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Herbology 101 - Herbal Remedies and Herb Information

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Asian Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): see Dandelion.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Also called: Chin Tsan Ts'Ao, Hindiba Berri, Pissabed, Pissenlit, Priest's Crown, Swine's Snout, Wild Endive.
This many-named homeowner's bane has some wonderful uses, you may be surprised to discover, among them, wine, salad greens, tea, cooked greens and the remedy for many common ailments. The sap contains a latex which is used in treating warts, corns and ailments of the gallbladder and liver. The leaves and roots can be brewed to make a tea that is good for the heart and hypertension.
The root is high in insulin, the flowers contain helenin considered good for the eyes. These can be brewed in a tea, or pickled in vinegar and used in place of capers, as they have a slightly bitter taste.

Used for:

Diuretic
Colic
Hepatic
Laxative
Antibiotic
Depurative
Hypertension
Tonic
Yeast Infections
Warts
Corn

Lore:

Current (Western) Use Unlike most diuretics, Dandelions are high in potassium, which replenishes that lost in urine. It is also a gentle laxative, not the thing to take before a long car ride. Culinary Everyone has heard of dandelion wine, but there are a great many ways to enjoy this "pest". They contain many nutrients and beneficial properties, so perhaps we should begin to be less annoyed when they appear.
Dandelion greens grow increasingly bitter as they age, so it is best to use the newest shoots in salads. The bitterness is lessened through cooking, or through depriving the plant of light before picking. Steaming greens retains more of the nutrients than either boiling or microwaving (see Nutrition News).
Dandelion buds can be fried in butter, and taste somewhat like mushrooms. They are sweetest when picked just before you intend to cook them.
That extra-long tap root also tastes like turnip when cooked, but if you want to retain the insulin content, dried is the best method of ingesting it.
Other ideas: dandelion pesto, dandelion lasagna, and dandelion quiche.

Disclaimer: This content is provided here for informational purposes only. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat. Check with a qualified Health Practitioner before using any herbal treatment. Use of these reference pages signifies acceptance of this notice and our Terms and Condition.