Background: k Dandelions are one of the most familiar sights of spring, though not a welcome one for some gardeners. The common name Dandelion, comes from the French, Dent-de-lion, or teeth of the lion In some countries Dandelions are much sought after as a salad plant From April to July, they turn green lawns and pastures yellow with their flowers. Starting from the base of the plant, the leaves have slim stalks, but grow wider towards the tip. The leaf edges are very jagged or toothed. Small, green petals called bracts surround the bright yellow flowers. Dandelion is a short plant, usually with a yellow flower head and notched leaves. A dandelion flower head consists of many tiny flowers. The dandelion is native to Europe and Asia, and has spread to many other places.
Dandelion is a bitter herb, was commonly used in Native American medicine. The Iroquois, Ojibwe and Rappahannock prepared infusions and decoctions of the root and herb to treat kidney disease, dyspepsia, and heartburn. In traditional Arabian medicine, dandelion has been used to treat liver and spleen ailments. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), dandelion is combined with other herbs to treat hepatitis, to enhance immune response to upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis or pneumonia, and as a topical compress for mastitis (breast inflammation).
Common Name: g طرخشقون, هندباء برية
Other Common Names: blowball, common dandelion, dandelion, faceclock, Lion's tooth
Family: Composite (Asteraceae). Name: Taraxacum officinale. Life Span: Perennial. Properties: It has a bitter taste, but no odor.
Description: h Leaves are crowed in a basal rosette, blades are simple and variously lobed. Blades may also be lightly pubescent, especially on the lower surfaces and mid-veins, and contains a milky substance. The most prominent feature is the flower head, which upon first opening contains a series of yellow ligulate flowers borne on a hollow pseudostm. The leaf edges are very jagged or toothed. Small, green petals called bracts surround the bright yellow flowers Dandelions grow in a funnel shape. This helps any falling water like raindrops to run down the center of the plant right to its long root where it needs it.
Active Constituents: h · Sesquiterpene lactones (bitters): Taraxinic acid (taraxacin) Tetrahydroridentin B. · Triterpenoids and sterols: Taraxasterol, Taraxerol, Cycloartenol, Beta-sitosterol. · Flavonoids: Luteolin 7-glucoside and two Luteolin 7-diglucosides. · Coumarins: Cichoriin and Aesculin. · Phenolic acids:caffeic acid. · Other: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, tannins, alkaloids, pectin, inulin, starch, beta carotene.
Parts Used: f Leaves, roots and flower. Dandelion leaves produce a diuretic effect while the roots act as an antiviral agent, digestive aid, and may help promote gastrointestinal health. Dandelion flower has antioxidant properties. Dandelion may also help improve the immune system.
USES: r Dandelion (the entire plant preparation) has been used for stimulating appetite and for relieving stomach fullness and gas (dyspepsia). Dandelion leaf has been used for stimulating the appetite, and for promoting water loss, this may be in part due to its potash (potassium) *******. Dandelion Leaf used for its kidney/bladder tonic and cleansing properties, not Dandelion root, which acts more as a cholagogue stimulating bile flow.It has also been used for gallstones and arthritis.
Dandelion root and leaf are used widely in Europe for gastrointestinal ailments. The European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recommends dandelion root for "restoration of hepatic and biliary function, dyspepsia [indigestion], and loss of appetite." The German Commission E authorizes the use of combination products containing dandelion root and herb for biliary abnormalities, appetite loss, dyspepsia, and for stimulation of diuresis (urine flow). Some modern naturopathic physicians assert that dandelion can detoxify the liver and gallbladder, reduce side effects of medications metabolized (processed) by the liver, and relieve symptoms associated with liver disease.It also stabilizes the hepatocite membranes, providing a protective and shielding effect.
Pharmaceutical forms:Tincture, powdered extract, elixir and capsules.
Dose: d Adults (18 years and older) Doses of 2-8 grams of dried root taken by mouth in an infusion or decoction have been used. Doses of 4-8 milliliters of a 1:1 leaf fluid extract in 25 percent alcohol have been used. Doses of one or two teaspoons of a 1:5 root tincture in 45 percent alcohol have been used.
Children (younger than 18 years) There is not enough scientific research to recommend dandelion for use in children in amounts greater than found in food.
The above doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The above doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.
Side Effect: s The most common reported adverse effect is skin allergy, or increased sun sensitivity following direct contact.
According to traditional accounts, gastrointestinal symptoms may occur, including stomach discomfort, diarrhea and heartburn.
Possible Interactions: s · Lithium - Animal studies suggest that dandelion may worsen the side effects associated with lithium, a medication commonly used to treat manic depression. · Quinolone - One species of dandelion, Taraxacum mongolicum, also called Chinese dandelion, may decrease the absorption of quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and levofloxacin) from the digestive tract. It is not known whether Taraxacum officinale, or common dandelion, would interact with these antibiotics in the same way. As a precaution, dandelion should not be taken at the same time as these antibiotics. · Loop Diuretics
Precautions: e Dandelion must not be used during pregnancy. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this product is not recommended.
References: d Doll J and Trowe T, 2000.Dandelion.University of Wisconsin System.
WilliamsC, Goldstone F and Greenham J, 1996. Flavonoids, cinnamic acids and coumarins from the different tissues and medicinal preparations of Taraxacum officinale .Published by science direct 42(1) p: 121-127.