Herb latin name: Taraxacum mongolicum


Family: Compositae



Medicinal use of Taraxacum mongolicum:

The whole plant is antibacterial, cholagogue, decongestant, depurative, diuretic, febrifuge, galactogogue, laxative and stomachic. The plant has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Pneumococci, Meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, C. diphtheriae, Proteus etc. A decoction is used in treating abscesses, appendicitis, boils, liver problems, stomach disorders etc. It has been used for over 1,000 years by the Chinese in treating breast cancer and other disorders of the breasts including poor milk flow. The stem has been used in the treatment of cancer.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
20 cm
(7 3/4 inch)

Habitat of the herb:

Village outskirts, embankments and damp roadsides.

Edible parts of Taraxacum mongolicum:

Young leaves - raw or cooked. The following uses are also probably applicable to this species, though we have no records for them Root - cooked. Flowers - raw or cooked. The unopened flower buds can be used in fritters. The whole plant is dried and used as a tea. A pleasant tea is made from the flowers. The leaves and the roots can also be used to make tea. The root is dried and roasted to make a coffee substitute.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and either surface-sow or only just cover the seed. Make sure the compost does not dry out. Germination should take place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, choosing relatively deep pots to accommodate the tap root. Plant them out in early summer. Division in early spring as the plant comes into growth.

Cultivation of Taraxacum mongolicum:

Village outskirts, embankments and damp roadsides.

Known hazards of Taraxacum mongolicum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.