Dandelion
(Taraxacum officinale)
Also know as Lion's tooth
Botanical Information
A common plant of the Aster family with single flowering heads full of bright yellow strap-shaped flowers on hollow, unbranched stalks with hairless, large-toothed leaves.
Working with Dandelion
Part(s) Used
Root, Leaf
Herb Forms
Tincture, capsule, tablet, teabag, bulk herb, powder.
Dandelion root, ubiquitous in lawns and gardens, is widely-used for cooling and cleansing the liver; it is excellent in formulas for hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver toxicity. It increases the flow of bile and has been used for cholecystitis, gallstones, and jaundice. Dandelion has anti-carcinogenic, estrogen-lowering, and blood cholesterol-lowering capabilities. It also helps with headaches, emotional swings before or during menstruation, acne, red, irritated eyes, mood swings, and other problems related to “liver heat” and is a strong diuretic. In Chinese medicine dandelion root is taken internally and applied topically for abscesses and nodules. Additionally, it is used to increase lactation and clear liver heat when there are symptoms such as painfully inflamed eyes. Dandelion root tea is also a famous specific for breast cancer but should be taken in conjunction with other blood purifying herbs, such as sarsaparilla, red clover, and burdock root, as well as appropriate immune-strengthening herbal therapy and positive dietary and lifestyle changes.
Dandelion has a taste of BITTER, SWEET and a temperature of COOL.
Cautions
The root is contraindicated in cases of bile duct or intestinal blockage and gallbladder inflammation.
Conditions treated with Dandelion
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
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Condition
Treatment Support
liver coolant
Application
tea, tincture, tablet, capsule
Condition
Treatment Support
liver coolant
Application
tincture, tablet, capsule, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory
Application
tincture, tea, tablet, capsule
Condition
Treatment Support
gallbladder coolant
Application
tea, tincture, capsule, tablets
Condition
Treatment Support
cool and calm the liver
Application
tincture, tablet, capsule, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
cooling hepatic
Application
tincture, capsule, tablet, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
liver coolant
Application
tea, tincture, tablet, capsule
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.