Taraxacum Officinale 

Common name: Dandelion, Lion's tooth, Pisenlit

Family: Asteraceae

Parts used: Roots 

Habitat: Native to Europe and now worldwide, extremely prolific and mostly found in lawns and gardens. 

History /Folklore/Taste/Energetics: Bitter and sweet. Traditionally used to help clear blocked emotions, notably anger stored in the liver. 

Constituents: Sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids (glycosides of quercetin), phenolic acids, fatty acids, triterpenoids, tannins, mucilage, volatile oils, polysaccharides including inulin and taraxasterol. 
Also contains vitamins A,B,C and D as well as potassium, iron, copper, calcium, sodium, phosphorous and zinc. 

Actions: Laxative, Mild Diuretic, Antirheumatic, Choleretic 

Traditional and current uses

• The bitter properties of the root aid in helping a range of digestive issues including indigestion, atonic dyspepsia, constipation and anorexia

• Hypoglycaemia

• Liver tonic - helps liver to flush out harmful toxins through increase of bile. 

• Aids in elimination of waste acids 

• Skin problems

• Kidney health - helps the kidneys to clear out waste as its a diuretic

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Max Drake Medical Herbalist disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.