The Lowly, Lovely Dandelion
By Andrea Peck
Once again the interwebs are abuzz with feisty communication and wordy heresy. This week, the subject of fierce commentary and opinion is the much maligned dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Oh, lowly dandelion, with a name that is at once colorful and confusing, how should we perceive thee?
Should we appreciate your winsome qualities or regard you with abject contempt?
If you do a quick Google search you will likely find a host of information on how to rid yourself of the dandelion. But, if you switch your search to “shopping,” you will find a wide variety of products that contain dandelion. People make money off the very weed that many are attempting to eradicate. It's an amazing time.
The dandelion has an interesting history, beginning with its name. Originating from the French, the term dandelion means lion's tooth and refers to the shape of the plant's leaves. There is something regal and liony about the dandelion. Maybe it's the sunny yellow flower and persistent growth.
The ugly thing about dandelions is that they are often pretty heinous in the garden. I noticed one today while taking a walk. It had an ungainly stature and fungus-ridden leaves. In fact, there was nothing lion-like about it. Perhaps Ratty-Tatty Lion would be more appropriate, but then that is a whole different subject.
The dandelion root and leaves have been used as folk medicines throughout history. Native Americans boiled it and used it for kidney disease, upset stomach and swelling. The Chinese used it for inflammation, lack of milk flow, appendicitis and stomach issues. Europeans used dandelion for fever, eye problems and diabetes.
But, in those days there was no local pharmacy with an array of man-made concoctions. Still, dandelion has persisted.
Today, there is not a lot of conclusive scientific study that shows a direct use or benefit of dandelion. Always check with your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet. One thing is certain. The dandelion is edible and it contains many vitamins and minerals. Dandelion has been used in salads, sandwiches, brewed as tea and is sold in many different forms. It is high in vitamins A, B, C, and D and minerals iron, potassium and zinc.
Aside from the exercise of removing this backyard bane, you might as well get some benefit from it.
But don't use this as an excuse to avoid weeding.
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