I always feel that spring has definitely arrived when the sunny dandelion makes its annual appearance!  Sometimes, a first brave flower shows its head in my garden in February, with a few more appearing in March.  They will go through to late May, before the Hawksweed takes over!

One of the terrible afflictions of the !mainstream! is the obsession with spraying so-called weeds, like Dandelion, with glyphosate, a highly carcinogenic weed killer.  The obsession with "perfect" lawns and driveways, free from dandelions; cleavers; wild violets and more, is - in my opinion - a travesty.  Having been in my house and garden for nearly23 years, I am pleased to say that every year I have an abundance of dandelions in my shingle drive, as well as in the lawn at the back, various plant pots, and my vegetable plot!  In terms of times to harvest your "crop", the flowers; stalks and leaves are full of "fire" energy from March through to May, the flowers' season.  It is best to harvest the root in September, as it needs the full spring and summer season for the energy from the sun to fully penetrate the root.

The leaves and flowers can be used in salads, should you so wish.  My personal preference is to use the leaves in the spring in a morning drink, either with young cleavers and lemon slices, or just with the lemon slices.  You only need two or three leaves in a mug with a couple of slices of lemon, to form a light infusion (steep for five minutes before drinking).  

So, how do I use use Dandelions in my Alchemy Practice?  Primarily, they are used in the form of Herbal Tinctures (Leaves and Root) and the flowers are made into a Flower Essence , for use in my High Vibrational Healing Ranges.  I was guided to use specific parts of the dandelion in 11 of my ranges / stand-alone elixirs; thus Dandelion Flower and Leaves are found in the Balance and Balance in Grief Ranges with the Flowers, Leaves and Root being in the Balance in Motherhood &  Balance in Menopause Ranges and the Pregnancy Vaxx-Protector Elixir.  Just the Dandelion Root is found in the Balance for Men Range and EMF-AI Eliminator Stock, and both Root and Leaves are in the Bite Relief & Super Detox Ranges, as well as the Vaxx-Poison Eliminator Elixir, plus (of course) the combined EMF-AI & Vaxx-Poison Eliminator Elixir.  If you click on each of the  hyperlinks, you will find out more about why these individual parts of the Dandelion are in these particular products.  

In addition to their phenomenal internal healing properties, the Flowers and stems (wherein the highly healing "dandelion juice" is situated) are also renown for their skin-repairing and rejuvenating properties.  So, each year I dry them in my dehydrator, as well as the leaves, and they are used as part of the Herbal Infusion I make for the Natural Skincare Range. 

And, finally, I also add a few dried Dandelion Flowers and Leaves to my special "Love" Tea I make for guests, which also contains dried rose petals; rosebay willow herb; dehydrated rosehips; cleavers; lady's mantle and mint.  

Here are some interesting facts about Dandelions:-

• There are many varieties of dandelion; however,  the common dandelion, which  is scientifically known as Taraxacum Officinale. is believed to have evolved about 30 million years ago in Eurasia.
• Dandelion, which literally translates into “lion’s tooth” in French, is rich in vitamin-A, C, iron and calcium and detoxifiers, which explains its common inclusion in medicines. Dandelion contains high levels of potassium, is a rich source of iron and vitamins, and, ounce for ounce, contains more carotene than carrots.
• Dandelion greens contain 7,000 units of Vitamin A per ounce. This is so high one author said it should make a carrot blush!
• It is important to realize that there is always a vitamin A deficiency in a person found to have cancer.
• The Chinese have used Dandelion for breast cancer for over a thousand years. Inulin, one of the major chemicals in Dandelion, is currently being studied extensively for its immuno-stimulatory functions.
• In testing it against cancer, it has been shown to be active against two tumour systems, by stimulating the actions of the white cells.”
• The list of cancer-fighting nutrients in dandelions is quite long ​
• In l979, Japanese researchers found a dandelion extract – since then patented [I assume it was the extraction process that was patented] – which inhibits Erlich ascites cancer cells.”
• Despite the health benefits of dandelions, they are traditionally more popular as ornamental flowering plants than as medicine, because the flowers of dandelions look brilliant and are frequently seen in gardens and parks.

The health benefits of dandelion:-

• Dandelion Root - strengthens the liver and used to treat liver disorders
• Dandelion Juice - Relieves and potentially heals Diabetes
• The Whole Plant - relieves urinary disorders
• Dandelion Juice - treats acne
• Dandelion Root - treats jaundice
• Whole Plant - treats cancer
• Whole Plant - treats anaemia
• Whole Plant - treats maintains bone health
• Dandelion Juice and Flowers - fabulous for skin care
• Whole Dandelion is beneficial to helping excess weight to leave the body

Expanding on the above points.......

Bone Health:  Dandelions are  rich in calcium, which is essential for the growth and strength of bones, and they are rich in antioxidants like vitamin-C and Luteolin, which protect bones from age-related damage. This inevitable damage is often due to free radicals, and is frequently seen as bone frailty, weakness, and decreased density.

Liver Disorders:  Dandelions can help the liver in many ways. They contain antioxidants, including vitamin-C and Luteolin, which keep the liver functioning in optimal gear and protect it from ageing.  There are also other compounds in dandelions, which help to treat haemorrhaging in the liver. Furthermore, dandelions aid in maintaining the proper flow of bile, while also stimulating the liver and promoting digestion. Proper digestion can reduce the chances of constipation, which in turn reduces the risk of more serious gastrointestinal issues.

Diabetes:  Dandelion juice can help diabetic patients by stimulating the production of insulin from the pancreas, thereby keeping the blood sugar level low.  Since dandelions are diuretic in nature, they increase urination in diabetic patients, which helps remove the excess sugar from the body. Diabetics are also prone to renal problems, so the diuretic properties of dandelion can help removing the sugar deposition in the kidneys through increased urination. Furthermore, dandelion juice is slightly bitter to taste, which effectively lowers the sugar level in the blood, as all bitter substances do. Consistently lower blood sugar and a more regulated system of insulin release prevents dangerous spikes and plunges for diabetic patients, so dandelion extracts can be a perfect solution!

Urinary Disorders:   Dandelions are highly diuretic in nature, so they help eliminate deposits of toxic substances in the kidneys and the urinary tract. The disinfectant properties of dandelions also inhibit microbial growth in the urinary system.  In fact, the diuretic properties of dandelions are so strong that in France, the flower is also called “pissenlit”  which means “urinate in bed”

Skin Care:  Dandelion sap, also known as dandelion milk, is useful in treating skin diseases which are caused by microbial and fungal infections.  This treatment stems from the fact that the sap is highly alkaline and has germicidal, insecticidal and fungicidal properties. You should be careful while using this sap, and avoid any contact with the eyes.  This sap can be used on itches, ringworm, eczema, and other skin conditions without the risk of side effects or hormonal disturbances commonly caused by pharmaceutical skin treatments.

Acne:  Dandelion juice is a good detoxifier, diuretic, stimulant and antioxidant. These four properties make it a great treatment for acne.   Before we know how it treats acne, we must know what causes it. Acne typically arises during the teenage years, when the body undergoes many physiological and hormonal changes. The flood of new hormones that bring about the changes in the body must be regulated, but if they don’t remain at a healthy ratio, they tend to deposit somewhat toxic substances into the body. These toxins tend to come out along with sweat through the sweat glands or sebaceous glands on the skin.  During these hormonal changes, these glands secrete more oils which, when mixed with dead skin, block the pores and the secretion of toxins is obstructed. Therefore, the toxic substances cannot escape and eventually result in acne. This situation is exacerbated by the microbial infections on the affected places. Dandelion juice, being a stimulant, diuretic and detoxifier in nature, can help regulate proper secretion of hormones, increase sweating and widen the pores. All of these factors help to facilitate the removal of toxins through sweat and urine.  Furthermore, dandelion sap, if externally applied to areas with acne, can inhibit microbial infection and reduce the frustrating signs of acne. Also, it can speed up healing due to its vitamin-C content, so the scars and ugly red inflammation that traditionally follows acne treatment will be less noticeable.

Weight Loss:  Our urine consists of up to 4% fat, so the more we urinate, the more water and fats are lost from the body.  Dandelions, being diuretic in nature, promotes urination and thereby helps lose the dreaded “water weight” without causing any side effects. Furthermore, dandelions are low in calories, like most leafy greens, but for the small expense of calories (~1oo cal./4 cups), you get a huge amount of beneficial side effects. This is also why dandelions are sometimes used as sweeteners, because they are not packed with unhealthy sugars.

Cancer:  Dandelions are high in antioxidants, such as vitamin-C and Luteolin, which reduce the free radicals (major cancer-causing agents) in the body, thereby including the risk of cancer.  It also detoxifies the body, which further helps protect from the development of tumours and various cancers.  Luteolin actually poisons essential components of cancer cells when it binds to them, rendering them ineffective and unable to reproduce. This characteristic has been demonstrated most notably with prostate cancer, although there are other studies being done.

Jaundice:  Jaundice is primarily a disorder of the liver in which the organ starts overproducing bile, which ultimately enters the bloodstream and wreaks havoc on the body’s metabolism. The excess bile is also reflected through colour of the skin, and eyes, which typically develop a yellow tint. The treatment of jaundice includes three main steps. First, you need to curb the production of bile. Second, you must remove the excess bile from the body, and third, you have to fight the underlying viral infection.  Dandelions are very helpful in all of these steps.  It promotes liver health and regulates bile production. Being diuretic in nature, it promotes urination, where the excess bile can be eliminated.
Finally, as an antioxidant and disinfectant due to the presence of vitamin-C and Luteolin, it fights viral infections as well. It is most beneficial when taken with sugar cane juice, since it replaces the sugar in the body that is significantly lowered due to the impact of excess bile. A lack of sugar can cause extreme fatigue and weakness, so dandelions help boost your energy levels after infection!

Gall Bladder Disorders:  Dandelions are very beneficial for the gallbladder and liver, because they improve their general functioning, protects them from ill effects of oxidants and infections, and regulates the various secretions from both organs.

Constipation:  Certain components of dandelion, namely the high levels of dietary fibre, make it a beneficial aid for digestion and proper intestinal health. Dietary fibre stimulates healthy bowel movements by adding bulk to stool, and also reduces chances of constipation as well as diarrhoea.  It regulates bowel movements, which can prevent more serious gastrointestinal issues. It is commonly prescribed for children who are experiencing constipation, as it is relatively soothing on the stomach. It has also been used to stimulate the appetite, particularly following trauma or surgery.

Anaemia:  Dandelions have relatively good levels of iron, vitamins and protein content. While iron is the integral part of haemoglobin in the blood, vitamins like vitamin-B and protein are essential for the formation of red blood cells and certain other components of the blood.  This way dandelion can help anaemic people keep their condition in check.

High Blood Pressure: Urination is an effective way of lowering blood pressure. In fact, most of the modern medicines for lowering blood pressure are based on this phenomenon. Dandelion juice, being diuretic in nature, increases urination, both in quantity and frequency. Therefore, it helps lower high blood pressure.  The fibre in dandelion is also helpful in reducing cholesterol and thereby assists in lowering blood pressure, since cholesterol is one of the factors that increases blood pressure.  Finally, there is the high potassium content of dandelions, which is very effective in lowering blood pressure by replacing sodium.

Other Benefits:  Dandelions can also be used as a vegetable and is a good source of fibre. It promotes digestion, and in the past, it was used to treat scurvy, because of its high levels of vitamin-C. It also has healing effects on dyspepsia, infections in the stomach, intestines and urinary system.

A Few Words of Warning - applies to using the physical plant, rather than herbal tinctures or flower essences: Dandelions can be helpful to diabetics by lowering blood sugar, but for patients already taking blood-sugar modulators, this can result in hypoglycaemia, an equally dangerous condition. Consult your doctor before adding dandelion supplements on top of your normal treatment. Also, the milk sap of dandelions has been known to cause itchiness, irritation, or allergic reactions on the skin, and should be kept away from the eyes. Finally, there is a rare type of fibre in dandelions called inulin, and some people have a predisposed sensitivity or allergy to it which can be quite severe. When first adding dandelion greens to your diet in any way, start small and closely monitor your body’s response. Other than that, pick some delicious dandelion greens and get healthy!

To experience Dandelion in an Elixir click HERE

It can also be used on its own, in gem elixir form, as part of a Bespoke Preparation, or in conjunction with other gem; flower and herbal  elixirs that you feel drawn to.   For a full list of all Gem Essences available, click here, and for the full listing of the flower and herbal essences, click here.  
​To access all of Emily Jane's Energy Sprays, Healing Creams and Drops, click here