Dandelion

The dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) grows in meadows and damp but also rather dry places where other plants can no longer thrive. The only requirement is that it must not be too damp or swampy. The plant is considered to be very adaptable, grows luxuriantly and regenerates very quickly (e.g. after being grazed by grazing animals). The leaves grow in rosettes and have toothed edges (hence the name). The flowers have a rich yellow color, similar to the marsh marigold. The flowers close towards the center at dusk. The striking thing about them is that they close again or do not open at all in bad weather or cloudy days, or when a rainstorm is approaching.

The flowers sit on a 5 cm to 35 cm long stem that is hollow on the inside. The stem and root of the plant contain a white milky sap. Dandelion is very versatile. It is often used as a food. For example, as a salad, but also as fodder on pastures and as rabbit feed. However, only the leaves are used. It has been observed that grazing animals avoid the flowers and flower stalks when eating dandelions, and hares are also not given the flower stalks and roots to eat. The milky sap was formerly used to treat eye diseases (Greek: taraxis = eye inflammation and akeomai = I heal Taraxacum).

Components/ingredients

These include potassium, calcium, manganese, sodium, sulphur, silicic acid, choline, bitter substances, starch as inulin (approx. 15%), fats, enzymes, wax, mucilage, rubber, approx. 4.5% sugars, levulin and taraxin. The lactic juice is an emulsion with gum, resin and rubber granules in suspension that evaporates on discharge. As Hahnemann noted, ingestion or consumption of milk causes abdominal discomfort, which is why it is considered toxic. The content of the individual substances varies greatly and depends on the time of harvest. The bitter substance content is highest in spring. The inulin content is highest in August and the taraxin content in September.

Phytotherapeutic areas of application

Digestive complaints, for blood purification, e.g. for spring cures, upper abdominal complaints (liver-bile, pancreas, stomach complaints), bladder complaints, joint complaints, rheumatic complaints, skin rashes, for detoxification. Dandelion has a strong diuretic effect (do not take in the evening! see above). It can therefore also be used to treat heart-related edema. In the area of the hepatobiliary system, Taraxacum off. is particularly effective for congestive jaundice. Other areas of application are dropsy, gout, pulmonary hemorrhages, congestion of the lungs and hemorrhoids. As Taraxacum off. has a strong diuretic effect, it can be assumed that it is also effective for kidney-bladder disorders with polyuretic symptoms (bladder weakness with frequent urge to urinate, nocturia).

Safety and side effects

Dandelion is probably safe and harmless for most people when used in normal food quantities. Dandelion is potentially safe and harmless when used in higher medicinal amounts.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the safety of dandelion products during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid dandelion products to be on the safe side.

Allergies to broomweed and related plants: Dandelion could cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this plant family include broomsedge, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies and many others. If you suffer from allergies, you should consult your doctor before taking dandelion products.

Interactions

Care should be taken when combining dandelion with the following medications:

Antibiotics (quinolone antibiotics)

Dandelion may reduce the amount of antibiotics absorbed by the body. Taking dandelion in combination with quinolone antibiotics could reduce the effectiveness of these antibiotics.

Lithium

Dandelion may have a dehydrating (diuretic) effect. Taking dandelion may interfere with the body's excretion of lithium, which could result in increased lithium levels and serious side effects. For this reason, it is important to consult your doctor before using dandelion if you are taking lithium. The dosage of lithium may need to be adjusted.

Drugs that are broken down by the liver (cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)

Some drugs are broken down by the liver. Dandelion may reduce the rate at which the liver breaks down certain drugs. Taking dandelion in combination with drugs that are broken down by the liver may increase the effects and side effects of some drugs. For this reason, you should consult your doctor before taking dandelion if you are taking medication that is broken down by the liver.

Drugs that are broken down by the liver (glucoronidated drugs)

The body breaks down some medicines in order to be able to excrete them. The liver helps to break down these drugs. Dandelion may increase the rate at which some drugs are broken down by the liver. This could reduce the effectiveness of some of these drugs.

Diuretics (potassium-sparing diuretics)

Dandelion contains significant amounts of potassium. Some diuretics can increase potassium levels in the body. Taking some diuretics in combination with dandelion could increase potassium levels in the body too much.