herbs- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

What is it?

Dandelion, is a common plant all over the world.  Known as 'wet the bed' in the north of England, or 'pis en lit' in France as it is the best of natural ways to get rid of water from the body. The leaves and root are used as food and in herbal medicine.

Action

Dandelion contains compounds called bitters which have a wide variety of properties including digestive tonic, liver and gall bladder booster, diuretic, pancreatic regulator, urinary antiseptic, mild laxative and a good cleanser. It is also a nutritive herb as it provides carotenoids, vitamin A, B and C and various minerals.

Uses

Our experts recommend Dandelion for the following disorders

Other information

Dandelion is a good detox herb and digestive aid, as it cleans the system and stimulates the liver and kidneys to work better. It also helps to soften the contents of the bowel by stimulating bile flow and gently encourages the colon to move waste out of the body.

It is sometimes used by herbalists to help with skin conditions and is often combined with Burdock. Pick the fresh young leaves from your lawn - as long as you keep the dogs off it - and add to any salad. You can also buy Dandelion coffee which comes from the root and Dandelion tea which is from the leaves.

It is also available in tablets, capsules or as a tincture, and can be used in tincture form for children 1 year of age and above. Herb tincture dosage is lower than adult levels. A simple guide for children is one drop per stone of weight. If you are unsure see a herbalist or registered naturopath.

Cautions

• Dandelion should not be used for gallstones and other bile duct blockages without first consulting a doctor. The same applies to peptic ulcers, duodenal ulcers and Gastritis.



• Dandelion should not be taken if you are already used drug-based diuretics, as it will have an additive effect, and cause excess water loss.



• There are no side effects or other contra-indications from using Dandelion.



• When this article was written there were no other well-known negative drug interactions with Dandelion.

This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.