A common perennial native to Europe and Asia, although Greece has been argued as its specific origin. LEAVES are oblong, spatulate, or oblanceolate; deeply toothed or lobed or in a few cases smooth; appearing in a rosette in early spring. Deep yellow, multi-petaled, chrysanthemum-like FLOWER heads rise on hollow stems up to 18 inches high and open in the morning, then close in the evening or in dull weather; petals are actually hermaphrodite florets which produce the familiar down-attached SEEDS (achenes) appearing as a globular cluster. The RHIZOME is short and leads to a long, thick TAPROOT which is dark on the outside (brown to black) and white on the inside. When cut, the plant exudes the familiar milky white fluid.

It first appeared in Chinese medical literature ca 659 CE and was in use in Europe by 1485. Dandelion was known and used by Arabian physicians by the 11th century CE. Its scientific name is believed to have originated with the Greeks, 'taraxos' meaning disorder, and 'akos' meaning remedy. The common name Dent de Leon, literally 'teeth of the lion' is in reference to the appearance of the deeply indented leaves.

The dried rhizome and root were official in the USP from 1831-1926 and in the NF until 1965.

Astrologically ruled by Jupiter and Sagitarius §

MEDICINAL:
♦ High levels of potassium salts make this one of the better natural diuretics, insuring that potassium balance is not lost with loss of fluid from the body.
Benefits metabolism; Root is alterative, antilithic, anti-inflammatory, antiscorbutic, antispasmodic (weak), appetite stimulant, astringent, bitter, blood cleanser, deobstruent, depurative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic (potent), antipyretic, aperient, laxative (lowers transit time through the bowel; absorbs toxins from the bowel), cholagogue, detoxicant, galactagogue, hepatic, hypoglycemic, lithotriptic, sialagogue, stomachic, tonic, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure (root); affects digestive system, glandular system, circulatory system, liver (supports liver function), kidneys, gall bladder, pancreas, blood; taste is bittersweet. Juice has also been used as a diuretic.
Has been used for its demulcent, antibacterial, antifungal activity on the digestive tract, inhibiting unfriendly bacteria, while assisting friendly flora to thrive. Has also been used for heartburn.
Together with diet has been used for anemia, hypoglycemia, diabetes, and to lower blood pressure (main consideration here is as a diuretic), and edema associated with high blood pressure, as well as heart weakness (usually taken in tincture form added to other remedies to insure adequate potassium levels).
Has been used for obstructions of the pancreas, spleen, gall bladder, and kidneys; also for other kidney, liver, spleen and gall bladder problems; other uses have been for hepatitis, kidney infection, jaundice, congestive jaundice, cirrhosis, bile duct stones, gall bladder infection, urinary stones, urinary infection, prostate enlargement, dyspepsia with constipation. For gall bladder problems has been combined with Veronicastrum virginicum, Berberis vulgaris, and Chelone glabra. Has been used for hormonal imbalances (female) related to kidney/liver problems. At one time the dandelion root was simmered in water along with a few sorrel leaves and the yolk of one egg to make a broth that was taken daily for several months to cure chronic liver congestion. Has also been used for chronic constipation, phthisis, and dropsy (infusion taken 3 times daily). For gall bladder stones a combination of 1 oz dandelion root, 1 oz parsley root, 1 oz lemon balm, 1/2 oz ginger root, and 1/2 oz licorice root has been gently simmered in 2 quarts of water down to 1 quart, then strained and a wineglassful taken every two hours. For jaundice a combination of 1 oz dandelion root, 1/2 oz ginger root, 1/2 oz caraway seed, 1/2 oz cinnamon, 1/4 oz senna has been simmered down in 3 pints of water to 1½ pints, then strained and 1/2 lb of sugar dissolved in the hot liquid; it was brought to a boil, then skimed until clear when it was cooled and taken in teaspoonful doses. Another approach for gall stones, jaundice, and liver problems has been an infusion of the fresh root.
Leaves have been used for fluid retention in particular that associated with heart and urinary problems and to supplement remedies for a failing heart; has also been used for chronic hypertension and as a digestive tonic. Leaves are bitter and stimulate function of gall bladder and liver. Have been used for liver troubles, especially during hepatitis. Also used for jaundice and cirrhosis (as an adjunct).
Root and leaves have been used for arthritis, rheumatism, chronic joint pain, swellings, and gout and as a preventative for osteoporosis (as part of the diet due to presence of boron and calcium); also for skin problems, eczema, acne, scurvy, scrofula, dropsy, bowel inflammation, fever, dyspepsia with constipation (lukewarm tea), insomnia (warm tea taken 30 minutes before retiring), hypochondria, cancer, hypoglycemia, inability to digest certain foods, food allergies, and as a lymphatic cleanser (tea). Dandelion wine has also been used for these problems. For indigestion a strong decoctions has been taken 3 times daily.
Has been used for anemia (taken as tea and eaten in salads) and loss of appetite.
The greens and roots simmered in water have been used to treat pneumonia and bronchitis; the greens and roots eaten and the water in which they cooked having been drunk. For asthma the roots have been combined with equal parts of coltsfoot leaves and rosemary and smoked in a pipe.
At one time tuberculosis was treated with a strong decoction of the root taken 3 times daily.
In Europe the juice of the root (as well as the wine) has been used to treat diabetes, liver diseases, and to build blood in cases of anemia.
In Chinese medicine most applications are by decoction and has been used for breast and lung tumors. For mastitis the decoction (1 oz minced root in 2 cups water, boiled down to half) has been applied as a compress. The decoction has also been used as a syrup by the addition of sugar and used for tonsilitis. Other uses of Dandelion in Chinese medicine have been to treat abscesses/boils (whole plant), jaundice, hepatitis, urinary tract infections, general infections, pneumonia, rheumatism, scurvy, scrofula, eczema, and snakebite. The whole plant has been used as a diuretic and liver stimulant.
In Russian Folk Medicine the root is prepared as an extract in vodka and taken like tea or coffee; called 'Life Elixir' it is used as a blood purifier, expectorant and nervine (probably more due to the vodka than the dandelion root), and to treat liver problems/diseases, jaundice, gall bladder problems, skin conditions, digestive problems.
The Mohegan Indians of North America steeped the leaves for a physic. The Potawatomis used the roots as a bitter tonic. The Meskwakis used the root for chest pain when other remedies did not work.
In the North country of England the folk have used the root in combination with burdock to make a beer which acts as a tonic and blood purifier.
Has been used as a backup for all degenerative diseases.

DOSE: TRADITIONAL DOSAGES FOR PROFESSIONAL NOTE ONLY
!All others buy commercial preparations and follow directions carefully!
LEAVES = 30 to 60 grains
ROOT = 60 to 120 grains
FRESH ROOT = 1/4 to 1/2 cup
DRIED ROOT = 1/4 to 1/3 oz (6 to 12 grams)
INFUSION = 1 oz root steeped in 1 pint boiling water for 10 minutes; taken cold, several cups daily, a mouthful at a time during the day for a total of 1 to 2 cups
DECOCTION = 2 to 3 tsp dried chopped root in 1 cup of water; simmer 10 minutes; or use 4 oz fresh plant with 2 pints water simmered down to 1 pint, then strained; taken 3 tbsp 6 times daily
DECOCTION (strong) = 1 oz sliced root to 20 oz of water, boiled for 15 minutes, then strained and sweetned with brown sugar or honey; 5 oz taken 2 times daily for stones and gravel.
TINCTURE = Combine 1 oz (28 g) of dried root with 3 oz (100 ml) water and 3 oz (100 ml) alcohol (or use 6 oz [200 ml] 100 proof vodka for total liquid); let stand for 2 weeks, shaking daily; then strain and bottle; taken 1 to 2 tsp (5 to 10 ml) 3 times daily. Can also be made by combining 4 oz. finely powdered, or finely cut, root or leaves (or combination of both) with 1 pint vodka, gin or brandy in a large jug with a lid; shake several times daily over a period of 2 weeks; let herb settle, then strain off liquid into clean bottle for storage. Can also be made using fresh leaves and roots.
JUICE = Leaves or roots are pureed then the liquid squeezed out; taken up to 1-1/3 tbsp (16 ml), 3 times daily.
COLD EXTRACT = 2 tsp plant combined with 1 cup of water; allow to stand for 8 hours
FLUID EXTRACT BP = 1/2 to 2 tsp
SOLID EXTRACT BP = 5 to 15 grains
CALMING BEVERAGE = Percolate ground root in coffeepot and take with milk; also used to reduce symptoms of low blood sugar.