Dandelion: Questions and Answers

Q: Are there any common herbs to harvest right now?
A: As of this date (February), winter is the best time to harvest roots. The energy of perennial plants is stored in the root waiting for the warmth of spring. For instance, this is a great time to harvest dandelion roots.

Q: Why dandelion?
A: Dandelion root has a lengthy history of being used throughout the world as a liver herb. The liver is responsible for over 500 different functions and it only stands to reason that if our liver works better we can improve our many body systems.
In China, dandelion has been used to treat breast problems such as cancer, inflammation, decreased milk flow, etc. In l979, Japanese researchers found a dandelion extract - since then patented - which inhibits Erlich ascites cancer cells.

Q: How does dandelion root work on the liver?
A: Human and animal studies show that dandelion root stimulates bile secretion. The liver is the largest filter in the body. This self cleaning filter removes its debris by dumping it into the bile. The bile then flows into the intestinal tract and is eliminated in the stool. Therefore, the greater the bile flow, the greater the cleansing of the liver. The high choline content of the root is one ingredient which helps this tonifying effect.

Q: How much root should I use?
A: About 2-8 grams of the dried root. There is very little toxidity to this herb and it is very safe to use. The only caution I would heed is to where you harvest. It is not advisable to harvest around areas where there has been a lot of spraying of pestecides as there is always the chance of concentration in the root. Generally speaking, this hardy plant is not likely to be endangered as a species.

Q: What about the leaves?
A: In the spring the energy of the plant goes from the root to the emerging leaves. Dandelion leaves have the highest vitamin A content of all the greens (l4,000 I.U. per l00 grams), as well as significant amounts of vitamin D, B complex, C, and the minerals iron, silica, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper, and phosphorus.

In folk medicine the leaves are used as a diuretic. One study has shown dandelion leaf to be as effective as the drug furosemide (Lasix). Due to the high potassium in the leaves, there is no need to supplement with potassium, unlike with furosemide. The dosage of the fresh leaves is about 40 grams three times a day. Have a dandelion salad. Or try dried leaves in tea form 4 ? l0 grams three times a day.

Nature has provided us with a wonderful pharmacy. Modern science is confirming the therapeutic effects, something the ancient cultures knew long ago. It is this ?healing power of nature?, which is inherent in Naturopathic medicine and passed down from the respected elders.

Dr. Doug Kuramoto is a Naturopathic Physician with practices in Nanaimo and Parksville. He welcomes your questions and comments and can be reached at 753-0280 or 954-l955.