With Christmas weekend temps in the 70s, the plants and trees are feeling the call to bud and begin the process of what we recognize as Spring growth here in the Appalachian mountains.
I had a moment of concern for the plants, that perhaps this winter warmth would confuse their systems so that they might have issues when the calendar Spring arrives.
And then I thought of the dandelions, popping up in my yard with the bright sun that is shining today. They have no concern for what time of year we perceive it to be. They have no fear of the future, or what is to come. They simply receive the warmth, the suns rays, the rain that has fallen the last few days, and they grow. They shine bright and cheery and embrace the day. Winter or spring is of no concern to them.
Dandelion is so prevalent that humans tend to ignore it and even consider it a weed. This plant is complete medicine, from flower to root, all of it can be used medicinally and/or as food.
“The old herbalists saw the signature of Jupiter in this herb. Just considering its abundant nature one can see their point, for Jupiter is larger than life and does nothing by small measure. But the old herbalists also considered the essential nature of an herb when they assigned the planetary ruler: bitter herbs, especially yellow ones, were often ascribed to Jupiter, and often, as in this case, such herbs had an affinity with the liver, the part of the body, which according to the ancients, is also ruled by Jupiter. Liver herbs are almost always bitter, as the bitter principles stimulate the action of the liver, breaking down fats and cleansing the body of toxins. The liver also has an important part to play in hormone regulation and liver herbs can have a significant impact on one’s general sense of well-being, combating such common conditions as the ‘winter blahs’ and other hormonal ups and downs, as those associated with the female menstrual cycle or the menopause. Here too, the nature of the plant fits its Jupiterian signature, for Jupiter is the eternal optimist and Dandelion, as one of the earliest spring flowers, with its cheery, bright yellow blossom can cheer that winter blues away just by looking at it, let alone eating it!” (excerpted from Kat Morgenstern 2003, Sacred Earth – Ethnobotany & Ecotravel website)
Westerners need deep support for our liver and our stress levels and Dandelion is so perfect for this. We are surrounded by this beautiful medicine to support our daily journey, and yet so many simply try to poison it out of existence to keep it out of their yard.
Next time you see a Dandelion, tell it thank you for it’s powerful medicinal qualities, and it’s bright shiny energy. It is a faithful friend that grows prolifically around us and is always available as a support.
Here is a site with wonderful information about Dandelion medicine:
http://www.blessedherbs.com/resources/dandelion-backyard-herbal-remedy/
