The Dandelion is it a Pesky Weed or an Herbal Wonder?

By: Scott Meyers

Dandelion is considered to be one of the newest additions to the list of reputable herbal remedies. There has always been some curiosity about how the dandelion got its name. According to legend, the dandelion got its name from a surgeon in the 15th century who thought that the shape of the leaves resembled a lion's teeth. Dandelion is used differently in different parts of the world. In the West it is customary to separate the leaves and the root of the plant. However, in traditional Chinese medicine, it is customary to keep the plant intact when preparing herbal remedies.

While dandelions are often one of the first flowers to herald the arrival of spring, humans have recognized the potential of other herbs before turning to the dandelion, if at all. As an example, there is no written indication of anyone using this herb in the western hemisphere before it was noted in the Ortus Sanitatis of 1485. In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion was virtually ignored until the 7th century.

The taste of dandelion has been described as cool, sweet, and sometimes bitter. It can aid a number of organs, including the heart. Dandelion leaves are some of the healthiest edible greens. If you have a lawn, dandelions are bound to grow there. Thus they are not just a healthy, organic alternative to supermarket greens, they are also very economical! If you use chemical means to rid your lawn of dandelions, just think of the money you will save by tossing these greens in a soup pot or salad bowl instead.

Dandelion leaves are known to contain bitter glycosides, vitamins A, B, C, D, and several minerals, including salt, iron, and potassium. The leaves also contain carotenoids, terpenoids, choline, and potassium salts. A juice created from dandelion leaves has been known to be an effective diuretic. Simply puree the leaves and take the juice whenever needed. Dandelion leaves are also believed to be good for bolstering the liver, and to aid digestion. Dandelion leaves can also be infused to create a tea that helps treat toxic conditions such as eczema, acne and gout.

The root of the dandelion plant is also often used for medicinal purposes. Roots contain tannins, volatile oils, triterpenes, sterols, bitter glycosides, asparagus, and insulin. Many traditional herbalists favor dandelion as a liver stimulant. The root is also often used as a gentle, nourishing, cleansing tonic. It has been used to treat a wide range of disorders including gallstones, joint inflammations, and chronic constipation. Dandelion root is also easily made into at tincture to treat gout, acne, and eczema.

Dandelion extracts can be found in a number of herbal remedies, and can also be prepared many different ways. Dandelion leaves can be consumed raw or cooked. Teas and tinctures made from various parts of this plant are both easy to make and affordable during the plant's growing season.

Article Source: http://www.homesteadarticles.com

Scott Meyers is a staff writer for Its Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on www.itsentirelynatural.com/books/ebooks/herbal-remedies.htm" target="_self">Herbs.

Publishing guidelines:
You may use any articles from Homesteadarticles.com for free. You must use author's byline with link intact. For complete guidelines please read our Article Publishing Guidelines. Please allow up to 24 hours for your article to be indexed.

Thank you

Please Rate this Article

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Health-General Articles Via RSS!

Additional Articles From - Home | Health-general

Ways To Lower Cholesterol Naturally - By : Eugene Williams
Antioxidant Marketing Deceptions-How To Shop For Quality - 3 Minute Video/Free Newsletters - By : Mark Ostrye
Should You Take Vitamins Supplements? Discover Here All The Info You Need - By : Johny Rider
What Are Nutrients? Discover Exactly What Nutrients Are - By : Johny Rider
Discover The Origin Of Vitamins Supplements - By : Johny Rider
Details About Vitamins Supplements - By : Johny Rider
What Else Are You Getting With Vitamins Supplements - By : Johny Rider
When and How to Take Vitamins Supplements - By : Johny Rider
All You Need To Know About Vitamin A - By : Johny Rider
How To Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally - By : Kathryn Soloff

	Print This Article
	Add To Favorites
	Email to Friends
	Ezine Ready

Submit Articles
Member Login
Top Authors
Most Popular Articles
Submission Guidelines
Ezine Notifications
Article RSS Feeds
Site Blog

Links
Link to Us
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service

Book & Product Reviews