The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a composite plant. The bright yellow flowers are among the first flowers in the spring and are therefore an important bee food, but also for the walker a feast for the eyes. The plant contains a white milky sap and has a long strong taproot. The active ingredients of the plant are digestive stimulant, strong diuretic, stomachic and also liver tonic.
Occurrence and cultivation of dandelion
In natural medicine, the flowers, leaves and also the root are used. Dandelion has the advantage that you do not really have to grow it, because it grows by itself. Once the plant has faded, the wind quickly drives the seeds as light umbrellas of the so-called dandelions in all directions and to new locations for this plant, much to the chagrin of lovers of well-kept gardens and green spaces. The German name “Löwenzahn” (dandelion) is said to have been coined on the basis of the leaf shape; the grist-saw-shaped edges with pointed, uneven teeth were interpreted as lion’s teeth. In natural medicine, the flowers, leaves and also the root are used.
Application and use
Dandelion is recommended against spring fatigue, for allergies, against fever, for rheumatism and for loss of appetite. As a spring cure, young dandelion leaves are added to salads and give them a strong flavor. Or harvest the whole plant, clean the root and use all parts as a salad. Folk medicine says that after a 6-week cure, the body and mind are pure again. As an external application against warts, an old home remedy states that you can dab the wart with the dandelion milk daily to dry it up. Here are some suggestions. First, the dandelion flowers: they contain bitter substances, vitamin A and C, mineral and essential oil. There are numerous recipes for processing the flowers, for example, as dandelion flower honey, which you can inspire children to make. To do this, collect about 140 to 150 dandelion flowers de-stemmed for about 1 l of honey, you need1.5 l of water and the juice of a lemon. (The yellow blossoms are pulled out of the calyx with thumb and forefinger with a jerk) Water and blossoms are brought to a boil and then left to simmer gently for 30 minutes, cool down a little, then strain. In the juice now add 1 ½ kg of sugar and the juice of one lemon, the ingredients are stirred in and should then simmer abundantly for an hour. Not too long, because the fresh aroma of the dandelion flowers should be preserved. The syrup or honey should run viscously from the spoon. Dandelion flowers as a tea can be dried by yourself or obtained in pharmacies and drugstores. The tea helps with biliousness and brings pain relief in rheumatism. A spring cure for adults is to eat dandelion stalks. To do this, one should eat raw from flowering plants up to ten fresh stems daily, chewing carefully. This cure should last for two weeks, during the cure people who are fatigued and tired should experience a rapid awakening of the spirits.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention
The root of dandelion has extensive healing effects, so applications can relieve pain, relieve cough, have a bile and diuretic effect, loosen mucus, stimulate the liver and digestion, and also relax. The bitter substances stimulate the production of digestive juices and thus the production of saliva. One gets hungry and appetite. Those who suffer from poor digestion, flatulence and heartburn, and there are quite a few people, can also help themselves with dandelion root and dandelion herb extracts. Taken before a meal, you can prevent the discomfort. Extracts of dandelion root, also in combination with stinging nettle herb, are also recommended for flushing the urinary tract in cases of urinary tract infections. Dandelion has a flushing and draining effect here. For problems with dry skin, which can be caused by cold wind, dry air or frequent bathing and washing, dandelion root also helps as a pressed juice. The elasticity of the skin is increased, healthy skin and hair are the result of such application. Of course, if you do not have time to collect the dandelion yourself, you can buy it in dried form or as a ready-made preparation.
