Taraxacum officinals

In herbalism, dandelion is most renowned for its bile-stimulating, liver-regenerating benefits.

Species: Taraxacum officinale

Kingdom - Plantae

Genus - Taraxacum

Family - Asteraceae

Pusteblume. That's the German colloquial term for the fluffy ball (also known as a dandelion clock) that this wondrous plant produces from its yellow flower. When spotted in a field, my siblings and I would race & wrestle to get to it first so that we could blow on it and watch the tiny flowering seeds drift off with a wish. 

Although one of its many common names may be interpreted as “lion’s tooth” its Latin name comes from the Greek taraxos (disorder) and akos (remedy) - which is suggestive of its ancient medicinal uses.

Dandelion - in its persistent abundance - is often mistaken for a weed or wildflower. It requires little love and will happily grow in just about any crack on the pavement. In fact, when searching the botanical gardens of Kirstenbosch for a dandelion to photograph for this post, it was only on my way out that I spotted one awkwardly pushing its way through some paving.

The next time you move to pluck it from your lawn, annoyed by its presence, think again. Dandelion not only possesses healing qualities, but it can also be sautéed, tossed into a salad, or used to garnish a cake.

Hailing from the Asteracaea family, dandelions are related to sunflowers and daisies - a cheerful indication of their power. Gardeners will also be happy to know that bees absolutely love dandelion flowers.

In herbalism, dandelion is most renowned for its bile-stimulating, liver-regenerating benefits. It’s also a diuretic - hence the colloquial nickname: “piss-a-bed”. Because taraxacum officinale is high in potassium, it’s an ideal diuretic since it restores salt levels whilst helping you expel excess water (although hopefully not piss-the-bed).

Dandelion is a bitter herb and thus may have a tonic and mild laxative effect on the digestive system. In addition to stimulating the liver & gallbladder, this herb comes out tops in terms of flushing toxins and cleansing the blood.

High in iron, calcium, and vitamin A (thanks to its taproots that run deep into the ground to fetch nutrients), this evergreen is best harvested when it is young. In the Cape region of South Africa, the Perdeblom (its Afrikaans name, translating as "horse flower") grows in spring, summer, early autumn, and even in winter after rainfall. The leaves are best when eaten raw, but the roots (harvested after flowering and after it has spread its seed in early spring), can be dried. Go here for more info on the nutritional content of dandelion leaves. 

In summary, dandelion leaves, flowers, and roots may be used for:

Low energy

As a diuretic (may be helpful for UTI's)

Liver and kidney function

Gastrointestinal stimulation

Thyroid stimulation (high in iodine)

Sluggish metabolism

Tumours & cancers

As a cholagogue (stimulates bile production in the liver/empties gall bladder) 

Caution & Disclaimer:

Consult your doctor/physician before taking an herbal supplement, especially if you are on prescription medication or suffer from any chronic conditions, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some herbs may cause allergic reactions - it is prudent to test a small amount and waiting 24 hours to establish an allergic response.

When wild harvesting, ensure that plants have not been sprayed or exposed to excess pollution.