Dandelions: Pesky weed or Valuable

By Ellie Holly BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine; Member of the college of practitioners of phytotherapy

Dandelions are popping up all over gardens and verges at this time of year. Most people view dandelions as annoying weeds, but they have a long history of medicinal use, and have a range of health benefits. The name dandelion comes from the French dent de lion meaning tooth of a lion and refers to the jagged edges of the leaves which resemble a lion’s teeth. There are many species of dandelion, but the type used medicinally is Tarraxacuofficinale, and this is the type usually found growing in England.

Dandelions are packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They are a rich source of vitamin C, folate, vitamin E, vitamin K and they also contain good levels of iron, magnesium and calcium. They are rich in the antioxidants beta carotene and polyphenols. Antioxidants are protective chemicals which help to slow down ageing and disease processes. In olden times, young dandelion leaves would have been picked along with sorrel and young nettle leaves and added to soups and stews or used in salads. They provided a much-needed source of vitamins and antioxidants after a long winter with very little fresh fruit or vegetables.

Dandelion leaves have a powerful diuretic action. In fact, one of the traditional names for dandelion is ‘pee the bed’ because the diuretic action of the leaves makes one urinate more often, so taking dandelion before bed is a bad idea unless you don’t mind getting up multiple times a night to pee! Diuretics help the body to rid itself of excess fluid, reducing fluid retention and swelling, and easing the pressure on a struggling heart and circulatory system. The danger with diuretics is they make us pee out potassium. Potassium is a vital mineral which works with sodium in our body to maintain blood pressure. If our potassium levels drop dangerously low it could trigger a heart attack. Most diuretics prescribed by doctors today come with potassium added into them to ensure this doesn’t happen. Dandelion leaves are naturally so rich in potassium that consuming the leaves results in a net gain of potassium, making it a very safe diuretic to use. Dandelion leaf tea or tincture is often used to treat swollen ankles, and as an adjunctive treatment for high blood pressure. A high intake of potassium helps to lower high blood pressure, as does the diuretic action.

Dandelion root contains quite different chemical constituents to the leaves. The root has a powerful detoxifying action. It works on the liver to help with the removal of toxins and waste products. Herbalists often use dandelion root in the treatment of acne and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, for joint conditions like arthritis, and for other conditions where a cleansing and detoxifying action is needed.

Dandelion root stimulates the liver to produce bile and helps with bile flow. This helps with the digestion of fats and helps to prevent constipation. Dandelion root is mildly bitter; bitter tasting herbs stimulate the production of our digestive juices helping us