This flower is also healthy

What makes dandelion a medicinal plant?

Dandelion is often seen as a weed, but it has a long tradition as a medicinal plant. Even in antiquity it was used for its healing properties.

It supports the function of the liver, gallbladder and kidneys. The bright yellow flowers and the toothed leaves, which bloom from April to June, are edible and rich in beneficial substances. Dandelion is also being studied in cancer research, as it shows positive effects in certain cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Dandelion is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is important for the immune system, skin and hair. The plant also contains potassium, essential for cell communication and healthy heart and muscle function. Another valuable ingredient is selenium, which helps form antioxidant enzymes and is important for thyroid function.

What are the effects of dandelion?

Dandelion displays a wide range of health-promoting effects. Various studies have shown that it acts diuretically and stimulates bile production, which can increase appetite. These effects are mainly due to the bitter substances it contains, which promote bile flow and can therefore relieve digestive complaints, bloating and wind. Dandelion is often used as a tea made from the leaves, roots or the whole plant.

In traditional medicine, dandelion is regarded as a versatile detoxifying plant that stimulates metabolism. Because dandelion also thrives in contaminated locations and is resistant to many problematic substances, it is attributed strong resilience that can also benefit the human body. Therefore dandelion is frequently used for conditions caused by environmental toxins, a weak immune system or a sluggish metabolism. Fresh green dandelion leaves are especially recommended for a spring blood-cleansing cure, either as a salad or as pressed juice.

The metabolism-stimulating effect of dandelion also makes it valuable when the immune system faces increased demands, e.g. during infections and inflammations. Dandelion is therefore an important component of homeopathic remedies that support the lymphatic system. In addition, it is used in folk medicine for rheumatic complaints, kidney stones and to stimulate liver metabolism.

Which constituents are found in dandelion?

Dandelion is rich in various active compounds that give it its healing properties. Among the most important are the bitter substances, which stimulate bile production and promote digestion. Secondary plant compounds such as triterpenes, flavonoids and carotenoids are involved in numerous metabolic processes.

Essential oils and tannins in dandelion have antiviral and antimicrobial properties that can inhibit the growth of microorganisms. In addition, the plant contains important minerals such as potassium, calcium, sodium and sulphur as well as trace elements such as iron, manganese and zinc. The plant mucilages contained in dandelion have pain-relieving effects and contribute to general health.

Is dandelion edible or poisonous? 

Dandelion is wholly edible and contains valuable components. Both the flowers and the leaves and roots can be used. It is suitable for preparing tea, juice, pesto, jam and salads. Freshly picked dandelion and dried plant parts are edible and safe as food.

Care is however required for people who are allergic to Asteraceae such as arnica, marigold or chamomile, since dandelion can also trigger allergic reactions. The white milky sap in the stems is non-toxic, but excessive consumption can cause stomach discomfort. Otherwise, dandelion is a nutrient-rich and versatile addition to the kitchen.

Are there undesirable side effects from dandelion?

Consumption or use of dandelion can cause undesirable side effects in some people. Possible side effects include gastric hyperacidity, caused by the bitter substances taraxacin and taraxasterol. People with an allergy to Asteraceae may react to dandelion and develop a cross-allergy.

People with kidney disease should avoid dandelion preparations. If symptoms such as fever, difficulty urinating, cramps when passing urine or blood in the urine occur, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

How to make use of dandelion's benefits: useful tips

• To promote urine production, help flush out small kidney stones and stimulate digestion, drink dandelion tea. For one cup of dandelion tea, pour one to two teaspoons of chopped root, leaves or flowers onto a quarter litre of cold water, bring it to a boil for one minute, then let the infusion steep for ten minutes (roots 20 minutes). Dilute the infusion with warm water. This tea should not be drunk for longer than four weeks.  
• For a coffee-like beverage, dry the roots, roast them and grind them to a powder. Put a teaspoon of the powder into a filter and pour a cup of hot water over it. 
• Dandelion leaves can be prepared like spinach in lightly salted water in about ten minutes and are well suited for vegetable soups and stews. 
• For a healthy dandelion salad, mix its leaves with other salad greens and dress with lemon, garlic and oil. Dandelion leaves give a piquant, slightly bitter flavour. The yellow flowers make a nice decoration.
• From the sweet yellow flowers you can make a tasty syrup or jelly with honey-like notes. Briefly boil 300–500 grams of flowers in two litres of water and let the mixture steep overnight. Press the flowers through a linen cloth, bring the liquid to the boil again, stir in two kilos of raw cane sugar and cook on the lowest flame until a thick syrup forms. You can then refine the syrup with a little lemon juice, ginger or orange. This syrup is considered a vegan alternative to bee honey. 
• Dandelion pesto tastes excellent with pasta or as a spread on country bread. For this tasty spread simply mix olive oil, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, pecorino cheese and dandelion and puree until creamy. 
• You can use the dandelion root as a vegetable, steamed or fried. 
• Pick dandelion flowers in meadows and use them as a wild herb in naturopathy.
• Dig out the taproot and collect young dandelion stems in spring. You can also find the plant in your garden.
• The fresh plant can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator in a damp cloth. You can also dry it in bunches in a shady place. Due to its high water content, dandelion is not very suitable for freezing. Harvest the plant before it forms flower buds, otherwise leaves and roots become bitter. 
• If you have gallstones or an obstruction of the bile ducts or intestines, consult a doctor to see whether dandelion is safe for you.

Dandelion is not only a pretty wild plant but also a real powerhouse of nutrients and medicinal substances. Whether as a salad, tea or in soup — its many uses enrich any kitchen and contribute to health.