Tuesday, April 2, 2013

dandelion, herb of the lion dentist

























The name, Dandelion, comes from the French, dent de lion
or tooth of the lion.  A couple common names in lore for this
herb are priest's crown, pig's snout, pee in the bed, fairy clock, 
clock, clock flowers, clocks and watches, farmers clocks, 
old mans clock, wetweed, blowball, cankerwort, puffball, and
wild endive.

The Dandelion, though not occurring in the Southern Hemisphere, 
is at home in all parts of the north temperate zone, in pastures, 
meadows and on waste ground, and is so plentiful that farmers 
everywhere find it a troublesome weed, for though its flowers 
are more conspicuous in the earlier months of the summer, 
it may be found in bloom, and consequently also prolifically 
dispersing its seeds, almost throughout the year. 
excerpt and more reading 
http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/d/dandel08.html

As a detoxification herb, it helps cleanse the liver by stimulating the 
production of bile and its flow to the gallbladder, one avenue through 
which the body naturally removes toxins.  Dandelion leaves are 
also a diuretic. Steep the roots to make dandelion tea, or add 
the leaves to salads.  Dandelion is simply one of those unglamorous 
weeds that you've been poisoning or pulling out of your garden 
and lawn, stepping over or on, and possibly tossing it aside.  
This beauty is one of the world's most powerful healing plants.
The entire weed  can build and maintain good health:
boost your immunity, strengthen your liver, help you build 
strong blood, counter colds and the flu, increase your vitality.
My first introduction to the hundreds of hidden magiks in our own 
backyards was by Susun S. Weed with her enormous steps 
to enlighten the populace. 
 
This green menagerie may have left our typical diet but maybe it was
hiding until we have found it again.  Wellness Mama is a superb source
to find out more on the dandelion. 

image My Pantry Shelf

image Lara Allport

installation Regine Ramseier


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