Dandelion
Pierre-Joseph Redoute (1759 - 1840)
Pissenlit Dent-De-Lion.
10 1/2 by 14 1/2 inches
This plate is by Redoute from the first illustrated edition of Jean Jacques Rousseau's "La Botanique de J.J. Rousseau, ornee de soixante-cinq planches, imprimes en couleurs d' apres les peintures de P.J. Redoute." Published in Paris in 1805, the plates are Stipple-engraved , printed in color and finished by hand. [Todd Cooper Antique Maps & Prints]-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Neglected Beauty of the Dandelion
Lawns and grassy patches are now covered with dandelions. The dark, mustard yellow flower brightens up the outdoors, and shows us that we are in the full swing of spring. The name dandelion comes from the French dent de lion (lion's tooth), which became the anglicized dandelion we call it. The name refers to the jagged leaves. But I think the petals also look like the long, sharp canine teeth of a wild animal.
The dandelion is a bright, but ungainly flower. Perhaps that is why no-one has written an ode to this plant (unlike the daffodil, which competes for space and attention with this neglected weed in the over-crowded lawns of spring).
Walt Whitman wrote The First Dandelion, but it is a mere four lines compared to the four verses of William Wordsworth's Daffodils.
The First DandelionWilliam Wordsworth does mention the dandelion (and not even its flower but its seed) in his poem A Narrow Girdle of Rough Stones and Crags
By Walt Whitman
Simple and fresh and fair from winter's close emerging,
As if no artifice of fashion, business, politics, had ever been,
Forth from its sunny nook of shelter'd grass--innocent, golden, calm as the dawn,
The spring's first dandelion shows its trustful face.
[Source: The Walt Whitman Archive]
Not seldom did we stop to watch some tuftEmily Dickenson wrote two verses, more a loud proclamation of the coming spring rather than a subtle ode to its beauty:
Of dandelion seed or thistle's beard,
That skimmed the surface of the dead calm lake,
Suddenly halting now--a lifeless stand!
The Dandelion's pallid tubeThe dandelion's crowning glory is its seed head, ready to be dispersed by a small gust of wind, or the puff of a child ever enchanted by this unexpected surprise.
By: Emily Dickenson
The Dandelion's Pallid Ttube
Astonishes the Grass,
And Winter instantly becomes
An infinite Alas --
The tube uplifts a signal Bud
And then a shouting Flower, --
The Proclamation of the Suns
That sepulture is o'er.
[Source: American Poems]
Dandelions are considered weeds, yet they have numerous positive qualities.
The University of Maryland Medical Center has the following on the dandelion:
Overview:Lions, priests and crowns. This small flower does keep good company.
While many people think of the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) as a pesky weed, herbalists consider it a valuable herb that can be used as a food and medicine. Dandelion is a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Dandelion leaves are used to add flavor to salads, sandwiches, and teas. The roots are used in some coffee substitutes, and the flowers are used to make wines.
Traditionally, dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver problems. Native Americans also boiled dandelion in water and took it to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn, and upset stomach. In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion has been used to treat stomach problems, appendicitis, and breast problems, such as inflammation or lack of milk flow. In Europe, it was used in remedies for fever, boils, eye problems, diabetes, and diarrhea.
So far, there have not been any good quality scientific studies on dandelion. Today, the roots are mainly used as an appetite stimulant, and for liver and gallbladder problems. Dandelion leaves are used as a diuretic to help the body get rid of excess fluid.
Plant Description:
Hundreds of species of dandelion grow in the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Dandelion is a hardy perennial that can grow to a height of nearly 12 inches. Dandelions have deeply notched, toothy, spatula-like leaves that are shiny and hairless. Dandelion stems are capped by bright yellow flowers. The grooved leaves funnel rain to the root.
Dandelion flowers open with the sun in the morning and close in the evening or during gloomy weather. The dark brown roots are fleshy and brittle and are filled with a white milky substance that is bitter and slightly smelly.
Parts Used:
Dandelion leaves act as a diuretic, increasing the amount of urine the body produces. The leaves are used to stimulate the appetite and help digestion. Dandelion flower has antioxidant properties. Dandelion may also help improve the immune system.
Herbalists use dandelion root to detoxify the liver and gallbladder, and dandelion leaves to support kidney function.
Medicinal Uses and Indications:
Traditionally, dandelion has been used a diuretic, to increase the amount of urine the body produces in order to get rid of excess fluid. It has been used for many conditions where a diuretic might help, such as liver problems and high blood pressure. However, there is no good research on using dandelion as a diuretic in people.
Fresh or dried dandelion herb is also used as a mild appetite stimulant and to improve upset stomach. The root of the dandelion plant may act as a mild laxative and has been used to improve digestion. There is some very preliminary research that suggests dandelion may help improve liver and gallbladder function, but the study was not well designed.
Some preliminary animal studies also suggest that dandelion may help normalize blood sugar levels and lower total cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL, "good," cholesterol in diabetic mice. But not all the animal studies have found a positive effect on blood sugar. Human studies are needed to see if dandelion would work in people.
A few animal studies also suggest that dandelion might help fight inflammation.
Alternative Names:
Lion's tooth; Priest's crown; Swine's snout; Taraxacum officinale. [More information at the University of Marylyand's website]
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Posted By: Kidist P. Asrat
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