Safety Considerations:
Dandelion may theoretically cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to plants
in the Asteraceae family. Those with known allergies to these plants (see above),
should use dandelion with caution. Its use should be closely monitored in persons
with peptic ulcers, bile duct obstruction, gall bladder or gastrointestinal
inflammation or intestinal blockage; should be avoided with known gallstones.
It is unclear what interactions may exist between dandelion and pharmaceutical
drugs. Dandelion should be avoided during antibiotic therapy, particularly treatment
with ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin. People taking diuretics or insulin should use
dandelion only under the guidance of a knowledgeable physician.
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Dandelions:
To Weed or Not To Weed…
By Dr. Dave Barry
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to a friend
Known best as a familiar, troubling weed that pops up in freshly-cut
lawns , the dandelion grows wild in most of the world, and is cultivated
as a medicinal herb in China, France, Germany and other countries. This
plant is in the Asteraceae family, which also includes many familiar
plants such as calendula, chamomile, echinacea, sunflower, and yarrow.
The yellow flowers are part of the colorful array enjoyed in meadows
and pastures in early spring. The flower heads light up brilliantly in
the sun, but cleverly close in cloudy weather.
Perhaps you remember making interlocking dandelion necklaces as a child
or expressing artistic delight by painting the gold resin of the flowers
over your hands and arms. My grandfather used to make dandelion wine,
though at that time in my youth, I couldn't appreciate it. Naturalists
and hikers know to add the fresh cut leaves to salads for their abundance
of iron and other minerals and vitamins, as well as their ability to
help stimulate digestion. As a Naturopathic Doctor, this time of year
makes me wonder how this colorful, health-promoting, and nostalgic friend
from childhood has aged to become a nemesis to so many. In your ongoing
efforts for a beautiful yard, I invite you to contemplate for a moment
how this plant (like many others) is also so much more than a mere “weed”.
BENEFITS:
Dandelion is one of the oldest medicinal plants. It therefore comes as
no surprise that it has been employed throughout time for a wide variety
of conditions. Dandelion leaves are among the most nutritionally richest
in the plant kingdom, loaded with minerals including zinc, magnesium,
iron, calcium, manganese and potassium. Ounce for ounce, dandelion leaves
contains more beta-carotene than carrots.
Traditionally, practitioners of herbal medicine have used this wonderful
plant for many uses. Here are some of the most common:
- Perhaps one of the most beneficial uses for dandelion is in treating
high blood pressure. In addition to acting as a diuretic just like its
pharmaceutical counterparts, dandelion supplies a healthy dose of potassium,
which is typically lost when using a diuretic. Potassium is a vital mineral
for healthy heart functioning.
- Dandelion can aid in alleviating muscle spasms and nighttime cramps.
- Herbalists for centuries have used dandelion to treat anemia.
- The root, especially, has a significant cleansing effect on the liver.
- Dandelion also acts as a mild laxative, may improve appetite, relieve
constipation and aid in digestion.
Dr. Dave Barry, N.D., is a contributing writer and Kalamazoo native.
He can be reached for comments or questions at: David.Barry@Bastyr.edu
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