I was always fascinated by dandelions when I was small. Their vibrant yellow, complex daisy-like head, standing tall out of the lawn, on a milky filled stem. My mother always told me "don't pick the dandelion or you'll wet the bed". An odd warning, even as a child. But I suspect its origins come from the one of the many benefits that the dandelion has, the roots being a mild diuretic. But, why is it considered a weed at all?

The dandelion, officially known as Taraxacum officinale, is a very hardy, perennial weed. Its deep tap root make is difficult to remove and its smothering, low growing leaves compete for space with other less aggressive neighbours. After flowering, its head forms fluffy ball made of a collection seeds attached to lightweight helicopter-like feathers, that carries the seeds effortlessly, with the help of a slight breeze, to another location in the garden. Just when you think the reign of the dandelion is over, more spring up all over the place. It is unsightly in our gardens, springing up in our beautifully manicured lawns, in defiance of our attempts to control it.

But, in reality it really should be referred to as a herb. Its benefits as a medicine, date back to 10th and 11th century. The roots of dandelions have long since been used to treat aliments of the liver. It has also been used to treat: infections, gallbladder problems, pnuemonia and as a laxative, to name but a few. The leaves are high in potassium and can be taken as a tea to counteract the loss of potassium, when we pass urine. But its nutritional benefits don't stop there. It is also high in vitamin A,B,C and D as well as being a source of various minerals, including magnesium and calcium. The leaves can be eaten directly, they are a little bitter, but go great in a salad!

The commercial Natural Health community recognize this "weed" as a benefit to general well-being and it is now possible to buy tablets made from the roots, particularly for a part of a detoxification programme. It can also be taken for helping clearing your head and for sore throats. I always remember by mother making dandelion and burdock as a health drink for us when we were growing up.

Dandelions also help farmers. Its deep roots help to bring nutrients such as calcium to the surface. Earthworms like hanging around the vicinity of dandelions, as easy channels are created for them, to move around in.

So the next time you take your fork to this unsightly appearance in your lawn, consider that you are about to destroy one of nature's many beneficial wonders.

Learn more about this author, Suz Neave.
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