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Dandelions are among the most familiar plants in the world. The species is so well known that just about everyone can identify it at a glance. It's possibly the most successful plant in existence: a master of survival and prevalent all over the planet. Some people love dandelions and think of them as flowers; others hate them and believe they are weeds. While some gardeners find dandelions pretty and a good addition to any garden, others dig them up, considering them a nuisance.   What is a dandelion? The dandelion is officially classified as a weed, rather than a flower. A member of the family of perennial, flowering, herbaceous, broad-leaved weeds, the most common species has the Latin name, Taraxacum Officinale. Its familiar yellow flower heads can be spotted all over the UK, in hedgerows, gardens, lawns, pastures, hayfields, orchards, waste ground, waterways and at the roadside. The common dandelion grows in temperate regions all over the world. Yellow flower heads turn into many tiny round balls of silver-white tufts that disperse in the wind. They are called "dandelion clocks" in both Britain and the United States. Just because it's a weed, the dandelion’s worth should not be discounted. According to natural health specialists, it has multiple potential benefits and can be used in various medicines.   How common are dandelions? There are around 100 species of dandelion growing all over the world. Sun loving, it is a native of Greece but has found its way into temperate regions everywhere. Its generic name is believed to be derived from the Greek words "taraxos" and "akos", meaning "disorder" and "remedy" respectively. It has different names across the world, including Irish daisy, lion's tooth, blowball, bitterwort, priest's crown, wild endive, doonhead clock, puffball, yellow gowan, clock flower, swine snort, cankerwort and more. The perennial dandelion can grow freely wherever it finds a bit of earth and sunshine and can take root in places that seem totally uninhabitable. Once in your garden, they are just about impossible to get rid of, growing very quickly and for a long time. An individual dandelion can live for years and the root sinks deeper into the ground over time - to as deep as 15 feet into the earth! For every dandelion that is cut, the root "clones", so a tiny one inch piece of dandelion root can grow into a new dandelion pretty quickly. Dandelion leaves can push their way through gravel and gaps in cement, thriving in seemingly barren habitats.   Different stages of the dandelion Dandelions flower from May to October, but mostly in May and June. The seedlings emerging in spring may flower in their first year. More established dandelions that are blooming in spring can also flower a second time in autumn. From flowering to seed ripening takes around nine to 12 days. The fruiting period takes place between April and June. The average number of seeds produced by one flower head is 180, but it can produce up to 400. A dandelion plant can produce between 2,000 and 12,000 seeds, depending on how many flowers it has. The ripe seed can germinate straight away and produces about 90% germination. When dandelion seeds are stratified in soil over winter, they will produce 100% germination. This means they are placed in layers, in moist peat or sand. Seedlings emerge between March and October. The main flush of seedlings appears in March and April, with smaller numbers surfacing at other times. The majority of seedlings emerge during the first two years after the seed has been shed. In established plants, the main root keeps the growing point of the leaves beneath the soil's surface. Established dandelions spend winter as a small rosette of leaves. A dandelion plant can survive for up to 13 years in an undisturbed site. Dandelions reproduce both from small fragments of root left after the plant is pulled up and from seed. Even small fragments of root can regenerate, which is why they are so hardy.   Are dandelions good for your garden? As a good source of nectar and pollen; dandelions are important to bees and other insects that are beneficial for your garden. They provide plenty of food for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies and hoverflies. Scientists say dandelions provide more pollen for bees than traditional British garden flowers, such as dahlias and old English roses. Although visually pretty, the most sought after species don't necessarily create a haven for wildlife. Dandelion leaves also provide a source of winter food for birds such as pigeons. It is classed as a "super-food" for birds as a result of its health properties.   Can you eat dandelions? In terms of nutritional content, dandelions can be considered part of your vegetable garden. They are highly nutritious plants, full of minerals, vitamins and fibre from root to flower. You can cook dandelion greens as a vegetable or eat them raw. A good source of vitamins C, A, E and K; they also contain folate, plus small amounts of other B vitamins. Dandelion greens also provide minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. Their roots can be dried and used to make tea. This means the nutritional value extends to all parts of the dandelion plant.   What are the other health benefits? Dandelions contain antioxidants that help neutralise or prevent the harmful effects of free radicals in your body. Free radicals are a normal part of the body's metabolism but can be destructive. When we have too many free radicals, it can contribute to disease development and speed up the ageing process. Antioxidants are vital to keeping the body healthy. Dandelions contain large amounts of the antioxidant, beta-carotene. This can protect the body against cellular damage. Dandelions are also rich in another antioxidant, polyphenols, which is present in the flower, roots, leaves and stems. This can help to reduce disease-induced inflammation. Dandelions also contain the bioactive compounds, chicoric and chlorogenic acid, which may help to reduce blood sugar levels. Laboratory studies have suggested these compounds can improve the secretion of insulin from the pancreas, while also improving glucose absorption in the muscle tissues. Some of the dandelions' bioactive compounds may lower cholesterol too, reducing the risks of heart disease. In studies, rabbits and mice that ate dandelion had significantly reduced cholesterol levels. More research is required, however, before it can be marketed as a medical cure for humans. People who practice traditional herbal medicines believe dandelions can help lower blood pressure. They are said to have a diuretic effect, with the ability to detoxify certain organs, relieving the body of excess fluids. They also contain potassium, a natural mineral associated with lowering blood pressure. One intriguing health claim is that dandelions have the potential to prevent the growth of cancerous cells. One scientific study showed that cancerous cells treated with dandelion leaf extract were significantly reduced. Extracts from the dandelion root and flower didn't have the same results.   Can dandelions aid weight loss? Some researchers suggest dandelions' bioactive components may help with weight loss. They are said to improve the body's carbohydrate metabolism, reducing fat absorption. One study found the compound, chlorogenic acid, found in dandelions, could help reduce body weight and levels of fat-storage hormones. More scientific research is required to determine the precise relationship between dandelions and weight management. While studies on animals that eat dandelions support the theory, scientists say it needs to be evaluated properly on humans before it can be marketed as a diet aid. Dandelions may also support a healthy digestive system and help treat constipation. Traditional herbal medicines use dandelions to aid people with impaired digestion. Their healthy properties were known by the people of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. It is believed dandelions arrived in North America on the ship, the Mayflower. They were taken on the pioneering voyage for their medicinal properties, according to some historians. People with existing health conditions are always advised to consult their doctor before embarking on any kind of herbal treatment. If you see a dandelion when out doing your gardening, fight the urge to pull it up! You could be depriving birds, insects and perhaps even yourself of a very valuable and natural health product.