Dandelion Can Be Part Of The Treatment Of Gallstones

Other Common Names: Chiang Nou Ts'Ao, Chin Tsan Ts'Ao, Common Dandelion, Diente De Leon, Hindiba Berri, Huang Hua Ti Ting, Kara Hindiba, Khas Berri, Kou Ju Ts'Ao, Lion's Tooth, Maitiainen, P'O Kung Ying, P'U Kung Ying, Pissenlit, Priest's Crown, Pu Gong Ying, Seiyo-Tanpopo, Swine's Snout, Taraxacum officinale.

Range: Australia; Britain; China; Finland; France; Iraq; Mexico; Nepal; Russia; Spain; Turkey; USA

Habitat: A very common weed of grassland and cultivated ground.

The Dandelion, though not occurring in the Southern Hemisphere, is at home in all parts of the north temperate zone, in pastures, meadows and on waste ground, and is so plentiful that farmers everywhere find it a troublesome weed, for though its flowers are more conspicuous in the earlier months of the summer, it may be found in bloom, and consequently also prolifically dispersing its seeds, almost throughout the year.

The dandelion is a commonly used herbal remedy. It is especially effective and valuable as a diuretic because it contains high levels of potassium salts and therefore can replace the potassium that is lost from the body when diuretics are used.

All parts of the plant, but especially the root, are slightly aperient, cholagogue, depurative, strongly diuretic, hepatic, laxative, stomachic and tonic. The root is also experimentally cholagogue, hypoglycemic and a weak antibiotic against yeast infections. The dried root has a weaker action. The roots can be used fresh or dried and should be harvested in the autumn when 2 years old. The leaves are harvested in the spring when the plant is in flower and can be dried for later use. A tea can be made from the leaves or, more commonly, from the roots.

The plant is used internally in the treatment of gall bladder and urinary disorders, gallstones, jaundice, cirrhosis, dyspepsia with constipation, edema associated with high blood pressure and heart weakness, chronic joint and skin complaints, gout, eczema and acne. The plant has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphococcus aureus, pneumococci, meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, C. diphtheriae, proteus etc.

The latex contained in the plant sap can be used to remove corns, warts and verrucae. The latex has a specific action on inflammations of the gall bladder and is also believed to remove stones in the liver.

Leaves - raw or cooked. When used in salads, they are rather bitter, though less so in the winter. Tender young leaves are considerably less bitter than older leaves. The leaves are often blanched (by excluding light from the growing plant) before use. This will make them less bitter, but they will also contain less vitamins and minerals. A very nutritious food, 100 g of the raw leaves contain about 2.7 g protein, 9.2 g carbohydrate, 187 mg Calcium, 66 mg phosphorus, 3.1 mg iron, 76 mg sodium, 397 mg potassium, 36 mg magnesium, 14000IU vitamin A, 0.19 mg vitamin B1, 0.26 mg vitamin B2, 35 mg vitamin C. A tea made from the leaves is laxative.

Root - raw or cooked. Bitter. A turnip-like flavor.

Flowers - raw or cooked. A rather bitter flavor, the unopened flower buds can be used in fritters and they can also be preserved in vinegar and used like capers.

Both the leaves and the roots are used to flavor herbal beers and soft drinks such as 'Dandelion and Burdock'.

The roots of 2 year old plants are harvested in the autumn, dried and roasted to make a very good coffee substitute. It is caffeine-free.

A pleasant tea is made from the flowers. They are also used to make wine - all green parts should be removed when making wine to prevent a bitter flavor.

The plant releases ethylene gas, this stunts the growth of nearby plants and causes premature ripening of fruits.

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