Dandelion is known for its diuretic properties. It acts on the hepato-biliary, urinary, joint, digestive and dermatological spheres. It is an excellent plant for detoxifying the body, especially when prepared as an infusion or decoction. Latin name: Taraxacum officinale L. Part of the plant: aerial parts.

This article was updated on 08/02/2023

In case of' Hepatobiliary insufficiency, Hepatobiliary disorders

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry herb into 1 cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry plant for 1 cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes, then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

Plants often associated

Yarrow, Pepper mint, Rosemary, Artichoke

In case of Gallstones, Kidney stones, Renal colic, Renal lithiasis, Cholelithiasis

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry herb into 1 cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry plant for 1 cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes, then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

Plants often associated

Goldenrod, Nettle, Quackgrass, Artichoke, Linden (Sapwood)

For the Detox

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry herb into 1 cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry plant for 1 cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes, then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

Plants often associated

Milk thistle, Plantain, Rosemary, Fumitory, Linden (Sapwood)

In case of Cystitis, Urinary tract infection

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry herb into 1 cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry plant for 1 cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes, then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

Plants often associated

In case of' Edema, Fluid retention

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry herb into 1 cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry plant for 1 cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes, then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

Plants often associated

Meadowsweet, Elderberry, Quackgrass, Heather, Birch, Cornflower, Ash, Cherry

In case of Dyspepsia, Difficult digestion

Consume preferably before meal(s).

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry herb into 1 cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry plant for 1 cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes, then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

In case of Constipation

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry herb into 1 cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry plant for 1 cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes, then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

Plants often associated

Borage, Pink, Worry, Marshmallow, Mauve, Bourdaine

In case of Cholesterol

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry herb into 1 cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry plant for 1 cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes, then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

Plants often associated

In case of Diabetes

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry herb into 1 cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry plant for 1 cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes, then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

Plants often associated

Pasteur Scholarship, Nettle, Quackgrass, Eucalyptus, Burdock, Horsetail, Olivier

In case of' Acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatosis

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry herb into 1 cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry plant for 1 cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes, then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

In compress

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry herb into 1 cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Allow to cool or cool then soak a compress or clean cloth to apply to the affected area.

Plants often associated

Matricaria Chamomile, Hibiscus, Borage, Nettle, Fumitory, Birch, Burdock

In case of Rheumatism, Gout attack, Joint pain

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry herb into 1 cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry plant for 1 cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes, then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

In compress

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry herb into 1 cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Allow to cool or cool then soak a compress or clean cloth to apply to the affected area.

In support of a Weightloss

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry herb into 1 cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry plant for 1 cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes, then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

Plants often associated

Meadowsweet, Worry, Elderberry, Quackgrass, Birch, Licorice

Properties and active components

Properties

  • diuretic (flavonoids, mineral salts, sesquiterpene lactones)
  • depurative
  • cholagogue
  • anti-oxidant (coumarins)
  • hypocholesterolemic
  • hypoglycemic
  • anti-inflammatory (flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, coumarins)

Active components

  • Sesquiterpene lactones: taraxacin
  • Choline
  • Flavonoids: apigenin, luteolin
  • Coumarins: scopoletol, esculetol
  • Phenol acids
  • Triterpenes: taraxasterol
  • Mineral salts

Precautions for use

  • Seek medical advice in case of bile duct obstruction or gallstones. 
  • Not recommended in case of allergy to latex or plants of the Asteraceae family.

Botanical

Dandelion belongs to the family of Asteraceae. Originally from Europe, it is found in high mountain meadows as well as on roadsides, in meadows or between the cobblestones of towns. The ideal climate for its cultivation is one mild climate.

Dandelion is a herbaceous plant perennial, à cut leaves of sharp teeth, lanceolate and spread out in a rosette on the ground. Several hollow stems of 20 to 40 cm rise from the ground and bear golden yellow flowers arranged in solitary flower heads at the top of a hollow peduncle. Dandelion fruits are topped, when ripe, with a ridge ending in a small umbrella of fine bristles dispersed by the wind. There root east swivel, simple or branched measuring up to 30 cm. The whole plant contains a whitish juice which flows after having suffered a cut.

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Bibliography

Publication: Schütz, K., Carle, R., & Schieber, A. (2006). Taraxacum—A review on its phytochemical and pharmacological profile. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 107(3), 313-323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2006.07.021

Publication: Clare, B.A., Conroy, R.S., & Spelman, K. (2009). The Diuretic Effect in Human Subjects of an Extract of Taraxacum officinale Folium over a Single Day. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(8), 929-934. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2008.0152

Publication: Lim, T.K. (2013). Taraxacum officinale. Edible Medicinal And Non-Medicinal Plants, 516-536. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7395-0_32

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