Also known asTaraxacum officinale, Blowball, Cankerwort, Common Dandelion, Dandelion Herb, _Leontodon taracu_m, Lion’s Tooth, Pissenlit, Priest’s Crown, Swine Snout, Taraxaci herba, Taraxacum vulgare, Wild Endive.IntroductionThe common dandelion, enemy of well-kept lawns, is an exceptionally nutritious food. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the roots of various species of dandelions are also used as “herbs that cool the blood.” The folklore attributed to dandelions is wide and varied. According to different folk tales they are able to tell the time of day by two different methods: the first one says that the number of breaths it takes to blow all the seeds off is equal to the time of day; the second says that the number of seeds left over after three strong breaths is the time of day. Dandelions are also said to be able to repel witches if gathered on Midsummer’s Eve. Other magical abilities attributed to dandelions include increasing ones psychic ability and divination when used in a tea.ConstituentsThe nutrients mentioned in the Introduction, plus bitter taraxacins (eudesmanolides), sitosterol, stigmasterol, alpha- and beta-carotene, caffeic acid, mucilage, and an unusually high potassium content.Parts UsedThe whole root, dried, and cut.Typical PreparationsTypically used as tea or tincture. Chopped dandelion root rather than dandelion root powder is most often used to make teas combining dandelion and other herbs. Dandelion root powder is used when diuretic effect is emphasized.SummaryBoth the leaves and roots of dandelion have wonderful nutritive properties, containing substantial levels of vitamins A, C, D, and B complex as well as iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, manganese, copper, choline, calcium, boron, and silicon.PrecautionsUse with caution if you have gallstones.For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.