Asteraceae
Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
✓ Generally Safe
Safe in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Asia (naturalized worldwide)
Also known as: Common Dandelion, Lion's Tooth, Blowball, Cankerwort
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafRootFlower
Therapeutic Uses
Liver and gallbladder support, water retention, digestive bitters, urinary tract support, constipation, nutritional supplementation. Underrated but profoundly useful herb.
Herbal Actions
Diuretic (leaf), hepatoprotective (root), bitter tonic, cholagogue, nutritive, prebiotic (inulin)
Active Constituents
Root: inulin (up to 40%), taraxacin, taraxacerin, phytosterols, triterpenes. Leaf: vitamins A, C, K, iron, calcium, potassium, flavonoids
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture🍵 Decoction
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | Leaf: 2 tsp per 250ml, 3x daily. Root: 1 tsp per 250ml, simmer 10 min, 2–3x daily |
| Tincture | 4–6 ml (1:5, 25% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Root and leaf have distinct actions — use accordingly. Roasted root as coffee substitute has prebiotic benefit. Fresh leaves highly nutritious as food herb. Whole-plant preparations offer broadest action. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Safe in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid with kidney disease (high potassium). Caution with lithium (diuretic effect). Avoid in bile duct obstruction or gallstones (acute).
Side Effects: Mild GI discomfort. Contact dermatitis from fresh sap. Allergic reaction possible in Asteraceae-sensitive individuals.