Taraxacum officinalis
The entire Dandelion plant has been used for food and medicine for hundreds of years by humans. The leaves of Dandelion are robust and determined, much like the roots! While the Dandelion is an adaptive plant, capable of thriving in between the cracks of sidewalk, when given water, sunlight, and nutrients, her leaves stretch out far and wide to soak up the sunlight. While hugging the ground, Dandelion spreads her leaves out from the center with jagged, arrow shaped leaves that are full of vitality and vitamins! The leaves can be included in our diets as salads, smoothies, and soups as well as teas. These bitter leaves are also very cleansing to the liver and the blood. Dandelion is a diuretic, mild laxative, and cholagogue (encourages the flow of bile into the duodenum), as well as a choleretic (stimulates the production of bile by the liver).
Additionally, the deep tap root of Dandelion descends into the dark, rich soil and pulls up vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, manganese, iron, calcium, potassium, lutein, vitamins A, C, and K. The inulin found within the roots of Dandelion are a prebiotic for the gut flora, making Dandelion a significant source of nutrition.
Other notes: It is always recommended to drink plenty of water when ingesting diuretic herbs such as Dandelion.
Contraindications: Acute gall bladder inflammation and bile duct obstruction
This information is intended only as a general reference, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.