Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Botanical Description

  • Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)
  • Common Names: Dandelion, Lion’s Tooth, Priest’s Crown, Puffball, Wet-the-Bed
  • Parts Used: Leaves, Roots, Flowers, and Sap
  • Habitat: Grows abundantly in meadows, pastures, gardens, and roadsides throughout the UK and Isle of Man.

Dandelion is a highly nutritious and medicinal plant, valued for its detoxifying, diuretic, and digestive properties. It has been used in traditional medicine, equine and canine care, and folklore for centuries.

Equine Use of Dandelion

Benefits for Horses

Dandelion is a valuable herb for horses, particularly for:

  1. Liver & Detox Support – Aids detoxification and bile production.
  2. Diuretic & Kidney Health – Helps with fluid retention and swollen legs.
  3. Digestive Support – Stimulates appetite and gut motility.
  4. Anti-Inflammatory – Beneficial for arthritis and metabolic issues.
  5. Hoof & Coat Health – High mineral content supports strong hooves and a glossy coat.

Administration for Horses

  • Dandelion Tea: Brew strong tea and add 1–2 cups to drinking water.
  • Poultice: Crushed fresh leaves can be applied to wounds or swollen joints.

⚠ Precautions

  • Diuretic effect – Ensure horses have access to fresh water.
  • Avoid in horses with kidney disease unless advised by a vet.
  • Introduce gradually to avoid digestive upset.

Canine Use of Dandelion

Benefits for Dogs

Dandelion is a safe and beneficial herb for dogs, particularly for:

  1. Liver & Detox Support – Assists bile production and liver function.
  2. Diuretic for Kidney & Urinary Health – Helps with UTIs and fluid retention.
  3. Digestive Aid – Stimulates appetite and gut health.
  4. Anti-Inflammatory for Skin & Joints – Useful for arthritis and skin irritations.
  5. Blood Sugar & Metabolic Support – Beneficial for diabetic or overweight dogs.

Administration for Dogs

  • Dandelion Tea: 1–2 teaspoons added to food or water.
  • Poultice/Wash: Dandelion tea can be used as a skin rinse for itchy skin.

⚠ Precautions

  • Mild diuretic – Ensure access to fresh water.
  • Avoid if dog has gallbladder issues or kidney disease.
  • Introduce slowly to assess tolerance.

UK & Isle of Man Folklore of Dandelion

Dandelion has a rich history in British and Manx folklore, often linked to divination, protection, and healing.

UK Folklore

  • Wish-Making Herb – Blowing dandelion seeds was believed to carry wishes to the fairies.
  • Weather Prediction – Dandelion flowers close before rain, leading to their use in forecasting the weather.
  • Healing & Blood Purification – Used in spring tonics to cleanse the blood after winter.

Isle of Man Folklore

  • "Fairy Clock" Plant – Manx children would blow on the seed heads to tell the time or predict future events.
  • Protective Charm – Dandelions were sometimes placed near doorways to ward off evil spirits.
  • Fertility & Abundance Symbol – Because dandelions grow prolifically, they were associated with fertility, prosperity, and rebirth.

Detox

Digestion

Inflamation

Wellbeing

Couch Grass (Elymus repens) Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)