Botanical Name: Taraxacum officinale

Energetics:  Moistening, warming (this is how I find it, others find it cooling and drying. Perhaps it is simply balancing)

Major Properties: Alterative, nutritive, liver and gall bladder support, mild laxative,

Examples of Uses: Sluggish liver, fatigue, cancer support along with burdock, osteoarthritis

Parts Used: Root, preferably after hard freeze in fall, but can be used anytime if needed

Preparations:

Tincture

Syrup as part of Iron Tonic (see recipe section in blog)

Personal Observations:

While some herbalists say, "When in doubt, use nettle", I say, "When in doubt, use dandelion!" I find it to be gentler and even more broadly acting than nettle. I use it as a bitter stimulant, spraying the tincture at the back of my tongue before eating to stimulate digestive juices and get my stomach ready to work. Its part of my daily blend of dandelion root, milky oat seed, and Reishi Mushroom. I like to use it when making tea and often add it to kombucha for an extra boost. I have seen great relief from acne, used along with burdock. And there are many tests currently underway for its use with many cancers and results are astounding. It's very safe to use, so why not use it?!

There is a book entitled, Dandelion Medicine, by Brigitte Mars that has great information. Dandelion will also be listed in pretty much every herbal book out there, for good reason!!

This brief overview merely highlights my observations.  There is, of course, a great deal of information that you can find on the Internet or in books.  Or better yet - get together with other herbalists and share your experiences!

Please add your own experiences so that together we can create a more comprehensive overview.

As always, if you have a chronic ailment that is not resolving itself or an acute issue, seek the attention of your physician.