Taraxacum officinale
Key actions
Anti-inflammatoryAntimicrobialAntioxidantBitter digestive tonic / stomachicCholeretic / cholagogue (bile flow)Digestive aidDiureticHepatoprotective (liver support)LaxativePrebiotic
Traditional & clinical uses, by strength of evidence
- Swelling / fluid retentionModerate
- Urinary supportModerate
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)Moderate
- Loss of appetiteTraditional
- Arthritis / joint painTraditional
- BloatingTraditional
- ConstipationTraditional
- Detox / cleansingTraditional
- IndigestionTraditional
- Infection (general)Traditional
- Inflammation (general)Traditional
- Liver supportTraditional
- Skin irritationTraditional
- WoundsTraditional
From the Materia Medica
Common Names: Dandelion, common dandelion, lion’s tooth, blowball, puffball, priest’s crown, pissenlit, wet-the-bed, Irish daisy, monk’s head Genus: Taraxacum Parts Used: Leaf, Root, Flower, Whole plant Medicinal Actions: Diuretic, Bitter digestive tonic, Choleretic (bile-stimulating), Hepatic (liver support), Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Prebiotic, Mild laxative Preparation Methods: Tea/Infusion, Decoction (root), Tincture, Cooked (pot-herb), Roasted root ‘coffee’, Fresh salad…
Selected studies & references
ReviewDandelion (Taraxacum officinale): A Promising Source of Nutritional and Therapeutic Compounds (2025)
RctThe diuretic effect in human subjects of an extract of Taraxacum officinale folium over a single day (2009)
PreclinicalAnti-inflammatory effects of chlorogenic acid from Taraxacum officinale on LTA-stimulated bovine mammary epithelial cells via the TLR2/NF-kB pathway (2023)
PreclinicalHydroalcoholic extract of Taraxacum officinale induces apoptosis and autophagy in 4T1 breast cancer cells (2023)
PreclinicalNew Approaches on the Anti-Inflammatory and Cardioprotective Properties of Taraxacum officinale Tincture (2023)
All 30 studies in the Knowledge Finder →
Educational use only. This profile summarises traditional and scientific sources for reference. It is not medical advice and not a substitute for a qualified practitioner. Some plants carry safety cautions and drug interactions — always check before use.