Flavor
- Leaves: Bitter, slightly salty
- Flowers: Sweet, mildly bitter
- Root: Bitter, slightly sweet
Herbal Energetics: cooling, drying (flower is neutral)
Herbal Actions
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Leaves:: diuretic, nutritive, cholagogue, digestive bitter
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Flowers: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, mild analgesic
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Root:: hepatic, cholagogue, alterative, diuretic, prebiotic
Organ Affinities
- Root: liver and gallbladder, digestion, skin
- Leaves: kidneys and urinary system, digestion, skin
- Flower: cardiovascular
Uses
Dandelion is well-known for supporting liver and gallbladder function through detoxification and stimulating bile production. It's commonly used when there is sluggishness in the liver. The bitter action of dandelion also supports digestion, stimulates appetite, and relieves indigestion and bloating. As a powerful diuretic, dandelion leaf helps eliminate excess fluid, in turn, reducing swelling and supporting kidney function. The overall support dandelion provides to the body's natural elimination processes creates purification of the blood, which benefits skin conditions, which tend to be systemic imbalances.
Additionally, dandelion is storehouse of nutrients such as vitamins A, C, K, and B complex as well as minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The rich antioxidant content, plus flavonoids and polyphenols also make dandelion a tonic for the cardiovascular system, protecting the heart from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Preparation and Dosage
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Leaves:
- Tisane (Tea): Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves in 1 cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Drink 2-3 times daily to support kidney and liver function.
- Fresh Leaves: Can be added to salads, smoothies, or cooked as greens to benefit from their nutritive and diuretic properties.
- Tincture: 2-4 mL 2-3 times per day for targeted support
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Flowers:
- Tisane (Tea): Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Drink 1-2 times daily for liver support and antioxidant benefits.
- Tincture: Take 2-4 ml 2-3 times daily.
- Oil: Infuse (dried or wilted) flowers in oil for topical use on sore muscles or inflamed skin.
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Root:
- Decoction: Simmer 1-2 teaspoons of dried, chopped root in 1 cup of water for 15-20 minutes. Drink 1-2 times daily for liver and digestive support.
- Tincture: Take 2-4 ml of a 1:5 tincture in 25% alcohol, 2-3 times daily.
- Powder: Can be added to smoothies, capsules, or taken in powder form at 1-2 grams per day.
- Roasted Root Tea: Often used as a coffee substitute, the roasted root can be brewed similarly to coffee.
Contraindications
- Allergies: Individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds) may experience allergic reactions to dandelion.
- Diuretic, blood thinner, blood pressure medications: use dandelion with caution due to its additional diuretic effect.
- Bile Duct Obstruction: Dandelion should be avoided in cases of bile duct obstruction or gallstones, unless under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Generally considered safe, but it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before using during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Materia Magica
Dandelion is ruled by Jupiter and Sagittarius, making it associated with growth, expansion, abundance, exploration, truth-seeking, and higher wisdom. We can see the expansive nature of dandelion through its invasive growing habit thanks to its profusive balls of seeds that easily blow through the wind.
Ritual work well-suited for dandelion include:
- Wishing and Manifestation: Dandelion is associated with wishes and manifestation. Blowing the seeds of a dandelion is a traditional practice for making wishes, symbolizing the release and realization of desires.
- Purification and Protection: Dandelion is used in rituals for purification and protection, particularly in clearing negative energy and promoting positivity.
- Divination: The flowers and seeds are often used in divination practices, helping to guide decision-making.
- Healing and Longevity: Dandelion symbolizes resilience and the ability to thrive in challenging conditions, making it a powerful herb for healing and promoting longevity.
- Abundance and Growth: Dandelion’s ability to proliferate and thrive in a variety of conditions makes it a symbol of abundance and growth.