One of the most widely available herbal remedies is the common dandelion. So often destroyed, unloved and underappreciated, the dandelion actually offers a whole host of health benefits. Though considered a ‘weed’ by many gardeners, Taraxacum officinale is actually a perennial, herbaceous plant and a member of the sunflower family. Every part of the dandelion is edible, that includes the flowers, leaves and roots. It is native to Europe and Asia but has since spread across the globe and is one of the most vital early spring nectar sources for pollinators.
The name ‘Dandelion’ comes from the French ‘dent-de-lion’, meaning ‘lion’s tooth’ which describes the jagged shape of their leaves. They are thought to have evolved around 30 million years ago and have been used by humans as a source of food and in traditional medicine throughout history. It is believed they were first bought to North America not accidentally but for their medicinal benefits and the plant was incorporated into the U.S. Pharmacopoeia as a broad spectrum tonic in 1831. Dandelion’s medicinal affiliations include the liver, gallbladder and gastrointestinal tract. All parts of the plant can be consumed fresh, dried, infused in water or in a tincture.
Leaves
A 100g serving of chopped dandelion leaves contains 203% of a human adult’s RDA of Vitamin A, 58% of their Vitamin C and a whopping 973% of their Vitamin K. They are also a good source of Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, Protein, Calcium, Iron, Manganese, Potassium and other trace minerals. Application can be as simple as sprinkling some dried leaves onto your pet’s food, making a tea or adding to a bone broth. Aim to feed 1 teaspoon of dried herb per 20lb of body weight, per day. In addition to the aforementioned nutrients, the leaves also have a ‘bitter tonic’ effect which aids digestion for better nutrient absorption. They could therefore be particularly useful for dogs who have chronic problems with indigestion.
Dandelion is a powerful yet safe diuretic and liver stimulant. When the body is unable to eliminate excess water this causes an imbalance which can result serious conditions such as heart failure, pulmonary edema, arthritis, gallbladder disease and kidney stones. While pharmaceutical drugs are effective in expelling the excess fluid, they are unable to differentiate between what the body needs to lose and what it needs to keep. Consequently the body can lose too much potassium, a crucial heart and brain nutrient, which must then be supplemented. Many herbalists claim dandelion leaves work equally as well as the pharmaceutical diuretic and have the added benefit of providing their own rich source of potassium. This appears to be supported a scientific study where the test subject’s urine output significantly increased during the trial days while taking a dose of dandelion leaf extract, vs the control days where no dandelion leaf was taken (Clare et al. 2009).
Root
The liver is the primary filtering organ in the body and is responsible for removing toxins from the blood. It also plays a key role in digestion. If the liver becomes congested or otherwise diseased this will create a toxic imbalance in the dog’s body since harmful toxins can no longer be filtered and removed. Symptoms of poor liver function can include dandruff, eczema, chronic constipation, jaundice or rheumatoid conditions. Dandelion leaf tea or tincture may help with the symptoms of such conditions, however the root of the plant can help to tackle the underlying problem. Dandelion root gently stimulates bile production and circulation in the liver, it also stimulates the gallbladder which releases the bile into the digestive tract. This aids digestion and promotes the elimination of solid waste. It’s gentle nature means it does not cause further irritation unlike many conventional medicines or even some other herbal remedies.
Flower
The flowers of the dandelion plant are high in lecithin, an essential fat which is used for treating a number of conditions including memory disorders, liver disease and skin conditions. They also have mild analgesic or painkilling qualities. To use, infuse a handful of flower heads in hot water. Once the water has cooled, administer 30-40 drops per 20lb of body weight. Alternatively the flowers can be dried and sprinkled onto food.
Dandelions offer a broad spectrum of medicinal and nutritional applications. The plant gently assists the body’s natural functions, without overriding them. Fresh dandelions can be sourced virtually everywhere, however always ensure they have not been sprayed with herbicide or grown near heavy pollution such as the verge of a busy road. Dried leaves and root are also available from most health shops. Dandelions are one of the safest and most easily accessible herbal remedies for pets. They are ‘generally considered safe’ by the FDA with no known side effects for non-excessive dosage. This widely misunderstood plant has so many potential benefits and is so readily available and easy to prepare that every pet owner should understand it’s benefits. It seems rather unjust that the poor dandelion is more commonly considered a pest than a health food.
While dandelion is very safe, before administering any medicine, pharmaceutical, herbal or otherwise, guidance should always be sought from a qualified veterinarian. If it is your intention to pursue natural remedies where appropriate then speak with a homeopathic vet or one who works in conjunction with an experienced homeopath.
Will you now take a different view on the dandelions in your garden? Or have you seen the health benefits of dandelion first hand? I'd love to hear about your experiences, you can comment on this post or send me a message.
References:
Gregory L. Tilford & Mary L. Wulff: Herbs for Pets, the Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet’s Life
Bevin A. Clare, Richard S. Conroy & Kevin Spelman: The Diuretic Effect in Human Subjects of an Extract of Taraxacum officinale Folium over a Single Day [2009]
SELF Nutrition Data https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2441/2
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