DANDELION - Taraxacum officinale
This common weed is by some seen as a real plague. I think it would be hard to find a lawn where it does not grow. Since it grows so abundantly why not make good use of it?
The parts used are the leaves, the flower-buds and the roots.
The latex in the leaves and stalk is said to remove warts if it is applied and left to dry several times a day. A warning might be needed here though since it is reported that some will react with a rash from the latex.
The leaves can be eaten raw in a salad but is best if picked very young and preferable bleached (i.e. covered from the sunshine)
The flowerbuds are used for making wine or a nice tea. One can also cook them into a golden stew. The flowerbuds are sometimes pickled and used much like capers.
I mainly like to use the roots. They are a hard to dig up but well worth it. Wash them off and let them dry well in your oven or in another warm and dry place. One can roast and grind them for a coffee-substitute or make an infusion and drink as a tea.
It is especially effective and valuable as a diuretic because it contains high levels of potassium salts and therefore can replace the potassium that is lost from the body when diuretics are used. Other benefits from dandelion are: antibiotic, laxative, can aid in the removal of gall-stones and it is anti-bacterial. The dandelion has a great healing and cleansing effect on the liver and will aid in cases of jaundice, the after effects of alcoholism etc.
The dye you get from using the roots will give you a magenta brown colour.
Lore: The seed-head of the flower can be used as a tool for divination. Blow on it and count the seeds that are left - that is how many years you have left to live. You can also blow the seeds in the direction of a love one to aid in sending a telepathic message. A cup of dandelion tea made from the roots will give you psychic powers.
Folknames: Some of the folknames for this plant is pissenlit or piss-in-bed and it comes from the fact that children who handle the plant a lot may be exposed to the diuretic substances of the flower through the skin.
Written by Sister Jema
With the aid of several books, internet sites, and personal experience.
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