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Dandelion (Pu Gong Ying)
What is dandelion? What is it used
for?
Dandelion is a common plant that is closely related to chicory.
The plant grows to an average height of 12 inches, with green,
spatula-shaped leaves and yellow flowers that bloom year-round.
Although it is found worldwide (and is often considered the
bane of many a gardener’s existence), it is grown commercially
in the U.S. and Europe. The leaves and roots are used in herbal
supplements.
Dandelion is used as a food in many parts of the world. Its
leaves are sometimes used in salads and teas, while its roots
are often used as a coffee substitute. It is a rich source
of vitamins and minerals; the leaves contain high amounts
of vitamin A, and moderate amounts of vitamins C and D; iron;
silicon; magnesium; zinc; and manganese.
Historically, dandelion has been used as a blood purifier
and a treatment for disease of the liver, including hepatitis.
Clinical research has found that the compounds that make dandelion
leaves so bitter help stimulate digestion and increase bile
production in the gallbladder and bile flow from the liver.
The increase in bile flow may help improve fat metabolism.
How much dandelion should I take?
The variety of dandelion to be taken depends on the condition.
To stimulate digestion, many practitioners recommend 3-5 grams
of dried root or 5-10 ml of a dandelion tincture three times
per day. To stimulate the appetite, 4-10 grams of dried leaves
can be added to a cup of boiling water as a decoction.
What forms of dandelion are available?
Dried dandelion leaves and roots are available at many health
food stores and specialty markets. Some stores also sell alcohol-based
dandelion tinctures; other places sell fresh dandelion juice.
What can happen if I take too much
dandelion? Are there any interactions I should be aware of?
What precautions should I take?
Dandelion leaves and roots should be used with caution by
patients with gallstones, stomach ulcers or gastritis. People
with obstructed bile ducts should avoid dandelion altogether.
Fresh dandelion leaves may cause an allergic reaction in
some individuals. Dandelion may also react adversely with
the following medications: ciprofloxacin; loop diuretics;
spironolactone; thiazide diuretics; and triamterene. Patients
taking these medications should consult with their health
care provider before taking dandelion (or any other dietary
supplement).
Other Resources :
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The
More You Know About Nutrition
References
• Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg
A, et al (eds). The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic
Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine
Communications, 1998, pp. 119—20.
• Bradley PR (ed.) British Herbal Compendium,
Vol 1. Bournemouth, Dorset, UK: British Herbal Medicine
Association, 1992, pp. 73—5.
• Kuusi T, Pyylaso H, Autio K. The bitterness properties
of dandelion. II. Chemical investigations. Lebensm-Wiss
Technol 1985;18:347—9.
• Takasaki M, Konoshima T, Tokuda H, et al. Anti-carcinogenic
activity of taraxacum plant. I. Biol Pharm Bull
1999;22:602—5.
• Takasaki M, Konoshima T, Tokuda H, et al. Anti-carcinogenic
activity of taraxacum plant. II. Biol Pharm Bull
1999;22:606—10.
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