From tessasod@air.on.ca Wed Aug 01 16:15:58 2001 To: Subject: [misc_survivalism_moderated] Dandelion From: "Tessa" Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2001 18:15:58 -0400 -------- From the Herb Book by John Lust 119 DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) Common Names: Blowball, cankerwort, lion's tooth, priest's crown, puffball, swine snout, white endive, wild endive. Medicinal Part: Plant. Description: The dandelion is a perennial plant found, to the dismay of many, almost everywhere. The oblong or spatulate, irregularly dentate or pinnatifid leaves grow in a rosette from the milky taproot, which also sends up one or more naked flower stems, each terminating in a single yellow flower. The familiar puffball that succeeds the flower is a globular cluster of achenes, each of which is fitted with a parachute-like tuft. Properties and Uses: Aperient, cholagogue, diuretic, stomachic, tonic. Dandelion has two particularly important uses: to promote the formation of bile and to remove excess water from the body in edemous conditions resulting from liver problems. The root especially affects all forms of secretion and excretion from the body. By acting to remove poisons from the body, it acts as a tonic and stimulant as well. The fresh juice is most effective, but dandelion is also prepared as a tea. Lukewarm dandelion tea has been recommended for dyspepsia with constipation, fever, insomnia, and hypochondria. An infusion of the fresh root is said to be good for gallstones, jaundice, and other liver problems Dandelion leaves are popular and healthful as salad greens, especially In springtime. For chronic rheumatism, gout, and stiff joints, follow an eight-week dandelion cure as described below. Preparation and Dosage: Use the whole plant before it flowers, the leaves during flowering, and the root alone in the fall. Infusion: Steep 2 tsp. plant or root in 1 cup boiling water. Take 1/2 to 1 cup a day, lukewarm or cold. Decoction: Use 4 oz. fresh plant with 2 pints water; boil down gently to 1 pint and strain. Take 3 tbsp., six times a day. Cold Extract: Use 2 tsp. plant with 1 cup water; let stand for 8 hours. Juice: For a spring tonic ', take 1 tsp. juice pressed from the leaves in milk, one to three times a day. An electric vegetable juicer is helpful. Dandelion Cure: Use 2 tsp. fresh root and leaves with 1/2 cup water; boil briefly and then steep for 15 minutes. Take 1/2 cup, morning and evening. In addition, take daily 1 to 2 glasses of water with 3 tbsp. juice (pressed from root and leaves) per glass. Use dandelion leaves in salad. I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul" Invictus W.E. Henley ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Small business owners... Tell us what you think! http://us.click.yahoo.com/vO1FAB/txzCAA/ySSFAA/DROolB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------~-> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: misc_survivalism_moderated-unsubscribe@egroups.com Group webpage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/misc_survivalism_moderated Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/