DANDELION- ---Parts Used Medicinally---The root, fresh and dried, the young tops. All parts of the plant contain a
somewhat bitter, milky juice (latex), but the juice of the root being still more powerful is the part of the
plant most used for medicinal purposes
---Medicinal Action and Uses---Diuretic, tonic and slightly aperient. It is a general stimulant to the
system, but especially to the urinary organs, and is chiefly used in kidney and liver disorders.
Dandelion is not only official but is used in many patent medicines. Not being poisonous, quite big doses
of its preparations may be taken. Its beneficial action is best obtained when combined with other agents.
The tincture made from the tops may be taken in doses of 10 to 15 drops in a spoonful of water, three
times daily.
A broth of Dandelion roots, sliced and stewed in boiling water with some leaves of Sorrel and the yolk of
an egg, taken daily for some months, has been known to cure seemingly intractable cases of chronic
liver congestion.
Dandelion is used as a as a mild laxative in habitual constipation. When the stomach is irritated and
where active treatment would be injurious, the decoction or extract of Dandelion administered three or
four times a day, will often prove a valuable remedy. It has a good effect in increasing the appetite and
promoting digestion.
It is also said that the juice from the stem can be applied to warts and let it dry.Use three days in a row. It
is also a diuretic.
Fresh leaves are eaten in salads.