Grows everywhere, mistaken for a weed, yet powerful enough to empty hospitals…

Healthy

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Scientific Classification:

  • Scientific Name: Taraxacum officinale
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Common Names: Dandelion, Lion’s Tooth, Bitterwort

Habitat & Distribution

Dandelion is a perennial herb that grows best at altitudes between 1,000 to 2,500 meters.

Characteristics in Traditional Medicine

  • Taste: Sweet, slightly bitter
  • Nature: Cooling (cold-natured)
  • Traditional Uses:
    • Detoxification
    • Reducing inflammation
    • Clearing internal heat
    • Dispersing nodules
    • Supporting liver and bile function
    • Promoting blood circulation
    • Anti-scorbutic (prevents bleeding from vitamin C deficiency)

Health Benefits

Dandelion is highly valued in traditional Eastern medicine for its wide range of therapeutic effects, especially in supporting liver function and treating low blood pressure.
It helps in:

  • Liver detox and bile stimulation
  • Improving digestion and appetite
  • Enhancing immune function
  • Relieving fatigue and boosting energy
  • Promoting better blood circulation

For individuals suffering from hypotension (low blood pressure), dandelion offers significant benefits due to its nutrient-rich profile.

Nutritional Value

Dandelion is exceptionally rich in nutrients, including:

  • Iron: Comparable to the iron content found in amaranth greens
  • Vitamin A: 4 times higher than that in lettuce
  • Vitamin C and B-complex
  • Minerals: Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Sodium
  • Macronutrients: Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates

How to Use Dandelion

Forms of Use:

  1. Fresh Leaves or Roots: Boiled or used in salads and soups
  2. Dried Herb: Used in teas, decoctions, or herbal powders
  3. Extracts: Capsules, tinctures, or syrups (found in natural health stores)

Suggested Daily Use:

  • Dried Leaves for Tea: 5–10g per day
  • Fresh Roots (boiled): 10–15g per day
  • Course Duration:
    • Use consistently for 2–4 weeks to notice improvements in digestion and energy
    • May repeat the cycle after 1 week of rest

Best Time to Use

  • Morning or midday is best for stimulating digestion and liver function.
  • Avoid late evening use as it may increase urination due to its mild diuretic effects.
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