Herb of the Week: Dandelion

The information provided below is for reference only. It is not to be used as a medical manual or as any guide to treatment. These are merely meant to be a way to learn about herbs and their uses in history and today. Seek medical advice before using any herbs as they are often dangerous when used without guidance.


When I begin researching an herb I typically start in two places: Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs (by copy is from 1987) and the PDR for Herbal Medicines (Third Edition). So since I haven't actually referenced a written work since college, I'll point out what information I have gotten from which source the best I can)

This weeks herb is: Dandelion Taraxacum officinale

Common names: Swine's snout, yellow gowan, Irish daisy, puffball, peasant's cloak, blowball, priest's crown, cankerwort, Lion's tooth, Monk's Head, Wild Endive, Witch Gowan, piss-in-bed

(from Rodale, pages 141-142 )

History: Dandelion first appears in the tenth century in the medical texts of Arabian physicians. By the sixteenth century it was a valuable drug in British apothecaries, and by the nineteenth century, it was potherb in both Europe and America. Today, it a most often considered a weed in ones lawn.


Uses: As a medicinal herb, the dried root is listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia, but there is little evidence for its use. The juice of the root is believed to treat diabetes and liver disease, as well as curing anemia. It is also considered a diuretic as well as a mild laxative, a digestive aid, and an appetitive stimulant. Dandelion wine can be made from the flowers and tastes much like sherry. Dandelion roots can be roasted ad added to coffee, much like chicory. Dandelion greens can be used in salads and older leaves can be steamed like spinach. The flowers can be used to add color to butter and to vinegars. The flowers can also be used to make yellow dyes for wool and the whole plant produces a magenta when used for dying.

PDF for Herbal Medicines (pages 252-254)

Effects: Increases the flow of bile in the upper intestinal tract. It may promote the excretion of salt in the urine. Used for urinary tract infections, liver and gallbladder complaints, loss of appetite and indigestion.

Unproven uses: hemorrhoids, gout rheumatic disorders, and eczema.

Homeopathic Uses: acute mastitis, agalactia, ulcers, tuberculosis, flatulence, colic, and jaundice.

Precautions: Consultation with a doctor is needed by persons with biliary ailments as the biliary ducts may close, they may experience gall bladder infection, and bowl obstruction. Superacid gastric complaints are possible and there is a weak potential for sensitization reactions.

The Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman 1991 (pages 143-146)

History: Chinese physicians have used dandelion to treat colds, bronchitis, hepatitis, boils, ulcers, obesity, dental problems, and itching. India's Ayurvedic physicians have used the herb similarly. Arab physicians were the first to lean that the herb increases urine production. In Europe during the middle ages, it was used as a cure for jaundice and gallstones and as a diuretic. Early settlers introduced dandelion to the Native Americans, some of whom adopted it as a tonic.

Healing: Contemporary herbalists recommend dandelion for weight loss, menstrual discomforts, swollen feet, high blood pressure, and congestive heart failure, mostly because of its diuretic properties.

Safety Factor: It may produce a skin rash but is listed on the FDA's list of safe herbs. For otherwise healthy, non- pregnant, non-nursing adults, dandelion is considered safe. It can cause minor discomforts such a stomach upset or diarrhea, and it use should be stopped if these symptoms are experienced.