The Tooth of the Lion
Do you ever wonder about the origins of some of the most common plant names? As our society moves away from myth and story, I believe there is a piece of the magic lost when it comes to botanical medicinal and plant-based lore. Stories that would have been woven into the fabric of the community are nothing more than faded memories.
Today I want to introduce you to the ‘dent de lion’ (tooth of the lion), one of our most common lawn plants. So named for its deeply toothed leaves, dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is well known for its medicinal properties. Supportive to the kidneys and liver, Taraxacum is a steadfast ally for supporting detoxification and cleansing the body. But what of the mythology of this plant?
As we dive into the folklore, we quickly realize that many of the traditions of divination, fortune telling, and wish granting are ubiquitous across most of Europe, from where this plant originally hails. From the northernmost Scandinavian regions to England and Ireland, dandelion puffs were long told to hold the secrets of the future and whether the winds hold good fortune or a challenging time ahead. One story speaks of holding a dandelion flower under your chin and if it appears yellow, you will have good fortune, luck, and wealth in your life. While we marvel at the medicine that plants share with us, let us also remember their magic and wonder.
Correne Omland, Clinical Herbalist & Reiki Practitioner
Spiraea Herbal Clinic + Apothecary
