by Maggi Thomas

Created on: September 03, 2010

Most plants have medicinal qualities of some type. The dandelion however, seems to have consistently earned itself the reputation of being one of the most versatile plants and its properties can alleviate the symptoms of many ailments, in some cases it may even cure them.

The dandelion can be found growing wild throughout Europe and Asia where the local people use it for its health giving properties, making it into a variety of drinks. It is known botanically by its Latin name of Taraxacum officinale which means 'disorder' and 'remedy'. The dandelion is highly regarded for its ability to cure many ailments, from those as simple as cosmetic skin blemishes to much more serious conditions as cancer.

Every part of this medicinal plant is considered to be useful for developing both internal and external treatments. The roots of the plant are usually made into soup, coffee or other drinks. Leaves, stalks, and stems are made into external preparations for cosmetic treatments, such as removing skin warts and treating acne.

Dandelions are thought to be extremely beneficial to all of the vital organs, like the heart, kidneys, liver, and the gall bladder. The uncomfortable symptoms associated with conditions such as hypertension, jaundice, joint pains, cancer and heart conditions can also be alleviated by being treated with dandelions.

The diuretic nature of the dandelion plants and their ability to remove harmful toxins from our body is also well known. In countries where dandelions are found growing, young children are told an Old Wives' tale. “If you pick wild dandelions it will cause you to wet the bed!”

In different parts of the world, products are made using extracts from the dandelion to help people improve many aspects of their own health, including memory improvement and protective dental preparations. The fresh juice of the plant is an extremely effective anti-bacterial and is great for healing external wounds on the body. The entire plant can be cooked and eaten with a meal, as one would with any normal vegetable.

The composition of this plant has been analyzed, and it has been found to contain very high levels of Vitamins A and B, along with other elements such as calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous and potassium. Biochemical analysis has shown that the plant contains many micro-nutrients such as boron, copper, molybdenum, and zinc.

There are some case histories which detail the successful dandelion treatment given to children by their parents, for whom the medical treatments had not been successful. However such sporadic cases alone are not enough to warrant the licensing of dandelions for medical prescription to patients. There is no reason why dandelion products should not be used to treat minor everyday complaints, in place of the chemical-laden 'over-the-counter alternatives.

For more serious medical conditions it is not advisable to disregard the treatment which the Doctor has prescribed. Having said that, dandelions could aid recovery alongside the medical treatment with the approval of the prescribing Doctor.  

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