Monograph: Dandelion

DANDELION MONOGRAPH

Botanical Name:

Taraxacum officinale

Common Names:
Dandelion, Lion’s Tooth, Blowball, Priest’s Crown, Puffball

Family:
Asteraceae (Daisy family)

Plant Description:
A hardy perennial with a rosette of jagged basal leaves, hollow stems, and bright yellow flower heads that mature into round seed heads. Deep taproot. Milky sap present in stem and leaves.

Habitat & Cultivation:
Native to Europe and Asia, now widespread globally. Prefers well-drained soil in full sun. Thrives in meadows, pastures, lawns, and disturbed soils. Self-seeding and resilient to mowing or grazing.

Parts Used:
Root, leaves, flowers (fresh or dried)

Harvesting:

Leaves: Spring or early summer, before flowering.

Roots: Autumn, after seed dispersal when inulin content is highest.

Flowers: Freshly bloomed, midday when dry.

Traditional Uses:

• Bitter digestive tonic
• Liver and gallbladder support
• Diuretic (“pissenlit” in French)
• Skin eruptions and acne
• Mild laxative
• Breastmilk stimulant

Modern Applications:

• Root: Supports liver detoxification, mild laxative, used in coffee substitutes.
• Leaves: Potassium-rich diuretic, supports kidney function.
• Flowers: Used in oils and salves for sore muscles and skin.

Preparations:

• Tea (leaf or root)
• Tincture
• Powdered root
• Vinegar
• Infused oil
• Decoction
• Fermented beverages (dandelion wine, kvass)

Dosage:

Tea (leaf/root): 1–2 tsp per cup, steep 10–15 minutes, 2–3x daily

Tincture: 1–2 ml, 2–3x daily

Powdered root: ½–1 tsp daily

Vinegar: 1 tbsp before meals

Constituents:
Sesquiterpene lactones, inulin, taraxacin, flavonoids, phenolic acids, potassium, sterols, mucilage, vitamins A, C, and K

Mechanism of Action:

• Bitter principles stimulate bile production and improve digestion
• Inulin supports gut microbiota and blood sugar balance
• Diuretic action increases urine output without depleting potassium
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects from flavonoids and phenolics

Safety & Contraindications:

• Generally well-tolerated
• Avoid with bile duct obstruction or gallstones unless supervised
• May cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae family
• Use caution with diuretics or lithium

Historical Context or Folklore:
Revered in folk medicine for its cleansing and spring tonic properties. Historically used by herbalists as a remedy for “damp” conditions. Children made wishes blowing dandelion seed heads.

References to Scripture (if applicable):
While not mentioned directly in Scripture, dandelion reflects themes of resilience and divine provision—seen in its abundant growth, deep roots, and cleansing nature.

German Common Name:
Löwenzahn

Other Notes:
Dandelion roots were roasted as a wartime coffee substitute. The plant's persistent growth reflects its usefulness—what many call a weed is, in fact, a vital herbal ally.

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