The dandelion is a
perennial plant with an almost worldwide distribution. While many individuals
consider the dandelion to be an unwanted weed, herbalists all over the world
have revered this valuable herb. Its common name, dandelion, is a corruption of
the French for “tooth of the lion” (dent-de-lion).
This name describes the herb’s leaves, which have several large, pointed teeth.
Its scientific name, Taraxacum, is
from the Greek taraxos (disorder) and
akos (remedy). This alludes to
dandelion’s ability to correct a multitude of disorders.
