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                                   ³Dandelion³
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    (Taraxacum officinale) Also called Blow Ball, Priest's crown, Cankerwort.
    You may not think you need or want this humble herb in your herb garden,
    for it grows practically everywhere, and is, of course, the bane of
    gardeners. Its thick, dark root is practically impossible to eradicate
    from lawns, where it delights to grow. However, despite its wretched
    garden reputation, the dandelion is famous and revered in the books of
    herbalists, and is ironically just those long, tenacious roots which
    contain the major portions of its wealth of natural minerals and alkaloids.
    Its name means "lions teeth," and if you look at its serrated leaves you
    will see how appropriate this is.

       Dandelions contain calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamins A & E,
    taraxacin, taraxacerin, inulin, gum, and gluten. The roots should be
    gathered in fall or spring, are tonic, diuretic*, and laxative; the yellow
    flowers and leaves are tonic. Tea made from the dandelion is useful for
    fevers*, sleep* and rheumatism*. The roots can be roasted and made into
    a non-caffinated coffee substitute.