Do you remember when you were young, you saw those white fluffy balls on the grass carpet, you pick it up and blow at it and see the white feather fly everywhere… “Wow…so fun! I want to find another one…” – that was my reaction. I never know what it is, but I have a pure liking to it, the fluffy ball, the yellow pretty flowers. Later on in my life, I learnt that it's a weed, and my mum will pull it out. Until recently I finally have a better understanding of it.
It’s called Dandelion – I’m sure you know it already. But do you know Dandelion is actually a very beneficial herb for many conditions? You can use the whole plant, the roots or the leaf. Its roots is famous for coffee substituent, you can buy the roasted dandelion root in powder form in the supermarket. The whole plant in Asia is famous for breast cancer or nodule, infections, and also for detox and for reduce swelling. It is also a herb in Chinese Medicine, according to ancient records, Dandelion- also called PuGongYing in Chinese, is cold and better, sweet. Enters liver and stomach channel. Because its cold, it can clear toxic heat conditions such as carbuncles, as seen in formula called Wu Wei Xiao Du Ying. Stomach meridian runs to breasts, for breast swelling, burning and pain, take the raw plant and grind into juice, can drink the juice or apply onto the area. As eyes is the opening of liver, as its cold and bitter, it can clear liver fire and is good for red, swelling eyes. As its bitter, it can clear the accumulation and dampness and is a great diuretics for difficult urination.
This website also have some other therapeutic uses and explanation of Dandelion, very clear and detailed description. http://www.purplesage.org.uk/profiles/dandelion.htm
Taraxacum leaf is a very potent diuretic and is an excellent remedy for water retention and oedema, particularly when it is of cardiac origin, or hepatogenous oedema (ascites). Its action comparable to the drug Frusemide. The usual effect of a drug which stimulates kidney function is a loss of potassium from the body, which aggravates any existing cardiovascular problem. A high level of potassium is particularly desirable when digitalis heart drugs are being prescribed, because if potassium levels fall, the drugs will produce irritability of the heart muscle. Luckily, Taraxacum is one of the best natural sources of potassium and therefore is a perfectly balanced and safe diuretic. Taraxacum leaf may be applied to urinary disorders in general, especially where worsened by the presence of oliguria. It also has similar actions to the root, but to a lesser extent.
Taraxacum root is a gentle liver tonic and may be used to treat inflammation and congestion of the liver and gall bladder. It can be applied to gallstones, cholecystitis, hepatic and post-hepatic jaundice, congestive dyspepsia with constipation and other toxic conditions such as chronic joint and skin inflammations. The root contains bitter substances which are beneficial to the digestive process and also have an aperient effect. The sesquiterpene lactones may produce the choleretic action. The active principle is taraxacin, which is found in the whole herb, particularly the root, and stimulates bile secretion. The white sap may be applied directly to warts.
So next time when you found them in your garden, give the fluffy ball to your kids, and make good use of this very special plant~!
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