Taraxacum is one of the ‘cornerstone herbals’ of botanical medicine, and has long been used in many of the traditional healing arts, such as the “Medical Herbalist” of the UK. It has been widely used for ‘cooling and cleansing’ the liver. Dandelion root helps to relieve headaches, mood swings, and acne, all problems that relate to ‘liver heat’. Extracts of the root are effective for ‘cleansing the blood’ and for restorative effects on both the liver and gall bladder. The leaf extract is diuretic, removing excess fluids from the body. Dandelion is an effective tonic and stimulant, and may be used safely for liver disorders, gall bladder inflammation, and gallstones. It is a major component in ‘bitter tonics’, useful as a mild laxative or to promote digestion and increase appetite.

Cautions/Contraindications:
• Consult a health practitioner if using diabetes medication or       psychiatric drugs
• Do not take if allergic to Asteracae(daisy family) plants
• Do not use if suffering from Gilbert’s syndrome or Crigler-Najjar    syndrome
• Do not use if suffering with intestinal obstruction
• Do not use if pregnant or breast feeding

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Moore M. Herbal Tinctures in Clinical Practice. 1996 Southwest School of Botanical Medicine. Bisbee, AZ

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Mills S. The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Arkana Penguin Books 1991

Chevallier A. Natural Health Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Reference to 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments. Dorling Kindersley, London. 2000

Monograph – Dandelion. Natural Health Products Directorate, Ottawa ON 2004