to clear the skin and is effective in fading freckles.
Culinary
Tender, young leaves are used fresh in salads. The taste resembles that of Rocket/Arugula. Older greens make an excellent substitute for spinach, as they’re rich in vitamins A and C. Blanch the leaves to reduce their bitterness, or wait until autumn when the bitterness naturally dissipates.
The flowers are used to make wine. Thee bright yellow petals can be used as a natural food coloring. The flower heads can be used as garnishes, and add color to herb vinegars and oils.
The taproot is gathered in late fall, roasted, and ground. This yields a great substitute for coffee. It can also be used as an additive, often combined with chicory. Some people add it to hot chocolate, mulled cider, or wassail.
Other
They can be used as purely decorative. Either when in flower, or in seed. Both can be beautiful. For wreaths and garlands, I’d use them when they’re in flower. When placed in a paper bag with unripe fruit, the flowers and leaves of Dandelion are said to release ethylene gas, which would cause the fruit to ripen quickly. A liquid plant food is made from the root and leaves, and a dark red dye is obtained from Dandelion root.
Cultivation
I sincerely doubt the need to cultivate dandelions. They’re everywhere.
Harvest
The leaves are harvested before the plant blossoms, the flowers at the beginning of bloom and the root after.
Recipes
Cosmetic
Culinary
Dandelion Soup
Salad with Dandelion leaves and Bacon
Dandelion Coffee
Dandelion Wine
Fun Facts
The Latin name, Taraxacum officinale, originated either from the Persian ‘tark hashgun’ (wild endive) or from the Greek ‘taraxos’ (disorder) and ‘akos’ (remedy). Most botanists favor the Greek derivation.
The earliest written reference to the dandelion appears in the tenth- century records of Arabian physicians.
The English and Norwegian names for this plant, come from the shape of its leaves. The smooth leaves are bright green with uneven, jagged margins of backward pointing teeth reminded someone of a lion’s teeth, and the French ‘dent de lion’, means lion’s tooth.
If you’ve burnt your self on a nettle, Rub the yellow part of a dandelion on the skin where you got burnt. It often grows near the nettle.
In modern French, the plant is named pissenlit (piss in bed). The name refers to the strong diuretic effect of this plant.
Dandelions are important plants for northern hemisphere bees, providing an important source of nectar and pollen early in the season.
