Some people think of it as a weed, whereas it reminds others of a childhood spent outside playing in the grass. For herbologists though, Dandelion is a powerful remedy that has actually been registered as a drug in Canada.
Dandelion is a prodigious multiplier, but the real reason why it has become so widespread is more to do with its use as a medicine and source of important nutrients.
Dandelion's high Vitamin C content made it a vital food for settlers, armies and ship crews anxious to avoid Scurvy, the disease brought on by Vitamin C deficiency.
Dandelion is a familiar plant with flat leaves and a bright, yellow flower that rises above the plant on a single, thin stalk. As the flower matures it turns into the 'dandelion clock' that spreads the Dandelion spores on the wind.
Dandelion has been used in herbal remedies since around 1373, when its use was first documented in a French medicinal text. Since that time it has has become of the most common, easily available and beneficial remedies around.
Dandelion is a very mild herb that can be used regularly without worry. As an antioxidant and a first class source of Vitamin C, it will attack those pesky free radicals floating around in your bloodstream. This is great news for your skin and it will keep you looking younger for longer.
Dandelion is registered as a drug in Canada - this is because of its diuretic properties. It occasionally goes by the somewhat unattractive name of the 'pee in the bed' herb, for its ability to increase waste products and water in urine. Unlike most commercial diuretics, Dandelion does not result in Potassium deficiency, as the Dandelion itself is high in that particular substance. For this reason, it is considered a very safe diuretic and suitable for children.
Many people who take Dandelion as a supplement report that it increases their appetite and stimulates their digestive system. Others report that it is effective as a liver cleanser. Either way, Dandelion is a tremendous source of nutrients, a mild stimulant for both your colon and your urinary tract, and hopefully one of the first herbs on your shopping list!
As mentioned above, Dandelion's high vitamin content has made it a popular supplement. This accounts, at least partially, for its inclusion in many older recipes. Dandelion actually has even more nutrients than spinach, and appears mainly in soups and salads across European cuisine. In the UK, a popular drink named Dandelion & Burdock is still available in many supermarkets.
If you can make it into a soft drink, why not make Dandelion into a wine? This recipe often involves the addition of some Citrus flavoring, and results in a tasty, sweet drink that can often be found in rural European areas.
Besides eating Dandelion in a salad, or drinking it in a wine or soft drink, you can find it in any herbal store. It comes in a variety of forms, including liquids, pills and capsules. As usual, always consult your doctor before starting any course.