Dandelion

Dandelion (Taraxacum agg)

Close-up of dandelion seeds with a blurred background

Plant family

  • Asteraceae

Parts used

  • Folia (Foliage)

  • Radix (Root)

Typical forms of prescription

  • Infusion (leaf)

  • Decoction (root)

  • Tincture

  • Tablets

Close-up of a field of blooming dandelions with bright yellow flowers and green foliage.

Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) - Clinical Snapshot

Primary Actions

  • Diuretic

  • Bitter

  • Cholagogue

  • Choleretic

  • Anti-rheumatic

  • Laxative

  • Bitter tonic

  • Anti-bilious

  • Alterative

Primary Indications

  • Hypertension

  • Liver disorders

  • Sluggish gallbladder

  • Gallstones

  • Rheumatism

  • Arthritic conditions

  • Gout

  • Abdominal bloating

  • Kidney disorders

⚠️ Cautions / Safety ⚠️

  • Caution with blocked bile ducts

Taraxacum agg.

Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Sesquiterpene Lactones

Action: Bitter, cholagogue, anti-inflammatory
Use: These contribute to dandelion's digestive-stimulating properties by enhancing bile flow and liver activity. They also have a mild anti-inflammatory effect and support the herb’s traditional use in liver and gallbladder health.

Taraxacin

Chemical Class: Bitter sesquiterpene lactone
Action: Digestive stimulant, cholagogue (bile-stimulating), mildly hepatic
Use: Taraxacin is partly responsible for the distinct bitter taste of dandelion. It directly stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes and bile, making it especially valuable for treating indigestion, constipation, bloating, and liver sluggishness. It also plays a role in appetite stimulation and overall gut motility.

Inulin

Action: Prebiotic, gently laxative, blood sugar modulating
Use: A type of soluble fibre, inulin supports gut health by feeding beneficial microbiota. It also helps balance blood sugar levels and has a gentle detoxifying effect by supporting bowel regularity.

Triterpenes

Action: Anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective
Use: Triterpenes help protect liver cells, reduce inflammation, and support the body’s detoxification pathways. Their presence underpins dandelion’s reputation as a tonic for the liver and skin.

Close-up of dandelion seeds illuminated by sunlight, with detailed texture and soft, golden hues.

Traditional use

The root is roasted and used as a coffee substitute. It is also traditionally used to ‘promote urine’ and to reduce fevers.

The sap is used for wart removal. The stems of the fresh Dandelion are snapped, and the white sap is applied directly to the warts, which are then covered with a plaster. Apply regularly for wart removal.

Clinical Description

A strong potassium-sparing diuretic comparable to the drug furosemide. Unlike the drug, dandelion does not cause potassium loss. The leaf is used for increasing urine (hence its other name, ‘wet-the-bed’).

The root stimulates the liver and bile production.

The root and leaf can be used interchangeably. It can be used as an infusion or tincture for increasing urine output in UTIs and water retention associated with premenstrual syndrome and heart failure. The whole plant is bitter, particularly the root, which has general digestive stimulating properties. The bitter properties stimulate bile production, which is a natural laxative, even for children.

Dandelion aids the liver and kidneys in clearing bodily wastes, and it is a go-to herb for those suffering from hormonal, chronic skin, and joint problems, including PMS, acne, eczema, arthritis, and rheumatism. The root contains high amounts of inulin, a key food of friendly bacteria that improves gut flora when eaten or given in capsule form.

Cultivation/Harvesting

Roots are most bitter in summer. Leaves anytime.

Cluster of yellow flowers with green foliage in the background

Key Botanical Features of Dandelion (Taraxacum agg)

Growth

  • Type: Perennial herb.

  • Size: Typically 10–30 cm (4–12 inches) tall, though it can grow taller when flowering.

  • Stem: Leafless, hollow, and often smooth, the stem is milky when cut and exudes a white latex.

Leaves

  • Type: Basal rosette of leaves, arising from the ground.

  • Shape: Lobed, deeply cut, with a jagged or serrated appearance.

  • Size: 5–25 cm (2–10 inches) long, depending on environmental conditions.

  • Texture: Dark green, smooth upper surface and a slightly hairy underside.

Flowers

  • Type: Composite flower head, consisting of numerous individual yellow ligulate florets (petal-like structures).

  • Size: 2–4 cm (0.8–1.6 inches) in diameter.

  • Flower Arrangement: A single, bright yellow flower head appears on a hollow, leafless stem.

  • Blooming Period: Spring to early summer, typically March–May. Dandelions are often among the first flowers to bloom in the spring.

  • Pollination: Primarily by insects, especially bees, though self-pollination can also occur.

Fruits & Seeds

  • Type: Small, wind-dispersed achenes (dry fruits with a single seed).

  • Structure: Each seed has a pappus (a tuft of silky hairs), allowing wind dispersal.

  • Seed Dispersal: By wind (often called "blowing on a dandelion puff").

  • Size: The seeds are typically 2–5 mm (0.08–0.2 inches) long.

Roots

  • Type: Taproot, long, thick, and fleshy.

  • Function: Stores nutrients and helps the plant survive in various conditions. The deep taproot allows dandelions to access moisture from deep within the soil.

Habitat & Growth Conditions

  • Climate: Prefers temperate regions but can be found in many climates worldwide.

  • Soil: Grows in various soil types, including lawns, fields, roadsides, disturbed areas, and moist, well-drained soils.

  • Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, but can tolerate some partial shade.

  • Distribution: It is native to Eurasia but is now widespread globally, especially in North America, where it is common in lawns, gardens, and urban areas.

Sustainability/Conservation:

Close-up photo of dandelion seeds being blown away, with a few seeds still attached to the brown seed head.
Yellow dandelion flowers in a green grassy field.
Close-up of a dandelion seed head with many seeds dispersing into the air against a blurred background.
Close-up of dandelion seeds with delicate, feathery structures and thin, brown filaments against a teal background.
Cluster of bright yellow dandelion flowers among green grass.
Close-up of a dandelion seed head against a sunset or sunrise sky with soft pastel colors.

Sources

Bartram, T. (1998). Bartram’s Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Constable.

Fisher, C. (2009). Materia Medica of Western Herbs, (2018 edition). Finchley Road, London. Aeon Books.

Hedley, C & Shaw, N. (2020). A herbal book of making and taking. Finchley Road, London. Aeon Books.

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press.

McIntyre, A. (2019). The complete herbal tutor, revised and expanded edition. Finchley Road, London. Aeon Books.

Plants of the World Online | Kew Science. (n.d.). Plants of the World Online. https://powo.science.kew.org/

Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified medical herbalist before using herbs, especially during pregnancy, when trying to conceive, while breastfeeding, for medical conditions, or with children.
Read the full disclaimer → Medical Disclaimer.