Parts
Used In the West the
leaves and root are used for herbal medicine
. The Chinese use the whole plant, leaves,
flower, roots and seed heads
Common
Uses
Herbalists
recommend Dandelion root as a cleansing tonic for several
conditions including jaundice and gallstones.
The root
is also used for constipation.
The
leaves are used as a diuretic, as well as a digestive aid and
liver tonic.
The
leaves make a tasty addition to salads.
How The
Dandelion Works It is not known
how Dandelion works as the active components have not been identified.
Side
Effects There are no significant
side effects known. A few people develop an allergic skin rash after
repeated contact with the Dandelion plant.
Safety
Issues No
contraindications are known at this time.
The
History of Dandelion
This well known plant
certainly needs no description, it's bright yellow flower and
distinctive leaves are as loathed by most gardeners as they are loved by
all children.
The Dandelion is a relative
newcomer to the medicinal herbal chest. It is not mentioned in Chinese
herbals until the 7th century, and it was not written about in Europe
until 1485.
The name Dandelion is said to
have been invented by a 15th century surgeon who compared the leaves to
the teeth of a lion.
