Latin Name: Taraxacum officinale

Common Name: Dandelion

One of the first plants of spring! Dandelion is a bright, sunny, hardy perennial loved by bees and herbalists alike. I just love seeing it pop up on lawns in the spring to announce the arrival of the season! Its name says it all. Dandelion is French for "tooth of the lion". It's known for its powerful detoxifying properties and nutrient richness, helping replenish our bodies after winter. As a blood purifying herb, it's a bitter herb that works with the liver, the kidneys, and the digestive tract.  

Parts Used: roots, leaves, flowers

Energy: Bitter

Constituents: vitamins A, B, C, D, Iron, Potassium, Calcium, Inulin, Sequiterpenes, Carotenoids.

Actions: Blood purifier, lymphatic, diuretic

Medicinal uses:  

All parts of the dandelion can be used medicinally from the roots to the leaves and the flowers.

The root stimulates and decongests the liver, and also stimulates the production of bile which in turn helps the body break down cholesterol and fat. It encourages optimal digestion with its rich supply of bitter compounds. 

The leaves have diuretic effects stimulating the bladder, and kidneys. Unlike synthetic diuretics, dandelion is a good source of potassium and replenishes rather than depletes this nutrient which often happens when using synthetic diuretics. The leaves are a good source of iron, calcium, vitamins and trace minerals making them an excellent nutritive herb. 

Topical: blossoms and leaves can be infused in oils offering a lymphatic drainage effect. 

Internal: Can be used fresh or dried in teas, infusions, tinctures. Roots work best if roasted first or in a deconcoction. 

Used In:  Detoxifying Body Oil