Tonic Tuesdays: Dandelion

This week’s tonic herb is the dandelion plant (Taraxacum officinale). I wanted to write about this plant because lately I’m reminded of it every time I step outside. It seems to be able to survive everywhere, but not only does it survive, it thrives! It has bright green leaves, a vibrant yellow flower and a strong, long root that perseveres in many gardens. In short, the dandelion is a plant that we see often, but frequently don’t recognize for its beneficial properties.

Let’s start with a little history. The dandelion plant was cultivated and revered by early European settlers. It was quick and easy to grow and considered a cure-all tonic for common ailments. In 1831, the dandelion plant was incorporated into the U.S. Pharmacopoaia as a broad spectrum tonic but with the development of allopathic medicines in the following years its usage slipped to the sidelines. Recently, the dandelion has come back into the spotlight as alternative methods gain favour.

The Leaves

The dandelion plant can be broken into two parts; the leaves and the root. The green leaves are referred to as a bitter tonic; a tonic that stimulates digestion and settles the stomach. These tonics are traditionally consumed before a meal in order to stimulate gastric secretions and improve nutrient absorption. The dandelion leaf is also a potent diuretic, which increases urination and aids in the removal of waste from the body. By flushing waste, dandelion gently cleanses the liver, kidneys and digestive tract thereby increasing function and performance.

Nutrient Content

Dandelion leaves are packed with nutrients. One cup of chopped leaves contains over twice the amount of protein, vitamin A, vitamin C and calcium to that of spinach. It is also rich in iron, potassium, magnesium and folate. The impressive nutrient content of this herb has brought it into organic markets and restaurants as a unique and healthy addition to soups and salads.  For your dog, small additions of this herb will promote overall health and harmony within the body. The best methods are finely chopped, pureed or steeped. They are bitter, so mix well with the food or soak in a broth for added palatability. The best time of year to harvest dandelion greens is in the spring when they are fresh and sweet (sort of). For long term storage, you can dry them out and use the dried flakes in a steeped broth or in their crumbled form. Remember to be sure they are completely dry and free from mold.

The Root

Conversely, the root of this plant is best harvested in the late fall when all of the nutrients have concentrated in the ground. Dandelion root is a fantastic liver tonic as it gently stimulates bile production and increases circulation within the liver. As the liver is the primary organ for filtration, supporting it will boost your dogs energy and immune system. Clean your harvested roots thoroughly and serve fresh or dried. Remember that dogs cannot breakdown cell walls so be sure to thoroughly pulverize the plant in order to free its nutrients.  

The most important thing to remember about dandelion is that they are safe to use. Your dog cannot overdose, however, when supplying any herb to a diet use common sense. Only small additions are required to provide healthful benefits, whereas large amounts could be refused or cause digestive upsets (just like they would for us!). Don’t forget to add some of these fabulous herbs to your meal as well!

For a great dandelion salad recipe (for humans!)

For the complete nutrient content of dandelion click here