Dandelion grows freely in lawns and parks and is high in Vitamins A, C & E from the leaf to the root. It’s a mineral-rich bitter tonic that helps facilitate optimum digestion by increasing the flow of saliva, stimulating digestive secretions throughout the digestive tract, enhancing the strength of peristalsis, and stimulating the flow of stomach secretions.
It supports the health of the liver, kidneys, and gallbladder (root only). The root is great as a spring tea and supports a healthy urinary tract. It also helps to resolve fluid congestion.
However, the use of dandelion root should be avoided by those with bile duct or gallbladder disease.
HERBAL ACTIONS/PROPERTIES: alterative, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, aperient, bitter tonic, cholagogue, diuretic, galactagogue, nutritive, tonic
SOURCES:
McBride, K. (2019). The Herbal Kitchen. Newburyport, MA: Red Barren.
Webb., M. A. & Craze, R. (2000). The Herb & Spice Companion. New York: Metro Books.