Weed of the Month

DANDELION (TARAXACUM OFFICINALE)

Dandelion is a common weed that is growing like crazy as we enter into the spring months. Before you go out and kill the dandelion in your yard, consider the health benefits of this amazing plant!

Dandelion has been traditionally used for arthritis, gout, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and edema.

Dandelion leaf is a diuretic rich in potassium, and can help with fluid retention (edema) and blood pressure. Potassium works in opposition to sodium in the body. Therefore, the more potassium-containing foods you consume, the more sodium your kidneys excrete through the urine. The leaves may be used fresh or dried as a tea, or made into a liquid extract.

Additionally, the dandelion greens are rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium. Many people enjoy dandelion leaf as part of a salad.

The whole plant, especially the root, is beneficial to the liver and gallbladder function. It additionally has a mild laxative effect that can aid digestion. The autumn roots can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute. The root may also be used as a tea.

Contraindications include allergic reaction in people who are allergic to flowers in the Aster family (such as daisies). Contact with the fresh latex in dandelion stems can cause a skin rash in people allergic to latex. Care should be taken to not use dandelion if acute gastrointestinal inflammation, blockage, or bile duct obstruction are present.