Commonly regarded as a weed, its invasive nature has long overtaken the recognition of dandelion as the medicinal herb is really is. Shown to have many medicinal benefits, the leaves should be harvested when they are young, as they become increasingly bitter. Dandelion’s healing history goes way back, more than 1,000 years. Use of the dandelion is traced through many recognized forms of herbal medicine, including ancient Chinese, and Ayurvedic.
In the Middle Ages, Europeans believed in the Doctrine of Signatures, which follows the line of reasoning that a plant’s physical characteristics reveal their healing properties. Based on this practice, anything yellow was associated with the liver’s yellow bile, and used as a remedy for liver-related health conditions. Dandelion’s reputation was well-established by the 17th century. Reportedly, English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper recommended dandelion for every “evil disposition of the body,” thus making the herb become known as the ‘official remedy for disorders,’ as was so often prescribed.
The dandelion is also known as wet the bed (or Fleur du pissenlit) and refers to the mildly diuretic properties of the plant.
