Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

The dandelion is a perennial plant widely throughout the Iberian Peninsula. It has a very thick root when cut milk secretes a very white, the upper end of it sprouts leaves, it seems as if there were no stem, but really has very short. These sheets are very diverse in morphology: some with jagged edges or almost whole, and other deep segmented, leading into the main vein. In the apical end appears a capitulum of flowers surrounded by a series of green bracts. These tongue-shaped flowers are yellow and.

FLOWERING

The dandelion blooms profusely in early May, returning to flower later and less intensively in summer and autumn. Are collected for medicinal purposes the root and rhizome with basal rosette of leaves, being the best time between March and April, just before the plant opens. We must be careful when digging up the root, in order not to damage: the earth is removed, washed and dried. To prevent wilt, it's best to drying by artificial heat, at temperatures not exceeding 50 º C. Once this process, the leaves should retain their natural color and the roots should be brittle. It is preserved in sealed jars, protected from moisture and other external agents.

APPLICATIONS

The leaves contain flavonoids, coumarins and vitamins B and C. Inulin found in the root, and a resin derived triterpenes. Both the leaves and the root is a bitter principle called taraxacin. Of all the virtues attributable to this plant, it is noteworthy that a good appetite stimulant, because of the bitter principle exists in the root and leaves. And acts as an excellent liver-kidney drain. It presents important actions and colagoga choleretic, ie that stimulates the secretion of bile from the gallbladder and bile ducts. As for its diuretic properties, undoubtedly true, "are mainly due to the polyphenols it contains. Formerly called "urinary herba and its present name in French is" Pise au lit. The dandelion root, dried and roasted properly, has been used for a long time as a coffee substitute or adulterate it.

ADMINISTRATION

Decoction. With the roots and leaves are preparing a purifying tea. One tablespoon per cup, boil for 2 minutes and take 3 cups daily before meals.
Extracts. If fluid is taken 30 to 50 drops, 3 times a day. With the dry can take 1 to 2 gr. per day, divided between meals. The dandelion is a plant widely used in many commercial preparations. It is found in tablets, capsules, cut plant, tinctures, extracts, etc.. and also part of many presentations compound.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Composite tubulifloras
HABITAT: Meadows and uncultivated areas
FLOWERING: Fall
PART USED: Leaves and root
CASTILIAN: Achicoria amarga, pelosilla
CATALAN: Ferrexacó, xicoria
BASQUE: Galkidea
GALICIAN: Leitariga

USES

Strong-cholagogue Colerético, Laxative Moderate, Mild diuretic.