spellsofcraft:

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

Other Names Common
Dandelion, Lion’s Tooth, Priest’s Crown, Pu Gong Ying, Swine’s Snout, Dent de
Lion Dandelion

External Uses

The fresh juice of
Dandelion is applied externally to fight bacteria and help heal wounds. The
plant has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphococcus
aureus, pneumococci, meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, C.
diphtheriae, proteus. The latex contained in the plant sap can be used to
remove corns and warts.

Internal Uses

Dandelion is also used
for the treatment of the gall bladder, kidney and urinary disorders,
gallstones, jaundice, cirrhosis, hypoglycemia, dyspepsia with constipation,
edema associated with high blood pressure and heart weakness, chronic joint and
skin complaints, gout, eczema and acne. As a tonic, Dandelion strengthens the
kidneys. An infusion of the root encourages the steady elimination of toxins
from the body. Dandelion is a powerful diuretic but does not deplete the body
of potassium.

Research is revealing
that the many constituents of Dandelion including Taraxacin, Taraxacoside,
Inulin, Phenolic acids, Sesquiterpene lactones, Triterpenes, Coumarins,
Catortenoids and Minerals, mainly Potassium and calcium, are very valuable in
curing a number of disorders and illnesses. Dandelion is traditionally used as
a tonic and blood purifier, for constipation, inflammatory skin conditions,
joint pain, eczema and liver dysfunction, including liver conditions such as
hepatitis and jaundice.

Other Uses

When placed in a
paper bag with unripe fruit, the flowers and leaves of Dandelion release
ethylene gas ripening the fruit quickly. A liquid plant food is made from the
root and leaves. A dark red dye is obtained from Dandelion root. A cosmetic
skin lotion made from the appendages at the base of the leaf blades distilled
in water, is used to clear the skin and is effective in fading freckles.

Uses:

Dandelion Sap for
Warts
Calluses
Corns
Rough skin

Dandelion salad for
Sluggish liver
Constipation
Urinary problems
Fluid retention

Dandelion tincture for
Skin problems
Sluggish liver
Constipation
Urinary problems
Fluid retention
Arthritis
Gout
Hangovers
Chronic illness

Dandelion flower infused oil for
Muscle tension
Muscle aches
Stiff necks
Arthritis

Magickal Uses

Gender: Masculine
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Air
Deity: Hecate
Power: Divination, wishes, calling spirits

Drink dandelion tea or coffee to promote psychic powers. Leave a cup of this hot infusion by the bed to call spirits.

Dandelion Coffee:

Dig up the roots, trim off the leaves and stems and any small rootlets. Wash off the earth and scrub the roots well, leave them in a warm place to drain and dry. Cut any larger roots in half and into short lengths, spread the pieces on a shallow roasting tin and bake in a hot oven (400F, 200C, Gas 6) for 30 minutes until the roots are brown and dry all through. Allow to cool then grind. Spread the grounds on the roasting tin and roast them for 7 minutes in a moderate oven (350F, 180C, Gas 4). Put 5-6 tablespoons grounds in a warm jub, pour on 500ml/2 cups/1 pint boiling water, stir and stand for 30 minutes. Strain into a pan and re-heat.

Dandelion Fizz

Gather the dandelion flowers in the sun, when they are fully open. The drink is very mildly alcoholic, sweet and quenching.

1 litre/5 cups prepared dandelion flowers
1 ½ litres/4 ½ US quarts water
1 kilo/4 cups sugar
2 lemons

Trim the stalks from the flowers, but leave the green sepals on and discard any overblown flowers or unopened buds. The prepared dandelions should fill a 1 litre/5 cups measure when gently pressed down.

Wash the flowers in a colander and tip them into an earthenware, enamel or plastic container preferably with a well fitting lid. Pour the boiling water on to the dandelions, cover the vessel with a lid, board or weighted plate and leave to stand for 12 hours.

Strain the liquid through a double thickness of muslin into a large saucepan. Add the sugar and the pared rind and juice of the lemons. Heat gently and stir until the sugar has dissolved, but do not allow to boil. Strain the liquid into jugs and leave to cool. Pour into clean, dry bottles with strong screw caps. Store in a cool, dark place. The brew is ready to rink in three or four weeks.