What is dandelion for?

The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber) It is a plant whose medicinal use is documented since the beginning of the 11th century, through the writings of Persian doctors of such deserved fame as Ibn Sina, better known as Avicenna, and his predecessor Al-Razi or Razí, to whom the name of the current "Razi Medical Research Institute", located near Tehran (Iran).

What is dandelion for?

As mentioned, Avicenna already records in his writings the use of dandelion to stimulate the bile and urine production. In the 16th century its use was consolidated and its diuretic properties resulting from increasing urine production and its double action on the liver were described: on the one hand it stimulates the production of bile (choleretic effect) and, on the other, its emptying from the gallbladder to the duodenum, facilitating the digestion of fats. This double effect at the liver and kidney level and its mildly laxative action make the dandelion a good plant and digestive.

Dandelion is indicated in the monograph of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as a medicine for traditional use (MTP) for mild digestive disorders (such as a feeling of abdominal fullness, flatulence and slow digestion) and for increase the amount of urine and clear the urinary tract and the kidneys. Due to its bitter taste, it also has an aperitif effect and can be used to whet the appetite.

Plant

The dandelion is a herbaceous plant, belonging to the Compositae family, which does not usually grow beyond 35 cm in height. It has a conical, short and quite branched rhizome, with a bittersweet flavor. Their leaves (with a bitter taste when grown) they are deeply serrated and form a rosette at the base from where the floriferous stems grow, which are hollow and erect and end in a yellow flower head.

These fructify in the form of achene forming a sphere of white and silky vilanos (set of feathery hairs) that fly with the air, thus helping the seed to spread; in some regions the children of the field used to blow on the achenes to make the vilanos they call little angels fly.

This plant is mainly used root, but also the leaves and even the whole plant without the inflorescences. Even if is native to Europe and Asia, at present it can be found all over the world. It grows both in meadows and vacant lots, road ditches and even in flowerpots, and is often considered a weed.

Curiosities about his name

The name of dandelion by which it is popularly known in almost all languages ​​is due to to the shape of its clipped leaves, similar to sharp, curved teeth. However, other names by which it is also known refer to its properties. Thus, the Spanish taraxacón or the Italian tarassaco come from its Latin name Taraxacum, which means "to remove" and refers to its mildly laxative properties.

In French known as pee-on-lit, alluding to its diuretic properties, since the tender leaves of the dandelion are edible and very pleasant in salad. In times of scarcity they made up an important part of the early spring diet and it is said that children who ate a lot of dandelions urinated in bed for its diuretic effect.

How to take it?

It can be taken in herbal tea, fluid extract (drops) or powder or dry extract capsules, either from the leaves, the root, or a mixture of both.

• Generally, if it is the root, the dose is the equivalent of 3-5 g, up to three times a day.
• In the case of leaves, the equivalent of 4 to 10 g, up to three times a day.
• In the case of a mixture of roots and leaves 3.5 - 7.5 g, up to three times a day.

For the fluid extracts (drops) and capsules of powder or dry extract, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's laboratory instructions.

How to prepare a tea

The Registration Agency of the German Ministry of Health (Standardzulassung) recommends for the root and leaf mixture the following preparation:

• Bring 1-2 teaspoons of the mixture to a boil in about 150 ml of water, bring to a boil, remove from heat and let stand 15 minutes. Filter and sweeten to taste.

Regarding the dose of the tisane thus prepared, it indicates that, except for another prescription, have a cup of infusion freshly prepared in the morning and another in the evening.

Contraindications, adverse effects and recommendations

Dandelion should never be used in case of biliary problems without the supervision of a doctor and it is contraindicated in case of bile duct obstruction. Because it contains bitter substances, dandelion stimulates the production of gastric juice, which is why in certain people it can cause gastric discomfort and hyperacidity.

To avoid this problem you can add to the mix for infusion some plant with mucilages such as marshmallow, and in the case of taking a liquid preparation, the drops can be added to an infusion of mallow or marshmallow. Dandelion powder or dry extract capsules can also be taken with an infusion of these plants.

• It is a herbaceous plant whose roots and leaves are used as a natural medicine for digestive disorders.
• It began to be used to stimulate the production of bile and urine.
• Dandelion powder or dry extract capsules can be taken with an infusion of these plants

NOTE THAT…

They should not be taken dandelion preparations in the event that for any circumstance the production of gastric juices must be reduced or in case of taking antacid medications.

Dandelion can increase the effect of some medications such as diuretics, blood thinners, and neuromuscular blockersTherefore, in case of taking medications, it is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist whether or not to take dandelion.