Dandelion Monograph
Monograph of Dandelion
Taraxacum officinalis
“The root affects all forms of secretion and excretion from the body.”
Type: Nourishing tonic
Properties: Diuretic, hepatic, cholagogue, aperient, bitter, alterative
Part Used: Leaves, roots, flowers, even the flower stalks
Preparation and Dose: * Tincture of fresh plant; 5-25 drops before meals or as needed
* Fresh leaves and flowers in salad; freely
* Fresh leaves cooked; as desired
* Infusion of dried root; 1-2 cups a day
* Vinegar of any part; 1-3 tablespoons on/with food
* Flower wine; a glass before meal or as needed
Dandelion leaf contains: Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, D, K, carotenes, biotin, and folates (folic acid); calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silica, sodium, sulphur, and zinc; fiber, protein.
Dandelion root contains: Vitamin C, niacin, carotenes; calcium, chromium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, silicon, sodium, zinc; protein, fiber, phytosterols.
Cautions: None.
Dandelion is so generous with us. Any part of the plant, prepared in any way – as a tincture, a tea, a vinegar, an infusion, or a wine – will provide heart healthy nutrients and phytochemicals.
Since dandelion grows just about everywhere – and where it doesn’t grow the greens are often for sale in markets – it is worth your while to make friends with Dr. Dent de Leon. Take the good doctor home and listen to the wisdom that pours forth from the sunny charmer. Make room for a great new green in your diet and a wonderful healing root on your medicine shelf.
Dandelion is, first and foremost, an herb that loves the liver. But dandelion works on all the soft organs protected by the ribs: the liver, the pancreas, the gall bladder, the breasts, the lungs, and the heart. In folk medicine, dandelion is the ally for those with chronic chest pain, whether from angina, lung congestion, or heartburn.
Dandelion has been shown to be a dependable ally for those wishing to lower their blood pressure, counter high cholesterol, improve circulation, and insure blood vessel health. It is especially recommended for those dealing with venous insufficiencies including varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
Dandelion lowers blood pressure through its diuretic action, its plentiful minerals, and its ability to move chi. Unlike drug diuretics, dandelion improves the electrolyte balance of the blood, thus improving the functioning of the heart muscle itself. This dual action can lower blood pressure rapidly in those who carry a lot of abdominal weight.
Dandelion counters high cholesterol right at the source, the liver. Dandelion is best known as a liver tonic, and it works on and through the liver, like with some cholesterol lowering drugs.
Dandelion has the ability to emulsify fats, like LDL cholesterol, and wash them out of the body.
Thank you Dr. D!
Dandelion is the perfect ally for those with both heart problems and diabetes. It stabilizes blood sugar and helps both the kidneys and the liver withstand the effects of too much sugar in the blood. Consistent use can reverse or moderate adult onset diabetes and thus lessen the chance of heart attack.
In modern herbalism, especially in veterinary herbalism, dandelion is used to counter heart failure, whether from a faulty valve, a weakened heart muscle, edema, diabetes, or other chronic conditions (such as heartworm in dogs).
You can read lots more about Dr. Dent de Leon in my book Healing Wise.