In America, dandelion (the French call it dent de lion, "lion's tooth") has earned the reputation of Public Enemy #1. But don't reach for the weedkiller, because this fierce plant is really a nutritious, gently healing herb. For centuries, it has yielded tasty greens for the table, and its root has been used to treat everything from the common cold to PMS. You can grow your own spring tonic by cultivating dandelions inyour garden, where the soil is loose enough to encourage root growth and you can keep the plant free of lawn chemicals. Your nursery doesn't offer seeds? Try the nearest vacant lot. (But don't let your neighbors catch you!)