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Photo of Taraxacum officinale

© Walther Otto Müller · Public domain · Commons

Taraxacum officinale

Caution

Gewöhnlicher Löwenzahn · (Taraxacum officinale)

Daisy family (Asteraceae)

Description

Strictly speaking, dandelion is not a single species but a whole group of barely distinguishable microspecies that reproduce largely without fertilisation. From the ground-level rosette of deeply toothed leaves rises a hollow, latex-bearing stalk carrying a single yellow flower head, which later becomes the familiar seed clock. Both herb and root are used: the leaves are gathered in spring before flowering, the root in autumn, when its inulin content climbs to as much as 40 percent. The sesquiterpene lactones taraxacin and taraxinic acid glucoside account for its characteristic bitterness. As a tea, dandelion is traditionally taken as a bitter for fullness and sluggish digestion, and as a spring course to flush the urinary tract — where drinking plenty, at least two litres a day, is essential. Young leaves make a classic wild salad.

  • TeaRootInternalTraditional use

    Classic bitter tea for digestive complaints.

    Preparation & dosage

    DECOCTION: 3–4 g + 150–250 ml cold water, boil and simmer 10–15 min. 3× daily before meals.

    Dry amount
    3–4 g
    Doses per day
    3×
    Max duration
    2 weeks

    ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Per EMA from 12 years.

    Sources: [4]

  • TeaRootInternalTraditional use

    Spring flushing cure.

    Preparation & dosage

    DECOCTION for urinary flushing: 3–4 g. Drink ≥ 2 L water/day.

    Dry amount
    3–4 g
    Doses per day
    3×
    Max duration
    2 weeks

    ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — From 12 years.

    Sources: [4]

  • TeaLeafInternalTraditional use

    Leaf tea for urinary flushing — traditional spring cure.

    Preparation & dosage

    LEAF INFUSION: 4–10 g + 150–250 ml boiling water. 3× daily with ≥ 2 L water.

    Dry amount
    4–10 g
    Doses per day
    3×
    Max duration
    2 weeks

    ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — From 12 years.

    Sources: [3]

  • RawLeafInternalFolk medicine

    Edible wild vegetable, traditional spring tonic.

    Preparation & dosage

    SPRING SALAD: Young leaves before flowering.

    Doses per day
    1×

    Sources: [1] [2]

  • TinctureRootInternalTraditional use

    Concentrated liquid extract as bitter drops.

    Preparation & dosage

    LIQUID EXTRACT: 90 drops 3× daily before meals in water.

    Liquid amount
    1–3 ml
    Doses per day
    3×
    Max duration
    2 weeks

    ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Alcohol-containing tinctures not under 18.

    Sources: [4]

Distribution in Europe

More from this family · Daisy family

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