Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Photo: Dominicus Johannes Bergsma · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Digestive
- 1 condition
- Licensed photo
Overview
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a pervasive perennial weed growing to about 20 in (50 cm), with jagged basal leaves, hollow flower stalks, and bright gold blossoms. Despite its “weedy” status, it offers significant health benefits. The root primarily supports liver function, stimulating bile flow and acting as a gentle detoxifier. The leaf serves more as a diuretic, aiding kidney function and often paired with nettle leaf for its potassium-sparing effect. Dandelion also encourages beneficial gut microflora and helps stimulate digestive secretions.
Traditional uses & properties
Alterative (Blood Purifier) & Diuretic: Helps the body eliminate waste, beneficial for conditions involving fluid retention or toxicity. Bitter & Cholagogue: Stimulates bile production and improves digestion. Hepatoprotective: Supports the liver, aiding detoxification and healthy metabolism. Cooling & Drying: Often viewed as helpful when there is internal heat or dampness in traditional energetic terms.
Traditional preparations
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person.
Make a decoction using 15 g of root to 3 cups (750 ml) of water. Take the decoction in small quantities at frequent intervals throughout the day. A salad can also be made from dandelion leaves for cleansing.
Safety & precautions
General Safety: Typically safe to consume in moderate amounts as a food or herbal remedy.
Drug & food interactions
No interactions specific to dandelion, although there is limited evidence from animals that Taraxacum mongolicum (the species used in Chinese medicine) might alter the absorption of ciprofloxacin.
- Herbal medicine
- No interactions found.
- Ciprofloxacin
- The interaction between Taraxacum mongolicum and ciprofloxacin is based on experimental evidence only.
- Food
- No interactions found.
These entries keep the wording of the reference they come from, and three phrases mean three different things. "No interactions found" means the source looked for reports of that pairing and found none. "No data found" means nothing has been published either way. "Based on experimental evidence only" means the effect has been seen in a laboratory or animal study but not in people - a reason for caution, not a report of harm.
Habitat
Widespread across much of the world, dandelion grows wild in temperate regions and is cultivated in Germany and France. It is typically started from seed in spring. The leaves can be picked in early spring for fresh salads or dried for later medicinal use, while the roots of two-year-old plants are generally harvested in autumn.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What is Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) as follows: Alterative (Blood Purifier) & Diuretic: Helps the body eliminate waste, beneficial for conditions involving fluid retention or toxicity. Bitter & Cholagogue: Stimulates bile production and improves digestion. Hepatoprotective: Supports the liver, aiding detoxification and healthy metabolism. Cooling & Drying: Often viewed as helpful when there is internal heat or dampness in traditional energetic terms.
How is Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) prepared?
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person. Liver Support: Make a decoction using 15 g of root to 3 cups (750 ml) of water. Take the decoction in small quantities at frequent intervals throughout the day. A salad can also be made from dandelion leaves for cleansing.
What safety cautions apply to Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)?
General Safety: Typically safe to consume in moderate amounts as a food or herbal remedy.
Related herbs
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