Asteraceae
Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
A humble, bitter root that stimulates bile, wakes up sluggish digestion and gently supports elimination — the leaf is a gentle potassium-sparing diuretic.
- Also known as
- Lion's tooth, Pu gong ying
- Parts used
- Root, Leaf
- Taste
- Bitter, Sweet
- Energetics
- Cooling · Drying
- Sourcing
- Cultivated & wild
Actions
Traditional use
Arab physicians of the 10th–11th centuries recorded dandelion for liver and spleen. Its French name pissenlit ('wet the bed') reflects its diuretic leaf.
A spring tonic across Europe, eaten fresh in salads to 'clear the blood' after winter.
Research
Leaf increases urine output
ClinicalA small human pilot study found increased urination frequency and volume after leaf extract.
Clare BA, Conroy RS, Spelman K. J Altern Complement Med. 2009;15(8):929–934.
Root stimulates bile flow
TraditionalLong-standing use supported by older animal data; robust human trials are lacking.
Key constituents
- Sesquiterpene lactones (taraxacin)
- Bitter principles that stimulate digestive secretions.
- Inulin
- Prebiotic fiber, highest in autumn-harvested root.
- Potassium (leaf)
- Offsets potassium loss from diuresis.
Sourcing notes
Abundant and resilient. Avoid harvesting from lawns, roadsides or sprayed areas.
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