Taraxacum officinalis (Compositae)

DANDELION, PIS EN LIT, LION'S TOOTH

Dandelion root and leaves provide one of the safest and most effective herbal diuretics. They are also used for many other conditions in herbal and Chinese medicine.

Dandelion is one of most useful and common European herbs. Its leaves provide a safe and effective diuretic, and have been compared favourably with the common pharmaceutical drug frusemide. Its root is an excellent tonic herb for liver and gallbladder problems. Although dandelion was introduced into European medicine only in the 16th century, its reputation as a medicine grew as it became a popular salad herb and coffee substitute. A native to Europe and Asia, it is now found in open sunny places throughout the world. Dandelion has a strong deep taproot that supports a rosette of spear-shaped, serrated, hairy leaves and yellow daisy-like flowers, which appear from early spring and close up at night and in overcast weather.

PARTS USED

Root, leaves.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Sesquiterpene lactones; bitter principle, taraxacin; triterpenes including taraxol, taraxerol, and stigmasterol; phenolic acids; polysaccharides; carotenoids.

ACTIONS

Increases urine production; tonic; antirheumatic; laxative; increases the flow of bile.

MEDICINAL USE

Given internally as a liver tonic and remedy for gallbladder inflammation due to gallstones and for jaundice. It is also used as a diuretic for raised blood pressure and water retention, as a laxative where liver problems and indigestion are involved, as a useful adjunct in the treatment of toxic conditions causing skin disease, and for rheumatic conditions. Fresh juice is applied directly to warts. Chinese medicine prescribes dandelion for boils and abscesses, stomach ache, and breast problems.

PREPARATIONS

Fresh, dried, infusion, decoction of root, tincture.