But, what a miraculous plant it is! It's whole design is wrought so that it can survive and proliferate - evidenced by the success with which it soon colonises bare earth and open grassland. The whorl of leaves that form the crown of the plant are especially designed to channel water down into the large tap root which lies underneath, effective in times of low rainfall. They are one of the first flowers to burst forth in the later spring (what a glorious site is a bank full of dandelions in the sunshine) and consequently they set seed early and so begin their next generation...... and the next.....and the next
However, it is probably one of the mainstay plants of most herbalist's dispensaries - i suspect few western herbalists are without their tinctures of dandelion root and leaf.
The root is used as part of many remedies, its main function usually being to support the liver. As many vital bodily processes are underpinned by this multi-functioning organ, the dandelion is frequently the herb of choice for this action within a wider herbal prescription. Consequently, it is used as the 'liver' part of medicines for skin problems, such as acne and psoriasis, in medicines to help with hormonal balancing to assist with the management of menopausal symptoms. It is also used for liver insufficiency in a myriad of digestive complaints, being helpful for colic, constipation and useful for gall stones and gall bladder problems. It is also part of some remedies for rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis. The leaves are mainly used as a diuretic and mild laxative and are used in medicines for gout, high blood pressure and where there is a need to stimulate diuresis.
The French, who perhaps value a wider range of food sources than we do, still use the young leaves as a salad vegetable. Their common name for this plant - 'pissenlit' which means 'wet the bed' (also an old British name for the plant) acknowledges its diuretic properties. It is high in potassium and is good to use where there is a deficiency of this element in the diet. The roasted roots are a well known substitute for coffee and although an acquired taste, this makes a pleasant alternative if you are trying to avoid caffeine - most health food shops sell dandelion coffee, so there is no need to roast your own!!
It is worth reiterating that a weed is only a plant in the wrong place - and only as far as we are concerned - and a herb is a plant that has some utility to us in either culinary or medical ways, and that often these two categories overlap. Being a gardener and a one-time allotmenteer, I do recognise the down side of this ubiquitous and persistent plant, but the next time you go to pull one up from the veg patch or your lawn, rather than curse, give it some respect for the wonder that is the dandelion.
This information is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used for self-treatment. You should always seek advice from a professional healthcare practitioner. Remember that herbs can interact with other drugs and may be contra-indicated if you have certain medical conditions, are pregnant or lactating. Take care when using wild plants or herbs, that you have the correct species and obtain them from a reliable source.
Catherine Schofield - Herbalist -Cheshire Herbs and Herbal Medicine