Heartburn: Hints on Dealing

The common dandelion (taraxacum officinale, also known as Lion's tooth, priest's crown, and swine's snout) is a tough little plant that reproduces itself with the slightest puff of wind. While this may be good for perpetuating the species, it also means the dandelion can take over your yard... and your neighbor's yard... and perhaps the whole world... in just a couple of seasons.

History and Description

The Celts and Romans cultivated dandelions on purpose, making them a cornerstone of their kitchen gardens. Arabian herbalists first wrote about dandelion in 900 CE, and the Welsh used it extensively in the 1200s. In India, the plant has been used for centuries for liver complaints. There are more than 600 species of dandelions the world over, but in Northern Minnesota we typically see the common dandelion, and we don't have to cultivate it on purpose.

Dandelion's happy yellow flowers are very responsive to the sun, opening early in the morning and shutting down when it's gloomy and in the evening. The deeply-notched leaves funnel rainwater down to the root, and if a plant is allowed to grow it can send up flower stems 12 inches or more in height and attain a circumference of 18 inches, depending on how much rain has fallen.

Mrs. Grieve, one of the most detailed herbalists to put pen to paper, observed that dandelions have no less than 93 different kinds of insects in the habit of frequenting it. She must have had some time on her hands to observe that detail, but it is true that these plants attract bees and butterlies in addition to many other flying insects because of their high pollen content.

Medicinal Uses

Practically everybody's grandmother knows from herbal lore that dandelions must be eaten every spring as a tonic. Their bitter taste certainly seems cleansing, all right!

The liver and gallbladder especially benefit from the medicinal value of dandelions, and this has been their main use through the centuries. There are rumors that gout and eczema sufferers may benefit, too. Breastfeeding women may find dandelion tea helps the milk let down more easily, and relieves swelling.

As if its other herbal properties weren't enough to sing its praises, dandelion juice has been rumored to remove warts, too. Pick a flower, break open the stem and rub the milk on the wart. It takes several weeks of consistent use to get rid of the warts, but try it for those really stubborn ones you can't remove any other way.

Precautions: People who are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, chamomile, yarrow, daisies or iodine may experience side effects from dandelion such as itching, red skin, or even mouth sores if it's used too much. Some people experience heartburn and increased stomach acid after consuming dandelion; if you're taking antacids, there may be an interaction. People who have been diagnosed with gallstones or other gallbladder problems should ask their health care provider's advice. Pregnant women should probably not eat or drink anything at all while pregnant, but there have been no reported side effects in pregnant women other than those who are allergic to flowers in the first place.

Now that you know how good dandelions are for people, you can still declare war on the ones growing in your yard, but remember they are one of the first flowers to open in spring, and isn't that nice? Herbal supplements containing dried dandelion are readily available, and it is often included in teas, so order supplements and keep your yard weed-free.

In fact, why not drop in to www.10000seeds.com and preview all the tea adventures you could experience? The Women's Boost Tea Adventure is absolutely fabulous... You will feel like a million bucks after every cup in this series of six excellent teas!

Want all the benefits and enjoyment of herbal tea, green tea, and black tea without a huge shopping hassle? Take your mind and body on a Tea Adventure and see how far you can go. Each month, the unique delivery program from http://www.10000Seeds.com sends you a new tea in a logical, enjoyable series--except you only order once! No surprises in the mailbox, or on your credit card. No long term commitments. This comfortable pace gives you the freedom to enjoy your tea completely. Explore all your Tea Adventure options today.