Utopia Holistic Health and Holidays Utopia Holistic Health & Holidays Issue 8 August 2 | Page 14

DANDELION A
WELL DRESSED
CAT OR A
WONDERFUL
DETOXIFICATION
AGENT?
CASSI COWLAM - B.H.SC (NAT)
The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a common garden herb, with
easily recognized flowers. It is commonly referred to as the enemy of
the suburban lawn. However it is not well known that it happens to be
a very nutritious food and has been used for medicinal purposes
since the 10th century.
The leaves contain substantial levels of vitamins A, C, D, and B
complex as well as iron, magnesium, zinc potassium, manganese,
copper, chlorine, calcium, boron, and silicon. The substances
eudesmanolide and germacranolide are the active constituents in
dandelion and are unique to this plant.
Most people don’t realize that the common dandelion is a very
powerful detoxification agent. It has been used for generations to
treat liver and kidney ailments of all sorts. Its detoxification power
has also been used to treat respiratory problems, cure gastro-
intestinal ailments and cleanse the circulatory system.
 As a detoxification agent, the root of the dandelion herb is
considered to be one of the most effective and beneficial herbal
remedies.The waste products accumulated in the liver and the gall
bladder are removed by this herbal remedy. The kidneys are also
stimulated by the dandelion at the same time and it enables the rapid
removal of toxins through the urine produced.
The herbal remedies made from the leaves
of the dandelion are used as a diuretic; it is
also used in the treatment of high blood
pressure which it accomplishes by reducing
the total volume of fluid present in the body
at any time. The word dandelion literally
means “lion’s tooth” because of the jagged
shape of the leaves.
The French figured out the medicinal and
detoxification value of dandelions a long
time ago. Their name for dandelion is
“pissenlit” which translates in English to,
“piss in bed”. The name is said to derive
from the fact that dandelions very quickly
cleanse and accelerate the urinary system.
It is not uncommon to hear reports of
children playing in a field of dandelions then
wetting the bed later that night…..The
dandelions did it!
The root of the dandelion is known to be a
remarkably well balanced herbal remedy,
the steady and gradual elimination of toxins
accumulating in the body due to infection or
pollution is accelerated by the root of the
dandelion.. The dandelion possesses major
and effective therapeutic benefits, in the
treatment of a variety of conditions these
include the treatment of persistent
constipation, the treatment of various
types of skin problems, including acne, and
eczema, and diseases like psoriasis.
The root also treats other types of arthritic
conditions, including severe conditions
such as osteoarthritis, and disorders like
gout. All parts are eatable but generally only
the flower and leaves are consumed. The
leaves can be used in a salad and one can
eat them that way. Or put a colander full of
dandelion leaves in a juicer along with an
apple and make apple-dandelion juice. If you
are using freshly picked dandelion make
sure the dandelions you collect have not
been treated with pesticides or weed killer.
A fine herbal wine can be produced from the
dandelion, as too can a great herbal beer.
Most commonly however the dried herb is
an excellent substitute for coffee and tea
bag can be purchased in most well stocked
supermarkets.