THE HEALING POWER OF DANDELION ROOT
Dandelion is somewhat of a secret weapon in the healing plant world. From the roots to the leaves and flowers, the entire dandelion plant is medicinal. Used widely in herbal traditions, this magical plant helps restore and cleanse our body's systems. We spoke to Clinical Herbalist Caitlin Covington from Flora Stone to share more about this abundant plant and shed light on its healing properties. Here's what she had to say…
Dandelion is a plant we all know. Its golden-yellow flowers emerge from lawns, parks, and wildlands. After flowering, the plant forms the “puffball” (in botany the proper term is pappus) we all blew our wishes into as children. Little did we know, this wish-blowing was actually spreading the plant’s seeds to ensure the growth of future blooms. It is no coincidence that this plant grows prolifically all over the world because everyone can benefit from the medicine of this plant. We can thank mother nature later for spreading this medicinal plant far and wide.
NATURE'S MEDICINE
Any herbalist will tell you this plant is a true panacea. Every part of the dandelion is beneficial and is widely used in herbal traditions from around the world as a medicine and as a food source. Dandelion provides a gentle cleansing effect on the kidneys, gallbladder, and liver; while also acting as a digestive aid due to its slightly bitter flavour. This herbal medicine is safe for all ages, from young children to the elderly.
"Dandelion provides a gentle cleansing effect on the kidneys, gallbladder, and liver; while also acting as a digestive aid due to its slightly bitter flavour."
As a Clinical Herbalist, I use this plant to treat a variety of conditions, from indigestion and constipation to acne and eczema. The roots are wonderful for liver stagnation appearing as acne and digestive sluggishness. The leaves are nature’s perfect bitter green that also has a mild diuretic effect. The fresh young flower petals make a lovely colourful addition to salads. As you can see, this plant has a wide variety of uses. Dandelion is a safe and gentle plant that makes a great herbal medicine for beginners to try at home.
A HEALING CUP OF DANDI CHAI
Calmer Sutra’s award winning Dandi Chai is a wonderful way to receive the medicine of the dandelion while savouring your daily cup of chai. The delicious inclusion of dandelion root in Dandi Chai creates a wonderful caffeine-free cuppa that can be sipped all day. With an earthy spiced flavour it is very palatable for even chai newbies. If you are undertaking any sort of springtime cleansing or detox this is an ideal tea to simultaneously avoid the overstimulation of caffeine as well as gently cleanse the body. I would suggest enjoying it with a splash of your milk of choice or black if you prefer a more robust flavour.
Caitlin Covington is a qualified clinical herbalist, energy worker and founder of Flora Stone Apothecary. Trained under the tutelage of traditional healers and scientific-based clinicians in California, her work combines the intuitive with the scientific to achieve healing at a core root level. Her clinical practice based in Melbourne focuses on using herbal medicine, flower essences and ceremony as a gateway for healing, transformation, and empowerment.
She works one on one with clients to achieve greater states of health in the realms of menstruation, pregnancy, preconception/postpartum, hormonal balancing, detoxification, digestive issues and emotional/spiritual issues.
Caitlin Covington’s studies of herbal and spiritual medicine have spanned over 10 years and she continues to seek further education and connection throughout her practice.