At a glance
- Common name
- Dandelion
- Botanical name
- Taraxacum officinale
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Parts mentioned in historical records
- Root (roasted as coffee substitute or decocted), leaves (fresh or infused), flowers (syrups, wines).
- Traditional correspondences
- Jupiter; Air / Earth
Historical record
Name derives from French 'dent-de-lion' (lion's tooth). Celebrated in Traditional Chinese Medicine (Pu Gong Ying) and Arabic medieval medicine for purifying blood and clearing toxic heat.
Folklore and mythology
Blow the fluffy seed parachute head to carry wishes upon the wind or count how many years remain until marriage. Steeping the roasted root tea induces psychic receptivity and connects with underworld spirits.
According to Greek legend, Theseus dined on dandelion leaves for thirty days to gain the stamina, cunning, and physical fortitude necessary to vanquish the Minotaur inside the Labyrinth.
Tradition: Greco-Roman & Celtic Brigid Associated figures: Theseus & Saint Brigid
Theseus fed on dandelions for 30 consecutive days prior to entering the Minotaur's Labyrinth; in Celtic lands, sacred to Brigid for its solar milk and early spring emergence.
Parachute seed heads blown to send messages to departed lovers or carry wishes to the four winds; tea drunk to stimulate second sight.
Mystical correspondences
Correspondences vary by tradition and source.
Safety first
Historical and spiritual associations do not establish that Dandelion is safe or effective. Do not use this page as instructions for ingesting, smoking, inhaling, or applying Dandelion.
For current safety information, check a health authority or ask a qualified clinician or pharmacist, especially during pregnancy or lactation, while taking medication, or with an allergy or health condition.