Dandelion (Taraxacum Officianale)
Sue McGarrigle ND
Dandelions - one of the most recognisable weeds in the world, found in abundance on our lawns, flower beds, in fields and waste ground, their thick tap roots running deep into the soil making them very difficult to pull out. Most people see them as a pesky weed but dandelion has a long history of use in humans with all parts of this plant being used in many traditional and modern herbal medical systems. (1) Dandelion supports digestive and liver function, stimulating appetite, its roots and leaves are bitter digestive stimulants (2) with diuretic properties which has a tonic effect on the gastrointestinal tract, the liver, kidneys, spleen and gallbladder.
The English name dandelion comes from the French “Dent de Lion” or Lions tooth as their large and small jagged leaves have some resemblance to the canine teeth of a lion. In both modern French and English, the name for dandelion reflects its diuretic nature - being called pissenlit (“pee the bed”). The Latin name Taraxacum is from the Greek and means “disease remedy.” (3) Lying close to the ground the leaves are so constructed that rainwater is funnelled to the centre of the plant straight to the root keeping it well watered. Dandelions are prolific in early summer, a blaze of yellow seen everywhere before transforming into the well known ‘dandelion clocks’ or seed heads that children love to blow.
Dandelions are a nutritional powerhouse rich in vitamin C, D and beta carotene and containing many other vitamins, minerals (in particular a good source of potassium and calcium), (4) amino acids and a wide array of phytochemicals whose biological activities are actively being explored in various areas of human health with all parts of the plant used as food. The usual constant garden battle with dandelions makes it prudent to isolate and grow them in an uncontaminated shady corner of the garden well away from lawns and picking the heads before they go to seed. Having a patch of them somewhere makes culinary sense and when using the leaves picking them young is ideal before the plant flowers and the leaves become too bitter. When grown in a pot they need to be at least a foot deep to accommodate the root which contains an important milky, bitter latex.
Dandelions are eaten on the continent especially in France where they are added to salads. The young leaves especially when blanched can be eaten alone or in combination with lettuce, chives and onions or combined into smoothies. Gourmet seeds or plants may be available with some being French cultivated varieties which are less bitter than others. Dandelion flowers which are a good source of antioxidants can be gathered in batches and frozen until ready to use either in salad or combined with oranges and lemons to make a refreshing summer wine. Who doesn’t remember drinking dandelion and burdock another favourite?
Roasted dandelion root has a long history of use as a coffee alternative. People who not only favour a more natural and caffeine free version of coffee but one which also has health benefits is proving quite popular and can be found in health stores. The reduction of caffeine is one which if drunk in larger than normal amounts can cause unpleasant side effects such as poor sleep, restlessness and increased heart rate. In addition, some people are sensitive to even a little caffeine, or need to avoid it because of blood pressure, heart issues or medication.
Gallbladder health and good bile flow is important for the movement and elimination of food throughout the gut as well as detoxification. Poor liver function underlies most serious health problems and a reduction in bile output can lead to cholestasis (where bile cannot flow from the liver to the duodenum) and further increased toxicity. The early signs of an overburdened liver may be nonspecific, such as fatigue, headache, stomach pain, bloating, nausea, constipation, heartburn, heat and perspiration, trouble digesting fatty foods, weight gain and blotchy skin. Animal studies have been supportive in the traditional use of dandelion as a bitter digestive stimulant. Among its most important constituents the compounds in dandelion’s roots and in particular its leaves which cause the bitter taste (5) have the ability to naturally stimulate the production of bile from the liver and also stimulate the gall bladder to release bile (6) as well as supporting the liver’s functions and modulating inflammation. (7).
Why not blend some dandelion leaves with garlic, parmesan, pine nuts and other greens with an oil of your choice to make a delicious pesto. Or make a dandelion soup in the winter and blend the leaves with vegetable stock and other herbs and seasonings.
Dandelion root may promote digestion and reduce stomach pain through its gentle laxative effect. (8) It has been traditionally recommended for people with sluggish liver function due to alcohol abuse or poor diet. The increase in bile flow may also help improve fat metabolism in the body; reducing the effects of fatty foods (heartburn and acid indigestion). Because of its ability to flush toxins from the system, dandelion root may work well for people prone to gallstones but further human studies are needed to determine its effectiveness.
Dandelion roots have a distinct demulcent or soothing action in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract as well as prebiotic properties due to their content of inulin. Inulin a type of fibre is present in high amounts in dandelion root and as a prebiotic can help encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria. (9)
Dandelion has been extensively employed as a diuretic in traditional medicine which increases urination and helps the kidney eliminate its waste products. Its mineral content may help lower blood pressure and mitigate some of the electrolyte imbalance resulting from pharmaceutical diuretic use. A recent pilot study on humans has shown great promise for dandelion’s use as a diuretic. (10) The German Commission E approves the use of dandelion as a diuretic and also for use in loss of appetite, dyspepsia and disturbances in bile flow. (11) While diuretic products can have the unwanted side effect of flushing potassium from the body the use of dandelion root tea can help compensate for some of this loss.
There has been little in depth research into the effects of dandelion to back up its long history of traditional uses, which include its blood cleansing, hypoglycemic, cholesterol lowering, antioxidant and immune properties as well as its role in skin and other systemic disorders. More recently dandelion’s potential is being explored by cancer researchers in Canada, China, and Japan. (12)
With the research into dandelion (most of which has been in animals) showing its significant activity and nutritive and non-toxic profile, further research is clearly essential.
NB Do not use dandelion while on Lithium or anti-diabetic drugs, quinolone antibiotics and anti-depressant medication.
