Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended
to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any
medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care
provider. While we usually think of the dandelion we
see growing freely in fields as a weed, especially when it pops
up on our lawns, this ubiquitous plant not only provides a tasty
sald green but has a strong diuretic effect, which can be
beneficial to liver function. Plant Facts Origin Components Indications Methods of Administration Decoction Tincture Root juice Spring tonic Wine To stimulate children's appetites For kidney and bladder stones For a coffee substitute For a mild, bitter cordial Healing Tea Mixtures For digestive problems Steep in 1 cup of water for about 10 minutes. Combined with
other medicinal plants, dandelion helps stimulate bile
production, promotes digestion and alleviates intestinal gas. For skin cleansing Steep in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. You will need to drink
the tea daily for several weeks before the skin-clarifying effect
will become evident. For fluid retention Steep in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. this tea promotes the
metabolism and stimulates the activity of the kidneys, thereby
reducing bloating and fluid retention. Liver Tea Combine ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for a couple of
minutes. Turn down heat and let steep for about 15 minutes.
Strain and drink at least a cup a day. Premenstrual Tea Combine herbs and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Turn off
heat and steep for at least 20 minutes. Strain. Drink at least 2
cups daily, as needed. This formula can also be taken as a
tincture; there are many commercial formulas available for
menstrual pain. To make your own tincture, use the same
proportion as for this tea. Sources:Dandelion
The word dandelion comes the French
"dent de lion," meaning lion's tooth, which is an
allusion to the plant's sharply pointed leaves. Despite its
fearsome name, dandelion is actually a friend to the body and is
used in many medicinal tea mixtures.
Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, is
a member of the Composite family. The stems, which like the
leaves, yeild a milky substance, can reach a length of 16 inches.
The leaves taste bitter, while the roots are bittersweet. The
whole plant exudes a faint buttery-sharp odor.
Store dandelion root so that it is protected
from light and moisture. It will keep for about 3 years in the
whole, dried form only. If it is ground or powdered, its shelf
life is reduced to 1 year.
The dandelion is native to the entire
Northern Hemisphere. The plant grows almost everywhere - in
meadows, yards, gardens, between cobblestones and on old walls.
The plant contains bitters that stimulate
digestive secretions. Dandelion also contians triterpenes,
sterols, phenolic acids, coumarins and, in the leaves and
blossoms, flavonoids as well. Its remarkably high potassioum
content - up to 4.5% - makes it an excellent diuretic, since it
does not deplete the body of this essential mineral.
Because of its well-balanced
medicinal ingredients, the dandelion has played an important part
as a healing supplement in traditional medicine. It is a mild
stimulant for the gallbladder and liver, helping them get rid of
waste products and increasing bile flow; its effect on the liver
makes dandelion beneficial for treating gout, rheumatism
and skin diseases. Dandelion is useful in
treating acne, eczema and psoriasis,
as it reduces the body's efforts to eliminate toxins through the
skin. In addition, dandelion relieves digestive complaints, such
as bloating and flatulence; as
an aromatic bitter, it stimulates appetite and promotes
digestion. As a diuretic, the dandelion leaf alleviates fluid
retention.
Prepare 1-2 tsp. of finely chopped or
powdered root, with or without leaves, in 1 cup of cold water,
and bring it to a boil. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes;
strain. Drink 1 cup of this tea up to 3 times daily.
Prepare ⅔ oz. of dandelion root with 3 oz.
of alcohol (brandy or vodka). Let it stand for 4-6 weeks; filter.
Take 30 drops with a little water 3 times a day.
Simmer 1/3 oz. of chopped roots with 1 cup of
water for 15 minutes and then filter. Drink 2 cups of the juice
daily between meals.
The root juice and the tea decoction are
suitable for a spring or fall tonic, especially as a remedy for
liver or gallbladder dysfunction. Drink 1 cup of tea or 1 tbsp.
of juice twice a day for 4-6 weeks.
Let 1½ oz. of dried root steep in white
wine for about 10 days, then filter. Drink 4 oz. a day.
Dandelion tea can improve appetite in
children. However, because children often dislike dandelion's
bitter taste, you'll need to add dried apple pieces or orange
slices to the tea. Honey, instead of sugar, can be added for
additional sweetness. Have your children drink ½ cup of the tea
30 minutes before meals.
Eliminate small kidney and urethral stones
with this folk remedy: Pour 1 pt. of water over 2 tbsp. of
dandelion leaves and 1 tsp. of nettle leaves. Strain after 10
minutes, dilute with 1 qt. of hot water and drink within half an
hour. Repeat daily until the stone has been passed. It is best to
continue the treatment once a week to help prevent the formation
of new kidney and bladder stones.
Clean dandelion roots and cut them into small
pieces. Dry them in a warm oven, 150°F, with the door open about
2 inches to allow the air to circulate. Then roast the roots in a
pan at 325°F until brown, turning frequently. Grind them
immediately. Use 1 tsp. to brew 1 cup.
Remove a handful of fresh flower buds from
the leafy green plant and steep for 1 week in about 1 pt. clear
grain alcohol; strain. Dilute 1 tsp. of the cordial in herbal tea
and take after meals. This helps stimulate digestion.
Confidentiality Statement: (for anyone who does not respect
copyright and/or is confused regarding this issue)
The information, data and schematics embodied in the document are
confidential and proprietary, being exclusively owned by Ellen J. Lord (aka Purpleflame or Firefly). This document is being supplied
on understanding that it and its contents shall not be used,
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from loss, theft, or unauthorized use.
All information provided in this
article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the
following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing,
Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott
Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The
Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters
Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; Teach Yourself
Herbs, Susie White; Natural Beauty from the Garden,
Janice Cox; Nature's Prescriptions, Editors of FC&A
Medical Publishing, and The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home
and Herbal Remedies, Joe Graedon and Theresa Graedon, Ph.D