Depending upon your perspective, the common dandelion is either a troublesome weed or an herb with culinary and medicinal uses. Perhaps, it's both. Dandelion is a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C and D, iron, potassium and zinc. It has earned a place on the dinner plate and in alternative herbal medicine treatments.
Herbal Digestive Aid
Dandelion is a hardy perennial plant with dark brown roots that are fleshy, brittle and filled with a milky white and bitter-tasting substance. Herbalists recognize the root as an antiviral agent, appetite stimulant and digestive aid. Native Americans would boil the herb in water and make a concentrated liquid used to treat heartburn and stomach upset. In traditional Chinese medicine, the dandelion was also used to treat digestive disorders. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that the root of the dandelion plant is thought to have a mild laxative effect. It may promote liver detoxification, improve digestion, the health and function of natural bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract and liver and gallbladder function. Fresh or dried dandelion is used to treat abdominal fullness, flatulence and constipation. There is insufficient evidence to rate the effectiveness of dandelion to treat gastrointestinal conditions. As with any herbal supplement, consult your physician before using dandelion for medicinal purposes.
Herbal Diuretic
The deeply notched toothy leaves of the dandelion stimulate and increase urine flow. As a natural diuretic, dandelion promotes the excretion of salts and water from the kidneys. Dandelion contains potassium, which is a mineral often depleted from the body by the use of diuretics. The herb may be used for conditions that require mild diuretic treatment such as high blood pressure. Dandelion may adversely interact with certain medications, such as lithium and quinolone antibiotics, diuretics and hypoglycemic medications, causing serious side effects. Pregnant women and women who are breast feeding are advised not to use dandelion for medicinal purposes. People with allergies to ragweed, marigold, daisies and chrysanthemums should check with their health-care provider before taking dandelion in medicinal doses.
Herbal Treatment for Cancer, Diabetes and Eczema
In vitro studies performed in a laboratory, but not tested in living organisms, on the dandelion plant noted anti-tumor, antioxidant and anticoagulant properties. Dandelion has purported uses in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, eczema and even rheumatoid arthritis. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that dandelion has not been shown to treat or prevent cancer. No clinical trials have studied the effectiveness of dandelion to treat diabetes, eczema or rheumatoid arthritis.
Culinary Uses
Roasted and ground dandelion roots are a principle ingredient in caffeine-free coffee substitute products. Dandelion flowers are used to make wine, while the entire plant is an ingredient in a traditional British beer known as hedgerow mead. A nutritious leafy green vegetable, the fresh leaves can be sautéed and eaten as a side vegetable, tossed in a mixed green salad, or added to a hearty soup.
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