Dandelion
Dandelion is a common cosmopolitan weed belonging to the daisy family. The yellow inflorescence, known as a capitulum, comprises numerous individual flowers and closes at night time. The inflorescence gives rise to fine, feathery seeds borne in a spherical arrangement. A rosette of leaves is borne close to the ground.
Dandelion was once a very important herbal remedy in the United Kingdom: leaves were eaten in salads, the root used as a coffee substitute, and wine made from the heads.
Species information
Distribution: Cosmopolitan
Habitat: Temperate grassland.
Form: Herb
Scientific name: Taraxacum F. H. Wigg (Compostiae)
The principle therapeutic use of dandelion in Britain was as a treatment for warts. The milky sap produced by the stem is repeatedly applied to the wart, causing it to turn black and eventually disappear. Dandelion contains phytochemicals belonging to the luteolin class of compound which are known to be toxic to human cells. This may explain the traditional use of dandelion as it may act to reduce cell proliferation.
add comment
Do you know of any alternative approaches? Are you aware of any similar ones?
You need to be logged in to comment.
