Dandelions aren't just pesky little weeds out to ruin your yard, they are actually useful sources of natural medicine.
Latin Name: Taraxacum officinale
Planetary Ruler: Jupiter
Element: Air
Magical Uses:
If you call on the deity Diancecht when working with dandelions she will help you in healing spells. Calling on Bridget, mean while, will help you in spells of divination. The dandelion can also be used in wish spells and spells involving the invocation of spirits. Drinking dandelion tea is also said to help promote psychic visions.
The flowers can also be used to adorn the alter during Sabbat celebrations.
Medicinal Uses:
Dandelions are good for the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen, and digestive systems. They can also help with inflammation in patients with hepatitis and cirrhosis. They are also good for gallstone problems. The dandelion is also high in vitamins A and C and contain iron.
A cup of dandelion tea (made by boiling the leaves) each day can help with the areas and organs mentioned above.
The white secretions from the stems can be used to cure acne, warts, bee stings, sores, and calluses.
You can also dry and roast the roots to make dandelion coffee, which is much healthier for you than regular coffee.
My grandfather actually used to make dandelion wine using the flower tops. According to my father, the brew was quite good. I’ve never drank any myself, so I don’t know how true that is.
Folklore:
In myths, the dandelion was used by the doctors of the fairy realm to heal wounds and other injuries. Leprechauns were also said to use fields of dandelions to confuse humans.
Oh, yes, dandelions have always been used for various illnesses for centuries! The leaves made into teas, roots for all sorts of medicines, and the flowers make a very nice tasting wine; not very powerful, but enough to get you tipsy!
