Pictures and Information.

Dandelion

Botanical Name: : Lion's Tooth, Blow Ball, Pu Gong Ying (Chinese), Pee-in-the-bed, Wild Endive Fairy Clock

Click on thumbnail to see pictures for identification

All species of Dandelion belong to the Composite (Compositae) family. 

Parts Used
All parts

Description
Dandelion is a common Herb that grows around the world.  It has a bitter flavour.The material used in Indian Ayurvedic and Unani medicines grows in the temperate Himalayas from five to twelve thousand feet and in Tibet

Overview and Mythology.
Dandelion has a long history of traditional use in many systems of medicine in the treatment of hepatobiliary problems. The root is traditionally used to treat liver and spleen ailments  The genus name Taraxacum is derived from the Greek taraxos (disorder), and akos (remedy). The name dandelion is derived from its original Greek genus name leontodon, meaning lion's teeth. Its use in traditional Arabian medicine is first mentioned in the tenth century C.E.

 It is one of the bitter herbs in the Passover tradition.  Dandelions were brought from Europe by the early Colonists.  They are one of the planet's most famous and useful weeds.  Dandelion is used to help clear the body of old emotions such as anger and fear that can be stored in the body's liver and kidneys.  Dandelions provide food for many wild animals such as bees, deer, geese and rabbits.  Since herbicides poison our environment, utilize this valuable health-giving plant instead of spraying!

Constituents.
Dandelion Contains these Substances
It is generally agreed that the beneficial properties of Dandelion are attributable to the interactions among its various constituents rather than any one chemical.

Bitter Glycosides:Lactucin, Lactupicrin,   Taraxacin                          

Carbohydrates   Pectin, Inulin 

Fatty Acids:  Alpha-Linolenic Acid                      

Lipids:   Arnidiol, Faradiol, Taraxerol,Taraxasterol, Triterpenoids                          

Minerals:     Copper, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus,  Potassium4,250 (unusually high), Silicon, Sodium, Sulfur, Zinc               

Organic Acids:  
Phenolic Acids Caffeic Acid, Chlorogenic acid    Carotenoids (lutein)
Fatty acids (myristic)            
Flavonoids (apigenin and luteolin)                                  Phytosterols (sitosterol, stigmasterol, and taraxasterol

Sugars   fructose, glucose, and sucrose

Proteins:  Gluten                            

Vitamins:  Biotin           Inositol      

                    Vitamin B3             Choline       

                    Vitamin A                     Vitamin B6  

                    Vitamin B2             Vitamin E    

                    Vitamin C               Vitamin B1  

                    Vitamin B12           PABA 

Waxes  Lactucerol, Taraxerin   

Other  Lactupicrine - Resin 

Dosage Recommendations  
Most herbalists recommend 3 - 20 grams of Dandelion per day for therapeutic purposes.

Unless otherwise prescribed: 4–10 g of cut herb three times daily for infusions, as well as for liquid preparations for internal use.

Medicinal Actions
Antifungal, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Expectorant, Galactagogue, Hypotensive, Laxative, Lithotriptic, Liver Tonic.

Health Benefits of Dandelion  
Cardiovascular System

           -Dandelion (root) purifies the Blood by straining and filtering toxins and wastes from the bloodstream.

          -Dandelion improves Blood Circulation.

          -Helps in Anaemia.

          -Improves high Cholesterol.

 Digestive System  
          Dandelion stimulates the flow of Bile by causing an increase in Bile production in the Liver and increasing the flow of Bile to the Gallbladder:  research

          Dandelion increases the body's secretion of Bile by over 50%.

          -Dandelion alleviates Colitis.

          -Dandelion Root alleviates Constipation.

          -Dandelion stimulates the release of stored Bile from the Gallbladder (i.e. it functions as a cholagogue). 

          -Dandelion alleviates Gallstones (due to its ability to facilitate the flow of Bile). 

          -For loss of appetite and feelings of fullness and flatulence.

Excretory System
Dandelion (tea) alleviates ailments of the Kidneys and functions as a cleanser for the Kidneys.  Dandelion (tea) facilitates the elimination of Toxins from the body via the Kidneys and aids in Kidney stones.

 Immune System 
Dandelion (greens used as a poultice) is a traditional treatment for Breast Cancer.
Dandelion (root) stimulates the Spleen.

 Metabolism 
Dandelion helps to regulate Blood Sugar (due to the Inulin content of Dandelion).
Dandelion alleviates Diabetes Mellitus (by regulating Blood Sugar levels).
Dandelion (root) is regarded as one of the best remedies for the Liver: 
Dandelion (root) alleviates congestion of the Liver. Dandelion (root) reduces the severity of Hepatitis (primarily due to its Inulin content).  
Dandelion alleviates Jaundice.   
  Dandelion alleviates Obesity by causing weight loss by its diuretic qualities and improves fat metabolism.
Used in Menstrual problems.

Musculoskeletal System
Dandelion leaves alleviate the symptoms of Arthritis.

Dandelion (root) alleviates Rheumatism.

Dandelion (root) cleanses Skin Blemishes in Eczema

Dandelion (milk from summer Dandelions applied topically and covered with elastoplast) alleviates Warts.

Psoriasis and Acne.

Respiratory System.  
Promotes discharge of mucous through its expectorant action.

Water & Water Balance
Dandelion alleviates Edema (it functions as a diuretic). 

Applications.
Tea, Tincture, Capsules.
Young leaves can be eaten raw in salads.

External Medicinal Use
Fungal Infection, Warts, Wounds

External Applications.
Flowers are used as a poultice for wounds.  Sap from the stem can be applied to get rid of warts.  Use as a wash for fungal infections.

Energetics.
Bitter, Sweet, Cold.

Contra indications and side effect
Obstruction of the bile ducts, gall bladder empyema (collection of pus in an enclosed cavity-usually the gall bladder) Ileus. In case of gallstones, first consult a physician. Contact allergies caused by sesquiterpene lactones in the latex have been only rarely observed. Experiments and observations concerning preparations are not available.

Before using root, dry or cook it.

Use During Pregnancy And Lactation.
No restrictions known.

Interactions with Other Drugs
None known.

Doctrine of signatures
Bitter tasting leaves as preferred by the liver. Yellow flower aligns to the bile colouring.

Astrology
Herb of Sagittarius—note the leaves also in the form of an arrow.

Chakra
The main influence is on the 3^rd and 2^nd chakas as seen in the actions on the livery system and the kidneys. Obviously it is not limited but the influence is more pronounced in those areas.

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