Summary

Dandelion grows throughout the northern hemisphere where its used to treat digestive disorders. The leaves can be added to salads and eaten as part of the diet for its rich nutrient content. Herbalists recommend boiling the root in water to promote digestion and treat liver conditions and gallbladder complaints. Both the roots and leaves contain bitter-tasting sesquiterpene lactones that stimulate digestive juices and promote bile flow.
- The leaves show promise as a diuretic to treat edema, blood pressure, and urinary issues like kidney stones.

Indications

Gastrointestinal
• atonic digestive complaints
• dyspepsia
• hypochlorhydria
• pancreatic insufficiency
• sluggish bowels
• chronic constipation

Hepatobiliary
• biliary insufficiency
• cholestasis
• cholelithiasis (gallstones)
• jaundice

Urinary (leaf only)
• edema
• calculi

Musculoskeletal
• chronic rheumatism
• arthritis
• gout

Actions

• Bitter
• Stomachic
• Cholagogue
• Cholarectic
• Diuretic (Leaves)
• alterative
• Choleretic
• Antimicrobial
• Laxative (Mild )

Constituents

• Sesquiterpene Lactones (E.g. Taraxacin)
• Flavonoids
• Triterpenoids
• Inulin (Roots)
• Phenoilc Acids
• Potassium (Leaf )

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 in 40% EtOH): 5-10 ml tid
• Liquid extract (1:1 in 25% EtOH): 2-6 ml tid
• Decoction (dried root): 2-3 tsp g tid
• Infusion (dried leaf): 1-2 tsp tid

Safety

- generally considered safe when used as indicated.

Contra-Indications:
• gastritis & stomach ulcers
• obstructed gallbladder
• ast

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002