Common Names:

Dandelion comes from the French name Dent de leon, or “Lions Tooth” because of the shape of its leaves. Another name of it in French is pissenlit, or “pee the bed,” due to its diuretic effects. In Farsi, it is called gule ghasedack “messenger flower”, due to its ability to spread ). As a kid, we were told to make a wish about a person we love and blow the flowers; our loved one would receive the message of our love. Other names are Cankerwort, Priest’s crown, Puffball, white endive, and wild endive.

Composition

Dandelions are composed of Vitamins A, B complex, C, D, sesquiterpene lactones (class of compound containing a lactone), triterpeniod, sponins, polysaccharides (complex carbohyderates), Insulin (large amount is present in the root), and Potassium. Up to 4% of the leaves is Potassium. Other minerals are Zinc, Ir.on, Selenium, Calcium, and Boron, among others

History

Dandelions and their medicinal uses have been found in textbooks written by Persian scientist A-Razi (900AD). Both Chicory and Dandelions are in the Asteraceae family and have been used in ancient Iran for thousands of years. They have been mentioned in Avesta texts (Zoroastrian text books 500 BC). Dandelions were used for medicinal purposes in both China and Europe.

Medicinal Uses of the Dandelion

Dandelion leaves have diuretic effects comparable to Lasix, and can be used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure in patients without the side effect of lowering potassium (a common side effect of Lasix). Dandelions are an excellent source of potassium. The bitter constituents of dandelion roots have shown to increase bile production, and also have some laxative effects. In Japan, a study was conducted in cancer patients; dandelion extracts were shown to reduce and inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells.

Robert Stickles was an internationally famous architect who went through numerous surgeries 21 years earlier, and yet was told by his doctors that the tumor had spread. He was given less than two years to live as a result of his wide spread malignant melanoma.

In a letter to Jeff Zullo, President of the Society for the Promotion of Dandelions, Stickles wrote:   " I went on a search for the answer to my mortal problem, and [discovered] that perhaps it was a nutritional dilemma.... To me, cancer is primarily a liver  failure manifestation. [Italians are very concerned about problems of the 'fegato']. [I discovered that] the cancer rate in native Italians is very low among the farming  population (paesanos). When they get affluent and  move to the city, it’s the same as the rest of civilized man. Paesanos eat dandelions, make brew from the roots, and are healthy, often living to over 100  years."(June 23, 1986). He states that he began eating dandelion salad every day, and his improvement confounded the doctors. When he wrote the letter in 1986, 18 years had passed and there had been no recurrence of the melanoma.  Dandelion has exhibited mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in mice (Tito et al 1993). Dandelion has shown to be used for a long time as a liver tonic (Marcia et al 2005). Early studies have shown that the root of dandelion can stimulate the flow of bile.is used for treating heartburn, rheumatic conditions, and eczema. It also helps with detoxification of the body and lowers blood sugar due to its insulin content. However, please ask your doctor before starting to consume dandelions as a regular staple in your diet. An herbal formula of dandelion (known as fu zheng qu xie) has shown to be as effective as gentamycin in many cases.

Side effects

The use of dandelion is not recommended to individuals with obstructed of bile ducts or other gall bladder issues. Otherwise, dandelions are considered very safe overall, even in pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. People allergic to daisies and ragweed should not use dandelions. 

Dosage

If you are taking it as a capsule, follow the prescribed daily dosage. As an infusion of dried herbs, take 4-10g three times daily. For dried root, take 2-8g three times daily. According to British pharmacopoeia, 0.5-2g of the root or 4-8g of root tincture can both be taken three times daily. Fresh root or leaves can be consumed as food at levels of 50 g or greater per day.

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