Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful. This motto should be adopted the world over for the misrepresented dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). This lovely yellow flower is in the number one spot on the list of “The Ten Most Un-Wanted Pests”. This perennial broadleaf plant is considered a weed only because it grows in areas where it is not wanted. That reasoning can apply to any plant.
On the other hand, herbalists consider this persistent plant valuable because of the many medical, cosmetic, and culinary uses derived from it. Dandelion is rich in vitamins and minerals such as A, B complex, C, D, iron, potassium, and zinc. As friend or foe, the benefits are numerous, us from skin treatments to blood purification. Thus, the appreciation value of dandelion as a garden friend or lawn pest is set by viewpoint.
Background Story
Dating back to the 10th century, Arabs were writing about the intrinsic worth of dandelion. It is believed that it was introduced into European medicine through these writings. In the 16th Century, it officially became an apothecary drug in Europe, with the most popular product sold being fresh dandelion juice.
Named Taraxacum by medieval apothecaries from the Greek taraxis, “to move or disturb”, the name is thought to have originated from the Persian name for the herb, tarashqūn. The Persians and East Indians used it for liver ailments. The French named it dents de lion or “teeth of the lion” because of the shape of its leaves. The French also call it pis en lit or “pee in bed,” hailing its diuretic effects.
Cultivation and Growing Tidbits
Dandelions seem to cultivate themselves as they happily spring up everywhere. Many people are concerned about getting rid of them rather than planting or propagating them. Proper cultivation will yield larger dandelion crops with better quality flowers, leaves, root stock, and taste. They prefer slightly damp soil rich in nitrogen and full sun.
Sow seeds in the fall to enjoy greens in early spring. Harvest the roots in the fall or early spring. Roots harvested in autumn are the official herb used for medicine. At this time, they contain more bitters and inulin, a natural dietary fiber. When growing dandelions for culinary purposes, protect the leaves from too much sunlight, as leaves will pale and taste bitter.
Varied Benefits
Young tender dandelion greens, richer in vitamin A than carrots, are delicious when added to salads or steamed. In England, sandwiches are made with the greens, butter, salt and black pepper, or lemon juice. The roasted root makes a coffee-tasting tea. It is also added to coffee to extend it. Fried buds, similar in taste to mushrooms, are added to culinary dishes. The flowers are also used to make cakes, tonics, beers, and wines.
The root is a “blood purifier” that helps the kidneys and the liver improve their elimination powers. It relieves skin problems like acne, eczema, and rosacea caused by blood impurities. It has successfully treated liver diseases such as cirrhosis, jaundice, as well as dyspepsia, gallbladder issues, and gallstones. Highly recommended and unlike most diuretics, it helps the body replace potassium. These facts make it excellent for treating gout, rheumatism, is,m or rheumatoid arthritis, and heart disease.
Research shows that dandelion improves appetite and digestion. It also works remarkably well as a mild laxative to relieve chronic constipation. Tonics made from the root correct women’s hormonal imbalances, especially those relating to liver and kidney issueLeavesves have antibiotic properties that treat yeast infection or candida. Dandelion also contains a rich emollient useful in cleansing lotions for dry, aging, and sallow skins.
An additional downside or cautious consideration for dandelion, which grows fast and everywhere, is that the white liquid inside the stem and root can cause skin irritations for some people. For others, this white, sticky, latex-like liquid can remove genital and regular warts, if applied consistently several times a day.
A Better Reputation
Even the negatives of dandelions create a positive effect. No wonder the value of dandelion as a garden friend or lawn pest is set as a “highly treasured friend” among herbalists. The great reputation of dandelion, dating back to the 10th century, proves its value as an excellent culinary addition, cosmetic wonder, and amazing healing plant.
