Taraxacum officinale

Taraxacum officinale

Plant Family

Asteraceae

Botanical Description

Dandelion is a perennial plant with a basal rosette of deeply toothed leaves, hollow stems containing milky latex, bright yellow composite flower heads, and spherical seed heads with wind-dispersed seeds.

Cautions

Generally very safe. May cause allergic reactions in Asteraceae-sensitive people. May interact with diuretics, lithium, some antibiotics. Caution with gallbladder problems.

Habitat

Lawns, meadows, roadsides, gardens, and disturbed ground worldwide.

Harvest Instructions

Leaves before flowering for salads. Roots in autumn when inulin content highest. Flowers when fully open.

Geographic Distribution

Native to Europe and Asia. Naturalized worldwide in temperate regions.

Growth Conditions

Full sun to partial shade. Various soil types. Very adaptable and persistent.

Plant Size

10-30 cm

Effects on the Body

Excellent liver and digestive support, promotes bile flow, potassium-sparing diuretic. Roots support liver, leaves are more diuretic.

Active Constituents

Sesquiterpene lactones (taraxacin), inulin, phenolic acids, flavonoids, triterpenes, potassium, vitamins A, C, K.

Safety Information

Dosage

Leaf tea: 4-10 g daily. Root decoction: 2-8 g daily. Tincture: 2-5 ml three times daily.

Culinary Use

Young leaves in salads. Roots roasted as coffee substitute. Flowers for wine and fritters. All parts edible.

Folklore & Historical Use

Called 'lion's tooth' (dent de lion in French) due to leaf shape. Used medicinally for centuries. Children blow the seed heads to tell time.

Scientific Research

Clinical pilot study (n=17) showed significant diuretic effect in humans. Preclinical studies demonstrate hepatoprotective effects. European Medicines Agency approves for loss of appetite and mild digestive complaints, and as a diuretic. German Commission E approves for digestive complaints.