Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

Part used: Leaves and root
Botanical family: Asteraceae

A weed to gardeners and a treasure to herbalists, dandelion is Europe's classic depurative. The leaves are notably diuretic — the French name 'pissenlit' says it all — with the advantage of supplying potassium rather than depleting it; the bitter root stimulates liver and bile. The combination makes it ideal for seasonal cleansing.

Traditional uses

Mild fluid retention
Cleansing routines
Gentle digestive and liver support

Traditionally used for

fluid retentiondetoxliverspring cleanseswollen legs

How to prepare it

Infuse leaf and root, 2–3 cups a day in 2–3 week courses.

Pairs well with: Nettle, Horsetail, Milk thistle

Ask us about this plant

Other plants with similar uses

Horsetail

Equisetum arvense

Nettle

Urtica dioica

Bearberry

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

This information reflects traditional uses of plants for general guidance and does not replace advice from a health professional. If you take medication, are pregnant or have a medical condition, ask before using them.