Dandelion - Taraxacum Officinale

Dandelion - Taraxacum officinalis in the Asteraceae or Aster family

Part Used: Whole plant, leaves, flowers, roots.

Taste/Smell: Leaves and root are somewhat bitter but also slightly sweet taste in the root.

Tendencies: Cooling and drying.

Dosage: Decoction: 1 heaping teaspoon of root per cup of water; infusion: 1 heaping tablespoon of the leaf per cup of water; or 1:1 fresh + dry liquid extract: 1-60 drops, 1- 4 times per day in a little water.

Mental picture and specific indications: Dandelion is indicated for persons with a mapped tongue, bitter taste in the mouth and pain in the sternomastoid muscle. It is specific for low-grade internalized heat or infectious conditions, especially if related to allergies. Edema or boggy mucous membranes may be present. There is often a history of chemical insult or other environmental assaults pointing to liver involvement. The individual may feel worse from resting, sitting and lying, and feel better from touch.

Use: (a) Diuretic, whole plant, especially the leaf, (b) Stomachic, (c) Mild laxative, (d) Cholagogue, (e) Choleretic, (f) Anti-platelet aggregating action.

Dandelion is used for arthritis, gout, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, edema and abnormal blood sugar levels. It is used for gastric headaches, dyspepsia, heartburn and many other digestive ailments. The whole plant, especially the root, is beneficial to the liver but is slow in producing the desired action. Autumn roots are roasted and used as a coffee substitute. The high inulin content, especially in the autumn make dandelion root a good food source (prebiotic) for beneficial gut bacteria.

This plant has the flexibility of being healing and protective while also being stimulating to the liver. It is indicated for many female problems and skin diseases due to its action on the liver, and  is specific for liver/gallbladder/digestive headaches. The whole plant, especially the root, is beneficial to the liver.

Contraindications: Physical contact with the fresh latex in dandelions can cause contact dermatitis. Dandelion is contraindicated in bile duct obstruction, acute gall bladder inflammation, acute gastrointestinal inflammation and intestinal blockage.

If you are looking for directions on making teas or tinctures, please see our "Making Herbal Products" page.

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Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.