Herbarium: Common dandelion – it's much more than just a weed; the flowers, leaves, and roots are all useful.

The common dandelion ( *Taraxacum officinale*), also known as the European dandelion, is a perennial herb with yellow flowers, a basal rosette of spathulate leaves, and a taproot. When cut, it exudes a white milky sap that solidifies in the air. The plant's name comes from the Greek word "taraxis," meaning inflammation of the eyes. In ancient times, the milky sap, or latex, was used primarily to treat eye ailments.

The Latin name for the plant was given by the most famous Arab physician, Ibn Sina, better known as Avicenna (980-1036).

Distribution: It is found in meadows with loamy soil, along roadsides, and near paths, from lowlands to mountainous regions with slightly acidic soil. After flowering, the dried flower stalk is adorned with a fluffy seed head, which is easily dispersed by the wind, allowing the common dandelion to spread rapidly.

Chemical constituents: It contains inulin (most abundant in autumn), bitter compounds (germacranolides, eudesmanolides), taraxin (most abundant in July and August), taraxasterin, mucilage, tannins, triterpenes (faradiol, arnidiol), flavonoids, ceryl alcohol and lactucerol in the white sap, rubber, organic acids, minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, silicon dioxide, manganese salts, traces of zinc and copper), carbohydrates, sterols (taraxasterol), and phytosterols (homotaraxasterol). The aerial parts of the plant contain vitamins A, B, C, and D, terpenic alcohols, and carotenoids.

Effects and uses: The common dandelion has diuretic, choleretic (bile-stimulating), and digestive effects, as it contains enzymatically active substances that favorably affect the function of the liver and kidneys. It also acts on the production of gastric acids. Overall, it is used for diseases of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, duodenum, spleen, and pancreas. The bitter compounds stimulate the heart rate and the excretion of bile acids from the gallbladder. Because it harmonizes the gallbladder meridian, it has a positive effect on the regeneration of degenerating hip joints. It relieves classic gallbladder pain in the sides of the head, around the ears, and alleviates scalp irritation, reduces swelling, and cleanses the blood. It also helps with urinary tract infections, stomach problems, kidney stones, gallbladder stones, high blood pressure, increased gastric acidity, heartburn, loss of appetite, gout, and jaundice. It improves skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, various rashes, and eczema. It positively affects degenerative changes in joints, cartilage, and bone diseases in arthritis and osteoarthritis. Overall, it supports metabolism.

Preparation of tea: Add 2-3 teaspoons of finely crushed roots to 3/4 liter of water and boil for 5 minutes. Strain the decoction immediately or let it steep for another 5-15 minutes, depending on the desired strength of the tea. A weaker tea is used to stimulate bodily functions, while a stronger tea is used for detoxification. The tea has a mild laxative effect.

Salad: Young leaves can be used in salads. Those who can tolerate more bitterness can make a salad from fresh, young green leaves, while those who prefer a milder salad can blanch the dandelion leaves for a few days by covering them with a pot lid.

This article was published with the kind permission of the Sféra magazine.

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