Dandelion

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• QWhat is dandelion?

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  A Dr. Michael T. Murray, ND , Naturopathic Medicine, answered

  The dandelion is a perennial plant with an almost worldwide distribution. While many individuals consider the dandelion to be an unwanted weed, herbalists all over the world have revered this valuable herb. Its common name, dandelion, is a corruption of the French for "tooth of the lion" (dent-de-lion). This name describes the herb's leaves, which have several large, pointed teeth. Its scientific name, Taraxacum, is from the Greek taraxos (disorder) and akos (remedy). This alludes to dandelion's ability to correct a multitude of disorders. A hardy perennial, which grows in all temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere, dandelion reaches 3 to 35 cm in height. It is easily recognized by its deeply toothed, hairless leaves, measuring 5 to 30 cm in length and 1 to 10 cm in width, which form a rosette at ground level, and the single golden yellow flower that emerges from the rosette's center on a straight, purplish, leafless, hollow stem. The flower, which is actually a collection of tiny florets, appears from early spring until late autumn. When the florets mature, they produce downy seeds that are easily dispersed by the wind, giving rise to dandelion's aliases of "puffball" and "blowball."

  Although its flowers are most evident in early summer, dandelion may be found in bloom, and consequently prolifically dispersing its seeds, throughout most of the year.

• QAre dandelion supplements safe for pregnant or nursing women?

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  A Dr. Debbie Nogueras, MSN , Nursing, answered on behalf of Sigma Nursing

  When you are pregnant or nursing, it is best to avoid all medications, herbs, over the counter, or other substances unless specifically prescribed by the healthcare practitioner caring for you.

  Dandelion, although rich in Vitamin A, calcium, and iron; has been rated as having Insufficient Evidence as to safety by the Natural Medicines Database. Given the lack of research on Dandelion during pregnancy or nursing, it is best to avoid during this time.

• QWhat are the health benefits of eating dandelion?

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  A Dr. Peter Bongiorno, ND , Naturopathic Medicine, answered

  While dandelion is not traditionally known as a sleep-inducing food, we have found using the liver-cleansing properties of dandelion to be a valuable aid in helping sleep.
  
  A healthy liver will balance blood sugar. Blood sugar fluctuations and drops are a major factor in insomnia and waking at night. Hormonal issues, especially in perimenopause and postmenopause, can also stop a woman from obtaining a good night’s sleep. In Chinese medicine, foods like dandelion can help balance the liver and nourish the yin, which ultimately strengthens the function of the blood, fluids and hormonal balance.
  
  We like our dandelion as part of a good dinner. We often steam or blanch the dandelion first, then sauté with garlic and organic extra virgin olive oil.

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• QHow are dandelions eaten?

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  A Dr. Michael T. Murray, ND , Naturopathic Medicine, answered

  As anyone who has ever removed one from the lawn knows, dandelion plants have a long, dark brown tapering taproot, from 2 to 3 cm in width to at least 15 cm in length. The whole plant, including the root, contains a milky white sap or latex. On top of the root, but still below the surface, is a crown of blanched leaf stems, which dandelion aficionados consider the tastiest part of the plant. They can be used in salads or as a cooked vegetable. Next, comes the rosette of leaves. These are the dandelion greens, which must be gathered before the plant blooms or they will become quite bitter and tough. The young greens, which have a slightly bitter, tangy flavor that adds interest to salads and can also be cooked like spinach, are the part most often consumed. Dandelion roots can also be eaten as a root vegetable or roasted and ground to make "coffee," and the flowers can be used to make dandelion wine and tea.

• QWhat is the nutritional value of dandelion?

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  A Dr. Michael T. Murray, ND , Naturopathic Medicine, answered

  Dandelion's calorie count is exceptionally low - a cup is only 25 calories, while its nutrient content is exceptionally high. In fact, the dandelion contains greater nutritional value than many other vegetables. It is particularly high in vitamins and minerals, protein, choline, inulin, and pectin. Its carotenoid content is extremely high, as reflected by its high vitamin A content. Dandelion has 14,000 IU of vitamin A per 100 g compared to 11,000 IU for carrots. In addition, dandelion is an excellent source of vitamin C, riboflavin, B6, and thiamine, as well as calcium, copper, manganese, and iron.

• QWhat precautions are advised for eating dandelion?

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  A Dr. Michael T. Murray, ND , Naturopathic Medicine, answered

  Individuals with allergies to daisies or other members of the Compositae family may wish to avoid dandelion. If picking wild dandelion greens from lawns or meadows, be sure the area has not been treated with weed killer or fungicides and that it is not located close to a heavily traveled road, where it will be exposed to pollutants from automobile exhaust.

• QHow do I select fresh dandelion?

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  A Dr. Michael T. Murray, ND , Naturopathic Medicine, answered

  Wild dandelion is plentiful in most parts of the United States. Dandelion greens are often available commercially as well, especially at open markets and health food stores. The fresher the dandelion, the better. Though dandelion greens are available until winter in some states, the best, most tender greens are harvested early in the spring, before the plant begins to flower. Cultivated dandelion greens sold in markets are typically longer, less bitter, and more tender than their wild cousins. Choose brightly colored, tender-crisp leaves; avoid those with yellowed or wilted tips or brown spots. Usually, the lighter green the leaf, the more tender the taste.

• QHow should dandelion be stored?

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  A Dr. Michael T. Murray, ND , Naturopathic Medicine, answered

  Store dandelion greens unwashed and wrapped in damp paper towels in a plastic bag in the vegetable bin of your refrigerator, where they should remain fresh for three to five days.

• QAre there any risks in using dandelion?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Chemicals in dandelion can sometimes cause mild skin irritation. You should use caution when handling dandelions. If you have gallbladder problems or diabetes or take a diuretic, risks will increase as these conditions or medicines can interact with dandelion.
  
  

• QWhat should I know before taking dandelion?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  You should know that, as an herbal supplement, dandelion has not been evaluated by the FDA for its effectiveness. Know that the chemicals in dandelion can irritate your condition if you have gallstones, so you should avoid taking it. Also if you have diabetes, you should take extra caution before taking dandelion as is could cause you to have hypoglycemia, leading to serious problems.