Dandelion Root

Taraxacum Officinale Radix

The root is very dark brown (almost black), on the outside, and white inside. Native to Western Europe and grows prolifically in meadows, fields and gardens.

Family: Asteraceae

Which probiotic is it in?: Dandelion root is a key herb in Sustain and Detox

Habit and cultivation: Widely regarded throughout the world as a weed, grows in most conditions but loves a downpour. It is only worth collecting well formed roots and is cultivated to this end in Germany and France. Seeds are abundant and self sowing. There is considerable disagreement on when is the best time to harvest roots depending on when its bitter contents are highest, but they need to be 2 years in age.

Actions (known for): Anti-rheumatic, bitter tonic (digestive), cholagogue, diuretic, laxative and hepatic tonic.

History of Dandelion Root

Mentioned by Arabic physicians in the 11th century and by Welsh physicians of Myddfai during the same period as a sort of wild endive. Derived from the Greek word taraxos meaning disorder and akos meaning remedy and the Latin dens leonis as both the leaves and flower head resemble the lion’s teeth and mane. It has long been used for its diuretic properties. The history of the roots’ medicinal properties connected to the liver is much shorter. It is a key ingredient in dandelion beer along with nettles and yellow dock. The flowers are still used in the making of dandelion wine in the U.K.

Parts used from the Dandelion Root

Root

Constituents (bio available chemicals):

Sesquiterpene lactones (eudesmanolide and germacranolide types). Triterpenes – taraxerol and phytosterols. P-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, phenolic acids, inulin and tannins.

Nutritional constituents:

Vitamins: A, B, C and D. Minerals: potassium, calcium, sodium, and some phosphorous, iron, nickel, cobalt, tin, copper and zinc.

Indications:

Cholecystitis, constipation, dyspepsia, gallbladder disorders, jaundice, rheumatism and muscular disorders.

Dosage:

Decoction of dried root: 4 – 10g. Fluid extract: (30%) 2 – 8ml. Juice of fresh root: 4 – 8ml. Liquid extract: 20 – 40ml.

British Herbal Pharmacopoeia

Root: Cholecystitis and dyspepsia.

Cautions for therapeutic doses

The white juice found in the stem has been known to cause nausea in children who have ingested it in quantity; also can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and palpitations.

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