These days many of us may recognize dandelions as pesky weeds – a predatory plant that bullies its way into our gardens, spoiling the earth with its seed.
However, dandelions are also one of the most common weeds on the planet, which means that they have had a significant impact on the history of our world for thousands of years.
Dandelions have become a recurring symbol throughout history, being associated with various cultures and countries.
During its long and interesting life, the dandelion has been the subject of legends, medicines, superstitions and cuisines.
And if you have ever wanted to know more about these unique and fascinating plants, then you’ve come to the right place.
Down below we have written an informative guide that covers everything you need to know about the dandelion – from its history to its benefits and uses. So why not take a look and learn more about these amazing plants.
Etymology
The dandelion is a weed that has existed on our planet for thousands of years and in that time we can assume it has taken on many titles and names.
But for this particular article, we are going to examine both the plant’s Latin and common names.
The Latin name of the dandelion is the Taraxacum Officinale, a title that draws its origins from several different cultures and languages. The word Taraxacum seems to originate from two very different parts of the world.
For example, the word Taraxacum bears a great resemblance to the Arabic word ‘ tarakhshagog’ – which translated into English means ‘bitter verb’.
Taraxacum can also trace its origins to the Mediterranean, where the word can be related to the Greek ‘tarasso’ – a word that means ‘disturb’ when translated into English.
The word Officinale comes from the Latin language, where it is often associated with various species of plant. When translated into English, the word can mean ‘medicinal’ or ‘of the apothecaries’.
The term is widely used to describe plants that were once primarily harvested for their medicinal purposes.
The common name of the dandelion stems from a more regionally specific origin – with the word being an English corruption of the French language.
Once upon a time, the zig-zagging leaves of the dandelion were considered to bear a striking resemblance to the teeth of a lion. Because of this, the French referred to the weed as ‘Dents de lion’ – a title that means teeth of the lion.
Species
The geographical origins of the dandelion can be difficult to define, as the plant seems to have a footing in most countries around the world.
Some botanical experts believe that the dandelion first originated in the Mediterranean, as it was widely known among the Greeks and Romans. While others believe that certain species of the plant are indigenous to the North American continent.
Although this could have been the result of European settlers growing the weed for its medicinal purposes.
Today, modern botanists have identified 250 species of the dandelion weed – with some growing across multiple countries.
Although we would love to detail the properties of each species, we have instead compiled a selection of the most common varieties found around the world.
Common Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) – Known for its bright yellow flowers, this particular plant is often considered a weed by modern gardeners. However, the common dandelion has various culinary and medicinal purposes.
Red-Seeded Dandelion (Taraxacum Erythrospermum) – Found across Europe and North America, this particular dandelion is often mistaken for the common species. However, the red-seeded dandelion is distinguished by its reddish stems.
Japanese Dandelion (Taraxacum Albidum) – Native to southern Japan, this dandelion can be found growing in meadows and by roadsides. It resembles the common dandelion but is distinguished by its white blooms, which often attract butterflies.
Russian Dandelion (Taraxacum Kok-Saghyz) – Found in the mountains of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, this dandelion looks very similar to the common variety. However, its leaves are much thicker and are known to have a greyish hue.
Pink Dandelion (Taraxacum Pseudorosuem) – Similar in appearance to the common dandelion, the pink dandelion sports pastel pink flowers with a yellow centre. The plant can be found growing in meadows across central Asia.
California Dandelion (Taraxacum Califoricum) – Native to the San Bernardino mountains, this wildflower is distinguished by its pale yellow foliage. Sadly, this particular dandelion is also endangered due to the constant threat of urbanization.
Mythology
Although we have already explored the dandelion’s etymology, the plant is still known by various names and titles.
For example, if you grew up in Britain, then chances are you knew the dandelion by a very particular nickname – the pee-a-bed.
Dandelions have existed for thousands of years, and in that time they have become the subject of superstition and myth – with the most infamous being the dandelion’s magical ability to make you wet the bed.
But is there any truth to this particular dandelion legend?
Well, if you can believe it, this particular dandelion superstition is very much rooted in the world of reality. In various cultures across the world, dandelions were once used as a herbal remedy for ailments of the liver and kidneys.
This is because dandelions have natural diuretic properties, which means they are capable of expelling harmful fluids from the body.
This effectively means that dandelions can make you wet the bed, although this can only be accomplished by ingesting the plant and its leaves.
Consuming dandelions for their beneficial properties is something that can be seen throughout various cultures and legends.
For example, in Greco-Roman mythology the dandelion was often portrayed as a source of great power, being associated with goddesses such as Aphrodite and Hecate.
In some Greek myths, dandelions were consumed for this power, with Theseus eating huge amounts of the weed before going to fight the Minotaur – a creature that was said to be half man and half bull.
Although we cannot attest to the existence of mythological creatures, it is stories like this that demonstrate how long we have understood the beneficial properties of the dandelion weed.
Uses
Dandelions have been used for their medicinal properties for thousands of years, with the weed even being a staple ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine.
Although ancient physicians understood very little about vitamins and nutrients, they did recognize that the dandelion was capable of reducing a host of different illnesses and problems.
As we previously mentioned, dandelions have strong diuretic capabilities, which means they can prove very effective when used to treat a variety of different ailments.
In North America, Native Americans were known to use dandelions as a medicine for kidney diseases, swollen skin and stomach pain.
While in Chinese medicine, the root of the dandelion was used to create mixtures that could reduce appendicitis and breast problems (such as low milk flow and nipple inflammation).
Early documentation of European use, saw the dandelion being used to relieve boils, eye problems, fever, diarrhoea and even diabetes.
And we are still using dandelions for their medicinal purposes to this day! Now dandelions are used as key ingredients in various herbal medicines, which are often prescribed to treat mild digestive problems such as dyspepsia, flatulence and temporary loss of appetite.
But do dandelions hold other uses beyond their medicinal properties?
History
Well, history tells us that dandelions actually played a very important role during the Second World War. In 1942, Japan controlled 90% of the world’s natural rubber, setting American and European forces at a great disadvantage.
At the beginning of the war, the American army was using vast amounts of rubber to construct their military vehicles, such as tanks, battleships and planes.
It is estimated that the Americans were using almost half of the world’s rubber supply to further their war effort.
Germany was also a large consumer of natural rubber, having developed their Methyl rubber following the aftermath of the First World War.
Although Methyl rubber was perfect for making tires, it was incredibly expensive to produce and ridiculously soft. In fact, Methyl rubber was so soft that cars fitted with the substance had to be jacked up when not being driven.
Although Germany would eventually go on to produce a stronger synthetic rubber, the war only helped to drain resources and finances.
With rubber supplies running low, the Germans, Americans and Russians began funding programs designed to locate natural rubber resources.
And this is where the dandelions come in! Scientists discovered that Russian dandelions contained a milky white fluid inside their stems, which proved to be a natural source of rubber.
It was also discovered that the roots of the dandelion could also be used to produce a rubbery substance.
Unfortunately, once the war ended, and natural rubber became available again, efforts to use the dandelion to create rubber were discontinued.
However, this does not mean that dandelions have been forgotten in our attempt to source natural rubber.
Today there are several companies across America and Europe that are looking to dandelions as a viable alternative for natural rubber and latex.
And although prospects are looking positive, dandelion rubber has yet to be widely produced and released to the public.
Benefits
Even though dandelions are primarily used for their medicinal properties, this doesn’t mean that their benefits are limited to the world of herbal remedies.
Dandelions have been enjoyed in cultural cuisines for centuries, particularly in traditional Asian and European dishes. And they are still enjoyed and eaten today by countryside chefs and natural foragers.
As a cooking ingredient, dandelions are very nutritious and can provide various health benefits for you and your body.
The dandelion can be eaten almost in its entirety, with the stem being the only part of the plant that is considered inedible.
To help outline the different benefits of each part of the dandelion, we have compiled the following step-by-step guide.
The Flower: Let’s start at the beginning and discuss the benefits that come from eating the dandelion flower.
Dandelion flowers can add a floral and sweet touch to any meal and are particularly good when cooked into pancakes and other desserts.
The flowers can be eaten in a myriad of different ways, from being enjoyed raw to being fried and breaded.
When foraging or purchasing dandelions for cooking, we recommend using flowers that have large heads and are fully in bloom.
Dandelions flowers are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, such as A and B12. This means that dandelion flowers can strengthen your immune system and reduce the effects of ageing.
The Greens: Dandelion greens can be delicious and effective when added to a rustic salad or stew. Unlike the flowers, they can pretty much be enjoyed year-round and can be cooked in a variety of ways.
Young and tender greens are probably the best, which means you should forage them before the plant has begun to flower. Similar in texture to spinach, the greens can be creamed, chopped or sauteed for a delicious flavor.
Dandelion greens are brimming with decent amounts of potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C.
They are also packed with iron, calcium and magnesium, which means they are good for your bones and can even help to reduce blood pressure and water retention.
The Root: Dandelion roots are particularly favored in Asian cuisine, where they are used to flavor soups and stews.
Unfortunately, dandelion roots are probably the most labor-intensive part of the weed to prepare, as they require a digging tool to be fully removed from the earth.
Once you have obtained your dandelion roots, we recommend boiling them in hot water, as this will help to reduce their natural bitterness.
Dandelion roots come with their own unique and earthy flavor, which means they can be particularly delicious when paired with vegetables in a stew or broth.
In terms of benefits, dandelion roots have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce acne and other painful skin conditions. Dandelion root also contains a fiber called inulin, which harbours anti-diabetic properties.
This means that consuming dandelion roots can help prevent spikes in your sugar or insulin levels.
