Non-Traditional Plants

Dandelion, another member of the composite family of plants, grows on the road sides around the town of Golovin. The yellow ray flowers surround the yellow disk flowers. The flower stalk stands about 6-8 inches high, with the dark green leaves originating from the base of the stalk. The leaves grow thickly out from the center point of the flower stalk.

No known Iñupiaq name exists for the dandelion. It is an introduced species that has only recently begun to grow in Golovin. Debbie Amorak has been using the leaves as greens for several years since she read about it's use in botanical books. She mixes the greens with chura and dugaayuk greens in the spring time when the leaves are tender. Later in the season the leaves turn bitter and tough.

Many sources cite the use of the roots as medicine. Janice Schofield writes, "Roots are renowned as skin and liver tonics. Herbalists recommend rood decoctions and tinctures to lower cholesterol and high blood pressure, and as a diuretic for water retention" (p. 23).