Blowball, cankerwort, lion's tooth, priest's
crown, puffball, swine snout, white endive, wild endive, dandelion,
Pu gong ying
Parts Used
leaves and root
Active Compounds
The principal constituents responsible for dandelion's effect
on the digestive system and liver are the bitter principles. Previously
referred to as taraxacin, these constituents are sesquiterpene lactones
of the eudesmanolide and germacranolide type and are unique to dandelion.
Dandelion is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals. The leaves
have a very high content of vitamin A as well as moderate amounts
of vitamin D, vitamin C, various B vitamins, iron, silicon, magnesium,
zinc, and manganese.
The leaves are a rich source of potassium, which is interesting
since the leaves are used for their diuretic action. This may make
dandelion the only naturally occurring potassium-sparing diuretic,
although its diuretic action is likely different from that of pharmaceuticals.
At high doses, the leaves have been shown to possess diuretic effects
comparable to the prescription diuretic frusemide (Lasix). Since
clinical data in humans is sparse, it is advisable to seek the guidance
of a physician trained in herbal medicine before using dandelion
leaves for water retention.
The bitter compounds in the leaves and root help stimulate digestion
and are mild laxatives. These bitter principles also increase bile
production in the gallbladder and bile flow from the liver. This
makes them a particularly useful tonic for persons with sluggish
liver function due to alcohol abuse or poor diet. The increase in
bile flow will help improve fat (including cholesterol) metabolism
in the body.
History
Dandelion is commonly used as a food. The leaves are used in salads
and teas, while the roots are often used as a coffee substitute.
Dandelion leaves and roots have been used for hundreds of years
to treat liver, gallbladder, kidney, and joint problems. In some
countries, dandelion is considered a blood purifier and is used
for ailments such as eczema and cancer.
Dandelion has also been used historically to treat poor digestion,
water retention, and diseases of the liver, including hepatitis.
Leaves:
Constipation
Indigestion and heartburn
Pregnancy support
Water retention
Root:
Alcoholism
Constipation
Indigestion and heartburn
Liver support
Pregnancy support
Dandelion has two particularly important uses: to promote the formation
of bile and to remove excess water from the body. The root affects
all forms of secretion and excretion from the body. It acts as a
tonic and stimulant by removing toxins and poisons from the body.
It increases the flow of urine in patients with liver problems.
It is slightly laxative. It is a splendid remedy for jaundice and
skin diseases, scurvy, scrofula, and eczema. Useful in all kinds
of kidney troubles, diabetes, dropsy, inflammation of the bowels,
and fever.
Has beneficial effect on the female organs. Increases the activity
of the liver, pancreas, and spleen, especially in enlargement of
the liver and the spleen.
Lukewarm dandelion tea is recommended for dyspepsia with constipation,
fever, insomnia, and hypochondria. An infusion of the fresh root
is reportedly good for gallstones, jaundice, and other liver problems.
Chinese Herbal Applications:
Dandelion is used whenever there is liver involvement with heat
and toxins in the blood. This includes jaundice, hepatitis, red
and swollen eyes, as well as urinary tract infection, abscesses,
or firm, hard sores in the breasts. It is also very effective to
increase the production of mother's milk.
Description
Closely related to chicory, dandelion is a common perennial plant
worldwide. The plant grows to a height of about 12 inches. The oblong
or spatulate, irregularly dentate or pinnatified leaves grow in
a rosette from the milky taproot, which also sends up one or more
naked flower stems, each terminating in a single yellow flower.
The familiar puffball that succeeds the flower is a globular cluster
of achenes, each of which is fitted with a parachute-like tuft.
Dandelion is grown commercially in the United States and Europe.
The leaves and root are used in herbal supplements.
Dosage
As a general liver/gallbladder tonic and to stimulate digestion,
3-5 grams of the dried root or 5-10 ml of a tincture made from the
root can be used three times per day Some experts recommend the
alcohol-based tincture because the bitter principles are more soluble
in alcohol.
As a mild diuretic or appetite stimulant, 4-10 grams of dried leaves
can be added to 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water and drunk as a decoction;
or 5-10 ml of fresh juice from the leaves or 2-5 ml of tincture
made from the leaves can be used three times per day.
The fresh juice is the most effective.
For chronic rheumatism, gout, stiff joints follow an 8-week dandelion
cure as follows:
Use the whole plant before it flowers, leaves during flowering
and root only during fall.
Infusion: Steep 2 tsp. Plant or root in 1-cup boiling water. Take
1/2 to 1 cup a day, lukewarm or cold.
Decoction: Use 4 oz. Fresh plant with 2 pints of water; boil down
gently to 1 pint and strain. Take 3 tbsp. Six times daily.
Cold extract: Use 2 tsp. Plant with 1 cup water; let stand for
8-hours.
Juice: For a springtime tonic, take 1 tsp. Juice pressed from the
leaves in milk, one to three times a day. Use an electric vegetable
juicer to extract the milk.
Safety
Dandelion leaf and root should be used with caution by persons
with gallstones. If there is an obstruction of the bile ducts, then
dandelion should be avoided altogether.
In cases of stomach ulcer or gastritis, dandelion should be used
cautiously, as it may cause overproduction of stomach acid.
Those experiencing fluid or water retention should consult a nutritionally
oriented doctor before taking dandelion leaves. People taking the
leaves should be sure that their doctors monitor potassium levels.
The milky latex in the stem and leaves of fresh dandelion may cause
an allergic rash in some individuals.
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