Dandelion
Dandelion is a short-lived perennial that will grow just about anywhere, regardless of soil conditions, but rich soil will improve its growth. They withstand frost and freezes and tolerate crowding.
Buy Dandelion
Scientific Name: Taraxacum officinale
Parts Used: Roots, stems, leaves and flowers
Cautions:
Healing Properties
How to Use:
Herbs are wonderfully versatile and may be used in multiple ways (see list below). However, some methods are better suited to certain herbs than others. Check the HEALING section to see which preparations are recommended for specific uses and conditions.
Grow/Harvest Yourself:
Buy Dandelion
Scientific Name: Taraxacum officinale
Parts Used: Roots, stems, leaves and flowers
Cautions:
- People with gallstones should use with caution.
Healing Properties
- Alterative, detoxifying, diuretic (leaves), nutritive, hepatic
- Good for liver, gallbladder, kidney, pancreas and bladder problems (including hepatitis and jaundice)
- Also a good diuretic and helps with water retention
- Supports eliminative organs for detox
- Both leaves and root help with constipation, nausea, indigestion, heartburn and pregnancy
- Leaves are better for kidney issues and water retention
- Root is better for liver issues & alcoholism
- Used to help with gout, diabetes, anemia, and is considered a mild laxative, digestive aid and appetite stimulant
- White sap of the fresh herb is used on warts
- Decoction of leaves & flowers can be used in an eyebath for eye inflammations
- Helps clear bodies of toxic chemicals that build up in the environment
- Can help clear the skin
- Normalizes blood sugar
- Relieves hangovers and can help with addictions to drugs
How to Use:
Herbs are wonderfully versatile and may be used in multiple ways (see list below). However, some methods are better suited to certain herbs than others. Check the HEALING section to see which preparations are recommended for specific uses and conditions.
- Add fresh or dried herb to food and beverages.
- Can be taken in store-bought capsule or extract form.
- Essential Oils: Apply externally
- How to Dry Herbs
- How to Make Herbal Teas/Infusions/Decoctions
- How to Make Herbal Vinegars
- How to Make Herbal Syrups
- How to Make Herbal Tinctures & Glycerites
- How to Make Herbal Infused Oils
- How to Make Herbal Ointments & Creams
- How to Make Herbal Poultices & Compresses
- How to Make Herbal Electuaries & Oxymels
- How to Make Herbal Lozenges, Gummies, Capsules
- How to Make Herbal Suppositories & Pessaries
- How to Make Herbal Baths, Steams & Hair Rinses
Grow/Harvest Yourself:
- Buy Dandelion Seeds
- Leaves/Stem/Flowers: Pick in the wild from spring through fall.
- Root: Dig fresh roots in the fall.
- Zone: All
- Soil pH: Any
- Full sun to partial shade