Dandelion
Taraxum officinale
MEDICINAL: Dandelion benefits all functions of the liver. It clears obstructions (such as
stones) and detoxifies poisons that gather in the liver, spleen, and gall bladder. It will also
promote healthy circulation. The juice from a broken leaf stem can be applied to warts and
allowed to dry; used for 3 days or so it will dry up the warts. It is also used to treat
premenstrual syndrome, as it is a diuretic. It has been shown to reduce cholesterol and uric
acid. Dandelion also helps clear skin eruptions when used both internally and externally. It is a
rich source of potassium, and contains more vitamin A than carrots.
RELIGIOUS: It is a sign of rain when the down from a ripened dandelion head falls without
wind helping it to do so. To blow the seeds off a ripened head is to carry your thoughts to a
loved one, near or far.
GROWING: Dandelion is a common yard, garden, and roadside weed. Do not gather where
chemicals have been used, and don't gather those near roadsides, as they have been
contaminated from exhausts.
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