Botanical Library
Dandelion
Holistic tradition
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At a glance
Where it's from
Native to Eurasia; naturalized worldwide.
Look & taste
The familiar toothed-leaf lawn plant with a yellow flower; leaf and root are used. Bitter, earthy
Signature compounds
Bitter sesquiterpenes, inulin and potassium.
Traditionally used for
A classic Western bitter and 'spring cleanse' herb for the liver and digestion.
In Canada, we can say...
Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine as a diuretic, as a choleretic to increase bile flow, to relieve digestive troubles, and (root) as an alterative for skin conditions such as eczema.
Did you know?
Its French name 'pissenlit' ('wet the bed') nods to its strong diuretic effect.
History & natural history
A food and medicine across Europe and Asia; every part is edible.
What we're actually allowed to say
🇨🇦 Health Canada
✓ Permitted: Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine as a diuretic, as a choleretic to increase bile flow, to relieve digestive troubles, and (root) as an alterative for skin conditions such as eczema.
How to use it
As greens, roasted-root 'coffee,' tea or tincture.
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Request Dandelion →Side effects & safety
Check with a practitioner if you have a liver, gallbladder or bile-duct disorder. At higher doses, cautions apply for diabetes, blood pressure and kidney conditions.
A note on how to read this page. Traditional (TCM / Ayurveda) and holistic notes are cultural and historical context, offered for education — not medical advice or health claims. Health Canada's permitted claims reflect what regulators have assessed. Emerging research is early, and not a promise of results. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always talk to your (or your pet's) health professional before starting a supplement.