Blowball, cankerwort, lion's tooth, priest's crown, puffball, swine snout, white endive, wild endive, dandelion, Pu gong ying

Description: Derived from the whole plant of the Taraxacaum officinale and other related species. Historically the beta-carotene and potassium-rich herb is said to possess diuretic, laxative, cholagogic, antirheumatic and appetite stimulant properties. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the herb has been used to promote lactation and to reduce abscesses especially in the breast and intestines. Animal studies have shown moderate anti-inflammatory, cholagogic and hypoglycemic activities; however, results of studies of its diuretic properties have yielded mixed results. In vitro antitumor, antioxidant. and anticoagulant activity have been documented. Reported adverse reactions include heartburn, dyspepsia and mild diarrhea. A case report of chronic hand dermatitis has also been presented. There are few well-designed clinical studies investigating the effects of dandelion.

Dandelion was first mentioned in Chinese herbals as late as the 7th century, and in Europe it first appears in the Ortus Sanitatis of 1485. It was used by the Arabian physicians of the 10th and 11th centuries. It's common name was apparently invented by a 15th century surgeon, who compared the shape of the leaves to a lion's tooth, or dens lionis . In the West, the root and leaves are distinct remedies, but the Chinese use the whole plant, which they call pu gong ying ; it is used as a galactagogue. A second oriental species, T.mongolicum , is used by the Chinese as a diuretic and liver stimulant, and to treat mastitis. Both are believed to clear heat and toxins from the blood and are also used for boils and abscesses. Dandelion leaves may be used as a salad vegetable, particularly in spring. The root, when roasted, can be used as a coffee substitute, and the flowers are often used to make wine.

Main constituents: Acids: Caffeic, p-hydroxyphenylacetic, chlorogenic, cichoric, monocaffeyl tartaric, linoleic, linolenic, oleic and palmitric. Coumarins: Cichoriin and aesculin Flavonoids: Luteolin-7-glucoside and luteolin-7-diglucoside. Minerals: Potassium. Resin. Terpenoids: Sesquiterpene lactones, taraxinic acid esterified with glucose and eudesmanolides. Vitamins: Vitamin A. Other: Carotenoids, choline, inulin, pectin, phytosterols, sugars, triterpenes.

Properties: Leaf : gentle diuretic, choleretic. Root : Bitter, mild laxative, digestive and hepatic tonic, cholagogue, diuretic, antirheumatic

Uses: Both dandelion leaf and root have been used for centuries to treat liver, gall bladder, and kidney ailments, weak digestion, and rheumatism. They are also considered mildly laxative. The fresh root or its preparations are thought to be more potent than the dried root. The leaves have traditionally been used as a diuretic.

Leaves:
Constipation
Indigestion and heartburn
Pregnancy support
Water retention

Root:
Alcoholism
Constipation
Indigestion and heartburn
Liver support
Pregnancy support

Safety Considerations: Patients with obstruction of the bile duct or gall bladder should not take dandelion

Reported (Oral): Heartburn, stomach inflammation, dyspepsia. Overdosage can cause mild diarrhea.
Rare (Intravenous): Allergic reactions.
Reported: Contact dermatitis.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Magical:

Folk Names: Blowball, Cankerwort, Lion's Tooth, Piss-a-Bed, Priest's Crown, Puffball, Swine Snout, White Endive, Wild Endive.

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Jupiter

Powers: Divination, Wishes, Calling Spirits

Uses: Grind roasted root like coffee to make tea, this infusion will promote psychic Powers:. The tea steaming and placed beside the bed, will call spirits. Dandelions buried in the northwest corner of the house, brings favorable winds.

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