Dandelion, also known botanically as Taraxacum officinale, is a member of the Compositae family. It is a familiar weed that has yellow flowers and jagged cut leaves that grow in a rosette. According to "A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs," written by James Duke and Steven Foster, it grows mainly in lawns, waste places and fields. The fresh root is traditionally used to make tea that helps treat gallbladder, kidney and liver ailments, and it can also be made into a tincture. Consult your doctor before taking herbal remedies if you are under medical treatment.
Digestive Tonic
Dandelion root is a digestive tonic due to its strong bitter taste. Bitter taste stimulates the secretion of a hormone called gastrin in the gut, explains Simon Mills in his book, "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism." It increases the flow of hydrochloric acid and bile in the digestive process, helping break down food more effectively, thereby reducing the chance of fermentation in the digestive tract. Optimal breakdown of food leads to a better absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream, strengthening not only your digestion but also your immune system and other functions of the body.
Use fresh dandelion root to make a tea that you can drink before each meal. Add 1 tsp. of chopped root to a cup of boiling water and allow it to steep for five minutes.
Diuretic
According to "The New Holistic Herbal," written by herbalist David Hoffmann, dandelion root is used for its diuretic properties. Diuretic herbs promote urination but can also deplete the body of potassium. Dandelion, however, is rich in potassium, counterbalancing this effect. It is used to detoxify the kidneys and as a healing agent for water retention problems.
Take one dropperful of dandelion root tincture diluted in water, thrice daily to benefit from its diuretic healing properties
Cholagogue
As a cholagogue, dandelion root stimulates the secretion of bile form the liver, due to the presence of a taraxacin, a compound that gives the root its bitter taste. By promoting bile secretion, dandelion root helps cleanse the liver and this in turn leads to a cleansing of the blood, says herbalist Richo Cech in his book, "Making Plant Medicine."
To make a strong dandelion root tea, or decoction, add two cups of chopped dandelion root to a large pot of boiling water and let it simmer for at least 25 minutes. Strain out the plant material and drink your decoction throughout the day for a period of four days.
References
- "A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs"; Steven Foster and James A. Duke; 2000
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills M.A., M.N.I.M.H.;1988
- "The New Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1995
- "Making Plant Medicine"; Richo Cech; 2000
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