Dandelion, Taraxacum Officinalis

Dandelion

Taraxacum off.

cold, dry, tonifying

Taste: bitter, earthy, sweet, salty

Family: Compositae (Asteraceae)

Medicinal parts: root, leaves, flowers

Actions: stimulating, draining, drying, alterative; digestive, nutritive, diuretic (leaves);

cholagogue, choleretic, mild laxative (roots); exhilarant (flowers)

Affinities: liver and kidneys; urinary system

Notable constituents: sesquiterpene lactones, triterpenes, minerals (potassium,

calcium); leaf: coumarins, carotenoids; root: phenolic acids, taraxacoside

Medicinal applications

• Urinary system

  • Dandelion leaf is a potent diuretic. It is effective for kidney problems as it helps release fluids through its diuretic action while simultaneously replenishing crucial nutrients, allowing for a diuretic effect that is balanced. Dandelion leaf is a great source for iron, calcium, vitamins and trace amounts of rich minerals. Consider working with dandelion leaf for gentle and effective support of the kidneys.

    • Improved function of the kidneys can have many positive health outcomes, including balancing blood pressure. Diuretic dandelion leaves can support conditions that are hypotensive. 

  • Dandelion leaves diuretic properties can support cases of water retention and edema. 

• Digestive system

  • Dandelion root is hepatic, having an affinity to the liver. It is a cholagogue, supporting bile excretion. This improved flow of bile supports digestion, aiding the stomach with breaking down fats and food. Dandelion root is indicated for hot stagnant conditions where there is an inflamed and congested liver. 

  • Dandelion root and leaves can be worked with as a digestive bitter. Bitters can be helpful for increasing appetite and decreasing sugar craving, which can make healthy food more appetizing. Dandelion root is rich in inulin which feeds beneficial gut bacteria. These effects can be helpful for managing healthy weight gain or loss. Bitters are indicated in conditions of slow digestion, constipation, indigestion, excess fullness, poor nutrient absorption and high cholesterol. 

• Endocrine system 

  • Dandelion roots affinity with the liver can impact many systems in the body. The liver processes waste, including excess hormones. This action of improving liver function inturn can support people with PCOS, PMS and endometriosis. 

• Topical

  • The flowers and stalks can be used to support wort care, they produce a milky latex. Although this treatment must be consistent to be effective, it needs to be applied 2-3 times daily for several weeks. 

  • A benefit to dandelion root improving liver function is that a well functioning liver can reduce rashes and improve skin health.

• Allergies 

  • Fresh dandelion roots can work as a natural antihistamine, decreasing allergy symptoms. 

• Mental Health

  • Dandelion flowers have an exhilarating property, supporting low moods. Consider making infused honey or tinctures to work with during the winter blues. Aside from the physiological impacts of dandelion flowers, we can also interpret dandelions' personality from an emotional perspective. This is a plant that can destroy concrete and blooms regardless of how much it is unwanted. For these reasons, dandelions are often symbols of revolution and resilience. 

In practice

• When preparing medicine with dandelion, it is important to consider whether it would be preferable to work with the leaves or the root. Generally the leaves have an affinity with the kidneys and the root has an affinity with the liver. If you are working with the kidneys, it is a good idea to make a dandelion leaf infusion, broth or juice as the kidneys process water. If you are interested in supporting the liver, working with a tincture might be more appropriate. A tip for dandelion root tincture- if you make it homemade there may be a silt that forms on the bottom of the bottle, this is inulin! It is helpful for feeding beneficial gut bacteria.  

• There are many ways to include dandelion into your diet. Dandelion leaves are a nutrient dense plant like nettle. You could try adding dandelion leaves into a pesto recipe or your favorite salad. Younger greens are less bitter and more tender. Try pickled dandelion root to add flavor to your cooking. Dandelion can be worked with in small or larger doses, and can be fresh or dry. Dandelion roots have a beautiful bitter and rich taste when roasted. One of the first times I worked with dandelion was as a roasted root tea. In a time when I needed to cut back on coffee, I replaced my morning cup with dandelion root tea and it was very helpful. Now it is one of my favorite teas. It's a great decaf option when you crave the bitter rich taste of coffee but have the need to cut back your coffee intake. Some herbal shops make “not coffee” blends which have a similar flavour profile made from a blend of herbs, in many of these recipes roasted dandelion root is an ingredient. 

• Working with dandelions can help us connect to seasonality or the wheel of the year. Traditionally dandelion has been seen as a “spring tonic” because it can help start up a sluggish system and get the body out of a restful winter phase. 

Cautions:

Consider the constitution of the person you are working with. Dandelion can be too dry for some folks and it can be helpful to pair with moistening herbs. There are many plants that look similar to dandelions, make sure when harvesting that you are dandelions. It is common for stores to stock chicory instead of dandelion greens. Chicory has similar properties and is often a fine replacement for dandelion leaf. 

Friends: Oregon grape root, burdock, yellow dock, angelica, nettle

This is for research purposes and should not be taken as medical advice.

Cited Works

Gladstar, Rosemary. Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. Storey Publishing, LLC, 2012. 

Groves, Maria Noël. Body into Balance: An Herbal Guide to Holistic Self-Care. Storey Publishing, 2016.

Hoffmann, David. The Herbal Handbook: A User’s Guide to Medical Herbalism. Healing Arts Press, 1998. 

Swift, Katja, and Ryn Midura. “Dandelion -Herb of the Week.” Accessed 11 May. 2025. 

Swift, Katja, and Ryn Midura. “Dandelion - Materia Medica Entry Text.” Accessed 11 May. 2025.  

Swift, Katja, and Ryn Midura. “Dandelion - Taraxacum Officinale” Family Herbalist Course.https://online.commonwealthherbs.com/courses/take/materia-medica/lessons/2377171-dandelion-taraxacum-officinale Accessed 11 May. 2025. 

Wood, Matthew. Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism: Basic Doctrine, Energetics, and Classification. North Atlantic Books, 2013.