| Dandelion - is also known as |
| Most Common Name: |
Dandelion |
| Botanical
Name: | Taraxacum
Officinale | | Also
Known As (other names): | Priest's Crown, Swine's Snout, Bitterwort, Irish
Daisy, Puffball, Wild Endive, Pu Gong Ying, Cankerwort |
Dandelion grows almost anywhere and can be found in all temperate zones.
There are some 100 subspecies but all have virtually the same herbal properties. The
roots are mostly used but leaves can also be harvested - this is usually done in
the middle of summer to late summer as mature plants offer the best root
systems. Roots are mostly used for their medicinal properties while young
leaves are eaten fresh as a dietary supplement. Older leaves can be dried for
brewing tea. Use of this herb can be traced to over a thousand years ago
when it was used extensively in the Middle East. In the western world it was
used during the Middle Ages to treat liver and kidney problems.
Dandelion
Use for/In treatment of: | | Digestive system tonic | Skin
complaints | Gall Bladder | | Kidney
complaints | Eczema | Liver disorders |
| Dyspepsia | Joint
problems | Hepatitis |
Dandelion
Properties: | | Diuretic | Tonic |
Anti-inflammatory | | Antioxidant | | |
Dandelion
Constituents: | | Below we list
reported constituents of this herb. This may not be complete as continuous
research constantly discovers new constituents. Where possible we also provide
information about constituents and their application, effect and side effects,
if any. We do not provide information on the interaction between constituents.
We do not give quantities of each individual constituent as these vary
considerably due to region and climate. By comparing the treatments above with
the constituent benefits below some indication of quantities can be gained. | |
Sesquiterpene lactones: There are thousands of sesquiterpene
lactones known. They mostly occur as a combination of several sesquiterpene
lactones and are more prevalent in leaves and flowers.
Commonly valued for
the digestive bitter benefits sesquiterpene lactones are also anti-inflammatory,
antiprotozoal, antibacterial and antimicrobial. A large majority of
sesquiterpene lactones irritate the skin on contact causing dermatitis and often
acute inflammation. Used in China as an infertility agent in men it should
not be used in this context as it could cause permanent infertility in men.
Sesquiterpenes have antifungal, antibacterial and anaesthetic properties.
It is also thought that they
prevent migraines and can be used as antibiotics and to treat Malaria but there
is very little in depth testing results available to support these claims.
Lactones: A lactone is an Ester that's
functional group has become part of a ring structure with carbon atoms.
Lactones are widely present in the plant kingdom and many are expectorants and
febrifuges. |
|
Coumarins: Coumarins are lactones of hydroxycinnamic
acids. Coumarins are lactones. There are many variations of coumarins: Furanocoumarins found in Angelica have a
spasmolitic effect but must be used with caution as they have a strong
phototoxic effect as has many of the Furanocoumarins (Warfarin a blood thinning
drug but also virulent rat poison, is a coumarin derivative). In general
coumarins have antifungal, hypotensive, anticoagulant and antimicrobial properties.
Many of the Coumarins are phototoxic and skin sensitising.
Lactones: A lactone is an Ester that's
functional group has become part of a ring structure with carbon atoms.
Lactones are widely present in the plant kingdom and many are expectorants and
febrifuges. |
| |
Triterpenes: Phytosterols. Essential components of the cell
membrane, Phytosterols have a beneficial influence in the inhibition of tumour
growth and help regulate cholesterol in the blood by stimulating thyroid
function. |
Sitosterol: Sitosterol, a sterol, is very important for the
maintenance of cell membranes.
Sterols: Most sterols play a big part in the makeup of cell
membranes. Sterols are used to make steroidal medication and drugs. Sterols may
interfere with the development of tumours and assist in the regulation of
cholesterol, but this has not been fully established yet. |
|
Administered
as: | | A poultice | Extract
powder or granules | Tincture | | Fluid
extract or syrup | Infusion | Ointment |
* Statements made
have not been evaluated by American Food and Drug Authority or similar board
or authority of any other country.
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