Dandelion leaf - cut

Excerpts from the book Practical Herbalism

Dandelion is commonly thought to be one of the “bitter herbs” recommended in the Bible. Its young leaves have been gathered and eaten as a pot herb or as an addition to salads for centuries.

It has been used to aid digestion, relieve liver distress, and to treat all manner of ills from dropsy, jaundice, and kidney stones to warts and psoriasis. Culpeper states, “It is of an opening and cleansing quality, and therefore, very effectual for the obstructions of the liver, glass, and spleen. It opens the passages of the urine, both in young and old, powerfully cleanses, and doth afterwards heal them.”

Dandelion is an extremely effective diuretic, but without the common side effect of mineral depletion prevalent with diuretic drugs.

Dandelion is rich in many nutrients, particularly in bio-available minerals.

It enriches breast milk in nursing mothers, benefiting both mother and child.

The plant helps control blood pressure by reducing excess fluids in the body as well as by the presence of mannitol, a substance commonly prescribed in Europe for hypertension. 

Indicated Usages - Internal

Excerpts from the book The How to Herb Book

The dandelion we are talking about really is that little yellow weed in your lawn. All its parts are used – the leaves, flower and roots. It can be used fresh in green drinks and salads.

• One of the best blood purifiers and builders available.
• High in vitamins and minerals, especially calcium.
• Contains all the nutritive salts for the blood. Dandelion restores and balances the blood so anemia that is caused by deficiencies of these blood salts disappears.
• The herb for low blood pressure, helps build energy and endurance.
• Overweight people when losing weight can become over acidic. These acids in the blood are destroyed by dandelion.
• One of the best liver cleansers. It increases the activity of the liver and the flow of bile into the intestines.
• It is fantastic for use in hepatitis.
• Increases activity of the pancreas and the spleen.
• Good for the female organs.
• Helps open urinary passages.
• Used to treat skin diseases.

Has been used in the following: 

Case History

A severely anemic pregnant woman took 2 Dandelion capsules 3 times a day. In less than a month her blood count came up several points. Her obstetrician stated he was pleasantly surprised because he hadn’t seen it come up like that before, during a pregnancy.

Another woman had been anemic all her life before taking dandelion. Since she started taking 2 capsules 3 times a day of dandelion, she has had no more problems with anemia.

Excerpts from the book Nutritional Herbology

Contains bitter compounds that enhance the efficiency of the body’s eliminative and detoxifying functions. These compounds help restore normal liver function, increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, particularly bile, increase the flow of urine and have a laxative effect. Dandelion is an excellent herbal source of sodium, iron and vitamin A. It has been used to treat jaundice, gallstones, dyspepsia, constipation, inflammatory skin conditions, frequent urination, hepatitis, gout and rheumatism.

Tid Bits You'll Want to Know:

Uses: Dandelion is a food just like lettuce and carrots. Thus, keep it in the kitchen as all other food ingredients. It's mostly used for internal applications: teas, tinctures, capsules, food recipes, etc. Our two favorite uses are in teas and meals. It has a rather mild flavor so you hardly know it's there. Like many other bulk herbs, we add it to many dishes (salads, meat dishes, soups, stews, etc.) in small amounts for added nutrition and fiber without affecting the flavor. Dandelion can be used to benefit men, women (including before, during or after pregnancy, and nursing) and children. It can be used as often as you would like.

Storage: The nutrients in Dandelion are very sensitive to air and light exposure. It should be kept in an airtight container and stored in a dark, dry, and cool place. Refrigeration or freezing is great but not necessary.

Questions?: Check out Frequently Asked Questions.