Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale 

Names:

Weber compositae, Herba Taraxacon, Herba Urinaria, Denta Leonis, Dent de Lion,T.kok-saghyz Rodin, T. Densleonis,Leontodon taraxacum,LINN. Priests' Crown,Swines' Snout.

History:

14th c.: A surgeon called Master Wilhelmus first compared the flower or leaf to the tooth of a lion. The name taraxacum may be derived from the Greek:" "(I have excited, or caused).

Constituents:

Taraxacin, a bitter principle, Taraxerin, an acrid resin,taraxasterol,3:4 dioxycinnamic acid, flavoxanthin, Inulin,up to 24%, citric acid, phenyloxyacetic acid, riboflavin,sitosterol,sitosterin,stigmasterol,coumestrol,Vitamins B,C, and provitamin A. gluten, gum, potash.

Uses:

 bitter tonic for atonic dyspepsia, mild laxative for chronic constipation,cholagogue and choleretic in liver disease, especially jaundice, cholecystitis and primary stages of cirrhosis. Anti-rheumatic,appetite stimulant,diuretic,in Swedish Bitters, coffee sub, wine, beer,liqueurs,syrup, young greens for salad or cooked green.

 

Contra-Indications:

Almost none. Can be eaten in large quantities. Dandelion stalk emits a whitish juice which stickily stains the hands a tacky brown-grey.

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