I think that the dandelion [Taraxacum officinale] is my favourite plant to learn from and include in various herbal preparations. This is partly due to the fact that I grew up a military child and in 1998 the dandelion was officially chosen as the flower of the military child. Who knew??

They say military children are like dandelions. They can put down roots almost anywhere. They are impossible to destroy. They adapt easily and can survive nearly anywhere. Military children bloom everywhere the wind carries them and they stand ready to fly into breezes to take them into new adventures, new lands and new friends. - Military.com [27 June, 2013]

The OTHER part of why I love this perennial herb so much is because we humans can use the root, the leaves AND the flowers. Say what?? Yes! This incredible plant that many love to loathe is actually a fabulous ally!

I can FEEL your excitement! But do yourself a favour and when it’s time, only grab the dandelions that you can be one hundred and ten percent certain have not been sprayed with or growing in harmful toxins. 

Okay. Moving stagnation is what this plant is known for so let’s get to it!

Dandelion root is said to: 

• support and improve liver function 
• be rich in inulin for healthy gut flora
• be able to help support inflammatory conditions like arthritis 
• be a liver cooling herb and is useful for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
• stimulate the vagus nerve which plays a role in digestion, mood, heart rate and immune response. [vol. 1, Pacific Rim College Online]
• be a great detoxifier

Dandelion leaf is said to be:

• an incredible diuretic that is not overstimulating to the kidneys
• rich in vitamins and minerals, especially potassium

 Dandelion flower is known to be:

• sweet tasting and nourishing [pretty on salads] 
• is actually a bunch of little florets
• rich in vitamins and minerals

What do you think? There seems to be a lot happening in this one little plant!

I personally started taking a dandelion root tincture in October last year and I believe it has helped me immensely from my skin to my digestion. But as always, don’t just take my word for it; learn a little more and then maybe try for yourself! 

The dandelion has been a fun one for me to learn about and to be honest, my appreciation for the plant grew in a permaculture course I was taking! To learn more about it in herbalism has been a true joy for me and I’m excited to incorporate more of this toothy leafed plant into my life!

On that note, do you like books? Wanna learn more?

One of my very favourite books to learn from that you might like too is called 

Energetic Herbalism by Kat Maier. To me, she really captures the essence in and around herbal plants and I really appreciate the different perspectives that she offers. 

Until next time.. 

H&S