Dandelion

Scientific Name:  Taraxacum officinalis

Taste: Bitter

Family: Asteraceae

Medicinal Parts:  Root and leaf

Energetics:  Cool, dry, tonifying 

Actions:  Diuretic, hepatic, cholagogue, antirheumatic, laxative, tonic, bitter

Affinities: 

Notable Constituents:  Sesquiterpene lactones (taraxacoside, others); diterpenes, including taraxacin; triterpenes (taraxasterol, arnidiol, faradiol); sterols (stigmasterol); carotenoids, such as lutein and violaxanthin; xanthophylls; flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin); polysaccharides (glucans, mannans, inulin); potassium (up to 4.5% in aerial parts) 

Medicinal Applications/Indications:

• A classic 'spring tonic' herb with alterative actions. Dandelion leaf is a powerful diuretic, comparable to the drug furosemide. The leaf is quite mineral-rich and nutritive, particularly rich in potassium. Though it is a diuretic and mild kidney stimulant, it provides enough potassium to replace what is eliminated  which is a usual effect of a drug that stimulates kidney function. 
• Due to it's hepatic and cholagogue actions, dandelion may be useful in congestion of the liver and gallbladder.
• Dandelion root has been recommended for chronic jaundice, autointoxication, rheumatism, blood disorders, chronic skin eruptions, chronic gastritis, and aphthous ulcers. 

In Practice/Preparations and Dosage: 

• Root tincture (1:5 in 60%) 2.5 - 5 mL 3X daily
• Leaf tincture (1:5 in 40%) 5 - 10 mL 3X daily
• Root decoction; 2-3 tsp to 1 cup water. 3X daily
• Leaf infusion; 1 - 2 tsp dried leaf to 1 cup water. Steep 10-15. 3X daily. 
• Leaf may also be eaten raw in salads. 

Cautions/Contraindications

• In theory, dandelion may cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family.
• May need to be paired with moistening herbs when used for someone with a very dry constitution. 

Friends

 Oregon grape root, burdock, yellow dock, angelica, nettle