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Registered Medical Herbalist
Luzia Barclay
DBTh MIRCH
Tel: 01722 330663

Dandelion - Herbs for Healing Newsletter

26-04-2011
A newsletter in association with the Sturminster Newton Transition Town Group. Part of the Transition Town Network.

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I run a number of workshops in the local area, book online here or email me.
During April and May our fields, gardens and paths are aglow with bright yellow dandelion heads. In French the name means ‘tooth of a lion’ (dent de lion) due to the indentations along the leaf. The flowers open as soon as the sun rises and close again late afternoon or when clouds cover the sun. It is a hardy plant with a long taproot, generally not welcomed by gardeners who consider it a weed.

One man’s weed is another man’s medicine or food. High in vitamin A, B, C and D, the vitamin A content is greater than that of carrots.

Research suggests that dandelion root may improve the health and function of natural bacteria in the digestive system.

Dandelion is known as the king of the liver and kidney plants with far reaching consequences for the health of the whole body. It is a bitter tasting plant and ‘Bitters’ have been used for centuries in many countries as a help for digestion, especially after a large meal.

Pharmaceutical diuretics (‘water tablets’) often cause a loss of potassium, which can be harmful to the heart. Dandelion as a natural diuretic increases urine production by promoting the excretion of salts and water from the kidneys.

Its leaves however have been found to contain a larger amount of potassium than is usual in green plants.

After consuming this plant the body gains potassium and loses sodium, which is of benefit to people with high blood pressure.
Dandelion - April 2011 Newsletter
Herbs For Healing Newsletter - Dandelion (or Lion’s Tooth). High in vitamin A, B, C and D, the vitamin A content is greater than that of carrots. A natural diuretic which increases urine production by promoting the excretion of salts and water from the
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