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Some of our most valuable herbal remedies can be found in our back gardens, of which the wonderful dandelion is one. This herb continues to grow throughout the year pushing up relentlessly in lawns, fields and ditches. They are nigh on indestructible with their deep tap root making it difficult to eradicate entirely as even the tiniest piece left in the soil is capable of regenerating itself.
It is difficult to know where to start medicinally with this herb as it has a number of beneficial actions on the body. The humble yet resilient dandelion is reputed to have diuretic, hepatic, antirheumatic, tonic, bitter, laxative and cholagogue actions. It is high in minerals especially potassium and vitamins A, B, C, and D. The young leaves infused as a tea or eaten fresh in salads are detoxifiers clearing blood and lymph by increasing elimination through the kidneys and bowels. This in turn benefits overall health not least helping to clear skin problems. Thus above we see the herb working as a diuretic, a laxative and a tonic.
Looking more closely at the herb’s actions, Its value as a diuretic, is reknowned, nicknamed pis-en-lit in French and pissabed in English. Diuretics are agents that help the body rid itself of excess fluids by increasing the kidney’s rate of urine production. For example, the accumulation of excess fluids, known as oedema can be symptomatic of a wide range of heart, kidney, liver and other disorders. It’s value as a diuretic is unparalled due to its ability to replace potassium levels in the body, which can be depleted with other medications. Conversly, it will also help to alleviate bedwetting in children and incontinence in elderly people as the herb has the ability to strengthen and tone the urinary system. The herb’s bitter action improves digestion, stimulating secretion of the digestive fluids, including stomach acid, bile and pancreatic juices. It is the leaf of the plant that is used primarily for it’s diuretic and bitter actions. The herb also alleviates urinary tract infections helping the body to flush out toxins. Gout, which is a form of arthritis, responds well to this plant medicine supporting the body to dispel uric acid from the system, the latter a major culprit in this disorder.
The root on the other hand is used as a mild laxative and for liver related conditions such as jaundice, gallstones and hepatitis. Hepatics aid the work of the liver, which plays a fundamental role in health performing a wide range of vital functions, such as the formation of bile, which helps to digest fats to name but one vital function of many. While the herb’s antirheumatic action is non-specific it can be very helpful as part of a wider treatment for muscular rheumatism.
The root can be decocted, that is immersed in cold water brought to the boil and simmered for 10 to 20 minutes. Once strained the liquid can be taken as a small cupful three times daily. I must admit to not having tasted this particular decoction though I have tried many and find them quite palatable! A tincture is an easier form to take the herb and can be made from both the root and the leaf, which is a method of infusing the herb in alcohol for a minimum of two weeks then straining of the liquid. 5mls of this tincture can be taken three times a day.
In summary, the dandelion is a valuable general tonic, liver tonic and widely applicable diuretic. These are just some of the wonderful healing powers of this plant and hopefully you will see this plant in a completely different light from here on rather than an annoying weed the latter, which is simply a plant growing where you would prefer it not too!
Contraindications: Though rare some people can be allergic to plants from the Asteracaea family. The sap of the plant traditionally used to treat warts externally may, though again rare, cause contact dermatitis. If taking diuretic medication avoid taking dandelion.
Caution: Do not self-diagnose or self treat for serious or long-term conditions without first consulting a qualified herbal or medical practitioner.
Deirdre is a herbalist and can be contacted at:
Contact: 087-2562109 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
