Dandelion

Taraxacum officinalis

Also called Lion's Tooth, Priest's Crown and Puffball, the common Dandelion is a native of Greece and thrives under almost any conditions, enabling this hardy plant to spread to nearly every part of the world. The Latin name for Dandelion is taken from the Greek word taraxos (meaning disorder) and akos (meaning remedy). It's believed that the name Dandelion was taken from the French, 'dent de lion' (theet of the lion) because the jagged leaf of the plant resembles lion's theet.

Dandelion is perhaps best know for its powerful effect on the liver. It has been observed to be extremely powerful for the first stages of cirrhosis of the liver and is known for its ability to induce the flow of bile, and to purify and cleanse the blood.

Dandelion is also an excellent natural source of potassium, which also makes it a powerful and valuable side-effect-free natural diuretic.

The plant also contains rich sources of sodium and other natural salts, as well as calcium, making it a potent electrolyte balancer.

Dandelion is widely cultivated in India as a liver remedy, while in France, the roots are cooked as a vegetable; in Germany, dandelion leaves are used in salads. Dandelion greens are said to contain 7,000 units of vitamin A per ounce and are considered to be an excellent survival food.

Historical uses included the treatment of acne, anemia, arthritis, asthma, high blood pressure, boils, bowel infections and skin problems. The juice of the broken stem is reported to relieve acne, blisters and corns and to dry up warts when applied daily for about a week.

In relation to women, Dandelion have been used traditionally to treat : breast cancer, breast tumors, female organ disorders, PMS symptoms, hypoglycemia, water retention.