Family: Compositae
Parts Used: Whole plant
For most people dandelions are simply a noxious weed that they work hard to eradicate each spring. For me it is another healing herb the Lord has blessed us with. Last year we focused an entire month on the dandelion for our nature study and have come to love and adore this despised little plant (although we still don't want it taking over lawn:)) One of my favorite uses for dandelion is to dissolve warts. I tried many natural remedies for getting rid of warts, including very strong essential oils. What finally worked was applying the milk from snapping off a dandelion head, directly on the wart every day for several weeks. It gradually disappeared!
Properties
- alterative
- antibacterial
- anti-inflammatory
- antispasmodic
- aperient (mild laxative)
- cholagogue (stimulates bile flow)
- diuretic (increases urine flow)
- galactagogue (increases milk flow)
- hepatic (strengthens liver function)
- bitter
- digestive
- tonic
- nutritive
Medicinal Uses
- Milk from the dandelion will dissolve warts (apply topically to wart until it is dissolved - the milk will turn black)
- Milk can also fade aging spots (liver spots).
- #1 digestive aid
- Bitter tonic good for liver, kidneys, spleen and pancreas.
- Blood purifier (root has strongest action).
- Liver stimulant and decongestant (root has the strongest action).
- Bladder and kidney problems (leaf will have the strongest action).
- Breaks down cholesterol and fat.
- Can decrease blood sugar levels and cravings for sugar.
- Gall and kidney stone prevention and aid (leaf and root).
- Bladder infection, won’t kill bacteria but helps wash microbes out of the urinary tract.
- Use for high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Increase milk supply in nursing mothers.
- Bloating and discomfort of PMS.
- Jaundice
- Hepatitis
- Chronic skin problems (by cleansing the liver and kidneys).
- Brain and heart support (flower).
- Promotes strong bone and joint health.
- High in trace minerals, iron, calcium, potassium and other nutrients including electrolytes. Great herbs for anemia and other blood conditions.
Methods of Use
- Food
- Decoction of roots or infusion of flowers and leaves
- Powdered sprinkles and in capsules
- Tincture
- Vinegar
- Honey, syrup
- Milk from snapping off a blossom or breaking the stem in half
In the Kitchen
Wildcrafting
Caution
Recipes and Other Resources
Herbal Legacy: Dandelion
Dandelion recipe roundup from Little Owl Crunchy Mama
Things to Do with Dandelions from The Nerdy Farm Wife
Dandelions from Learning and Yearning
Dandelion Greens by Dr. Axe
Dandelion Root by Dr. Axe
Dandelion Tea by Dr. Axe