Dandelion Leaf - Taraxacum officinale

Medicinal Uses:
Dandelion Leaves are a tonic for the kidneys. They are a great cleansing herb to use in spring cleansing diets, as they are strongly diuretic and help to flush out all metabolic wastes from the joints and tissues. The leaves can be used as a supportive remedy for arthritis, gout, and rheumatism, as well as to relieve water retention due to heart problems. It is unique in its property of replacing the potassium that is washed away with the urine, as the leaves themselves are very rich in potassium, so no shortage can result. The bitterness present in parts of the plant stimulates the stomach and the digestive juices, though the roots are more specific for this use.

Magical Uses:
Children divine all kinds of oracles by blowing on the seeds - depending on how often they have to blow until the last seed has been taken by the wind they determine the time of day, the number of years until one will be married, how many children one might be blessed with etc. This use of Dandelion as a flower clock certainly explains kid's odd sense of timing. In the old days, Dandelion was an important herb in spring rites, many of which were cleansing and protection rituals. It was included in the 9 herb bundle and it was considered essential to eat Dandelion on Maundy Thursday in order to prevent sickness for the rest of the year. Dandelion is a herb of prosperity, health, and protection, and anyone would do well to honor it.

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