Dandelion

(C) Pu gong ying

Part Used: root, herb

Energetics: bitter, sweet/cooling/pungent PK- V+

Tissues: plasma, blood

Systems: circulatory, digestive, urinary, lymphatic

Actions: Alterative, diuretic, lithotriptic, laxative, bitter tonic

Indications: liver problems, jaundice, gall stones, congested lymphatics, breast sores, breast cancer, hepatitis, diabetes, edema, ulcers

Precautions: high Vata

Preparation: decoction (root), powder (250 mg to 1 g), paste

DANDELION is primarily a detoxifying herb for Pitta and Ama conditions. It is a specific for problems of the breast and mammary glands, breast sores, tumors, cysts, suppression of lactation, swollen lymph glands. It clears and cleanses the liver and gall bladder and dispels accumulated and stagnated Pitta and bile.

Dandelion root combines well with chicory root or burdock root, as an anti-Pitta beverage (1/4 ounce of each can be simmered in one pint of water for twenty minutes and taken three times a day with meals. It is similar in properties to the Indian herb bhringaraj, which is a stronger tonic and nervine, and may substitute for it. Dandelion is good for detoxification from a meat diet and over-eating of fatty and fried foods.