Dandelion Root and Powder Profile
Also known as
Taraxacum
officinale, Blowball, Cankerwort, Common Dandelion, Dandelion Herb,
Leontodon taracum, Lion's Tooth, Pissenlit, Priest's Crown, Swine
Snout, Taraxaci herba, Taraxacum vulgare, Wild Endive.
Introduction
The
common dandelion, enemy of well-kept lawns, is an exceptionally
nutritious food. Its leaves and root contain substantial levels of
vitamins A, C, D, and B complex as well as iron, magnesium, zinc,
potassium, manganese, copper, choline, calcium, boron, and silicon. In
almost every herbal healing tradition, the root of the dandelion has
been used for the treatment of a variety of liver and gallbladder
problems. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the roots of various species
of dandelions are also used as "herbs that cool the blood." The
folklore attributed to dandelions is wide and varied. According to
different folk tales they are able to tell the time of day by two
different methods: the first one says that the number of breaths it
takes to blow all the seeds off is equal to the time of day; the second
says that the number of seeds left over after three strong breaths is
the time of day. Dandelions are also said to be able to repel witches
if gathered on Midsummer's Eve. Other magical abilities attributed to
dandelions include increasing ones psychic ability and divination when
used in a tea. Dandelions are through to correct the physiological
reactions triggered by intense emotions that cause eyestrain or red,
swollen, and painful eyes. They are used in teas and poultices for
abscesses and sores, especially on the breast. The promote lactation
and clear painful urinary dysfunction.
Constituents
The
nutrients mentioned in the Introduction, plus bitter taraxacins
(eudesmanolides), sitosterol, stigmasterol, alpha- and beta-carotene,
caffeic acid, mucilage, and an unusually high potassium content.
Parts Used
The whole root, dried, and cut.
Typical Preparations
Typically
used as tea or tincture. Chopped dandelion root rather than dandelion
root powder is most often used to make teas combining dandelion and
other herbs. Dandelion root powder is used when diuretic effect is
emphasized. Chopped dandelion root can be combined with myrrh to make a
poultice for boils and abscesses, with honeysuckle flowers to make a
tea to be drunk to treat boils and abscesses, with skullcap and/or
chrysanthemum flowers to make a tea to be drunk to treat sore eyes, or
with heal-all to treat hard phlegm in bronchitis. Can also be
administered in capsule or extract form for convenience.
Summary
Dandelion
root is a mild chloretic, that is, an agent for stimulating the release
of bile from the liver into the gallbladder. The herb is used to
support treatment of a variety of liver and gallbladder disorders,
especially the incomplete digestion of fats. The release of bile is
laxative, and accelerates the breakdown of various steroid hormones,
causing an indirect, favorable effect on eczema and other skin
conditions. Dandelion root also is one of the best herbal diuretics. It
stimulates urination but also replaces the potassium lost to the
increased volume of urine.
Precautions
Use with caution if you have gallstones.
For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent
any disease.
This product was added to our catalog on Monday 03 May, 2010.
