Dandelion Herbal Remedies
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.
Dandelion Proper Dose
| Type | Dossage |
| Dandelion Decoction | 1 cup 2-3 x daily |
| Dandelion Tincture | 2-4 droppersful 1-3 x daily |
Dandelion Reference Information
| Latin Name | Taraxacum officinale |
| Other Names | Lion's tooth |
| Part Used | Root, Leaf |
| Herb Forms | Tincture, capsule, tablet, teabag, bulk herb, powder. |
| Affects | Endocrine system, Liver |
| Cautions | The root is contraindicated in cases of bile duct or intestinal blockage and gallbladder inflammation. |
| Botanical Info | 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. |
Supporting Research
Blumenthal, Mark et al. 1998. The Complete Commission E Monographs. Austin: American Botanical Council.
Newall, C. et al.. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.
Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.