The Herb We Love to Hate (But Should Really Just Love)

Dandelion is one of those plants that everyone knows—though not always fondly. Some wage war on it with chemical sprays and lawn tools, while others welcome its sunny face with open arms. Regardless of which camp you fall into, it’s safe to say this bright yellow blossom is hard to ignore.

As children, many of us blew its fluffy seed heads into the breeze, scattering wishes with wild abandon—and much to the dismay of our parents’ manicured lawns. But what we didn’t know then was that dandelion wasn’t just a weed. It was a quiet healer, a generous giver, and a wildly misunderstood ally.

Thankfully, dandelion is having a bit of a renaissance. Herbalists, natural food stores, and wellness seekers are finally giving this plant the respect it deserves. You’ll find it in detox teas, herbal coffee blends, salad greens, and tinctures—and for good reason. Dandelion is deeply nourishing, gently stimulating, and beautifully supportive of the liver, kidneys, skin, and digestion.

A SPRING CLEANING FOR THE BODY

Dandelion is one of our favorite herbs to lean on during seasonal transitions, especially in spring. Its ability to support liver function makes it ideal for helping the body release built-up toxins—whether from rich winter meals, environmental stressors, or that extra glass of wine.

Energetically, it gets things moving. Dandelion stimulates bile production, supports detoxification, and encourages healthy digestion. It’s mildly laxative and can help ease constipation. If you think of the liver as your internal filtration system, dandelion is the plant that shows up with a gentle scrub brush and a smile.

Dandelion is also a friend to the skin. Thanks to its nutrient profile and purifying properties, it’s often used for acne, eczema, and other skin imbalances. When the liver is supported, the skin tends to follow suit.

ROOTS, LEAVES, AND FLOWERS—OH MY!

One of the magical things about dandelion is that the entire plant is useful.

• The root is most famous for its liver-loving, detoxifying actions. It’s grounding and slightly bitter—perfect for decoctions and tinctures.
• The leaves are more diuretic in nature, supporting the kidneys and urinary system. They’re nutrient-rich and tasty in salads or infusions.
• The flowers are edible too! Sprinkle them in salads or dip them in a bit of dressing for a cheerful and nutritious treat.

Despite its abundance, it’s important to harvest dandelion responsibly. Because it’s often sprayed with herbicides, never use plants from roadsides, lawns, or anywhere you’re unsure of chemical use. Always source your dandelion clean and consciously—your body will thank you.

A PLANT WITH HEART

Dandelion invites us to look closer, to reframe what we think we know. It asks us to celebrate the wild and the unwanted, to find beauty in the overlooked, and to remember that healing doesn’t always come from rare or exotic places—it often blooms right beneath our feet.

MATERIA MEDICA

Latin Name: Taraxacum officinalis, Asteraceae family

Common Name: Dandelion

Parts Used: Leaves (harvested in early spring), root (harvested in the fall), flowers (harvested when blooming)

Primary Uses:

•  Mild liver stimulant, promotes bile production
•  Great for stimulation of digestive tract, gets the ‘juices’ flowing
• Gastrointestinal tonic
• Prevents gallstone formation and may help to dissolve certain types of gallstones
• Root is very detoxifying, helps stimulate the liver and gallbladder to remove toxins
• Beneficial for constipation
• Helps with acne, eczema, psoriasis
• Good for people who have issues with fluid retention
• Helpful for hepatitis
• Helpful for arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout
• Leaf has more of an effect on the kidneys while the root has more effect on the liver and gallbladder
• Due to it’s cooling properties and action on the liver, it can be helpful in treating hot flashes
• Makes a great salad green
• Flowers are also tasty in salads or delicious to dip in dressings

Dosage & Preparation:

• Tea: drink a few cups a day
• Strong Decoction (Dried Root): 2 tablespoons per 10oz water. Simmer on stove for 30min-4 hours, strain and drink
• Standard Infusion (Leaves): 2 tablespoons fresh leaf, chopped, in 10oz hot water. 1 tablespoon of dried leaf per 10oz hot water.
• Tincture: (Fresh Root, 1:2) 30-60 drops.

Energetics: Cool and dry, bitter

Parts Affected: Liver, gallbladder, genitourinary tract

Herbal Actions: cholagogue, choleretic, digestive bitter, alterative, diuretic

Clinical Actions: mild diuretic, mild laxative

Biochemical Constituents: inulin, sesquiterpene lactones, triterpenes, Vitamins A, B, C, and D; leaf only: coumarins, carotenoids, minerals (inc. potassium); root only: taraxacoside, phenolic acids, minerals calcium and potassium

Cautions: Do not use for extended periods of time due to the possibility of over-stimulating the liver. Should not be taken in cases of biliary obstruction and/or biliary abscesses.

While it’s true that Dandelion grows in abundance, it is often heavily sprayed with harmful chemicals, so only use Dandelion purchased from a store or other source you KNOW is clean.  Like, absolutely positive.

Do you like dandelions?
Do they bring up memories from your childhood?
How do you use them?