• used to support liver function and to stimulate bile flow
• used as a bitter tonic, to stimulate digestion
• used as a diuretic and to support kidney function
With its marked diuretic and bitter tonic qualities, this powerful medicinal plant has been used for many hundreds of years as an herbal remedy in the West.
Herbalist Michael Tierra notes incisively that, “The main benefits of this great herb are exerted upon the function of the liver. Dandelion has the capacity to clear obstructions and stimulate and aid the liver to eliminate toxins from the blood. ...The root is also useful for clearing obstructions of the spleen, pancreas, gallbladder, bladder and kidneys. It is of tremendous benefit to the stomach and intestines.... In Chinese medicine this condition would be considered as ‘liver attacking spleen-pancreas’, which refers to an imbalance of liver and pancreatic enzymes necessary for digestion. Thus it would seem that dandelion root helps to balance these enzymes that simultaneously benefit digestion, assimilation, and elimination.”
Researchers Heather Boon and Michael Smith explain that, “Dandelion root... is considered to be both a choleretic (promoting production of bile) and a cholagogue (causing contraction of the bile duct initiating the flow of stored bile). These properties are firmly part of herbal tradition... For example, studies have shown that administration of dandelion increased bile flow in dogs and rats and aided in the management of a variety of gall-bladder conditions.”
In his monograph on dandelion, herbalist David Hoffmann points out that dandelion “is a powerful diuretic, with an action comparable to that of the drug furosemide.” Its high potassium content, moreover, makes it safe to use even by patients with heart problems, when diuretic action is required. Hoffmann concludes that, “Overall, this herb is a most valuable general tonic and perhaps the best widely applicable diuretic and liver tonic.”
Administration:
35-40 drops (1.2-1.3 ml), three to four times daily, in a mouthful of water, on an empty stomach.
Contraindications and Cautions:
Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are taking lithium or medications for diabetes or schizophrenia. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not take if allergic to Asteraceae (daisy) family plants. Do not use if you have acute gall bladder inflammation, bile duct obstruction, or intestinal blockage. Reduce dosage or discontinue use of you experience a hypersensitivity reaction.
Available in bottle sizes of 50ml, 100ml, and 250ml.
A NOTE ON TINCTURES
Tinctures are more readily absorbed by the body and have a high degree of bio-availability. As well, they have a long shelf life.
Sometimes people ask us why tinctures are alcohol-based. There are very good reasons. Alcohol is critically important in the extraction of an herb's medicinal ingredients. It also helps to stabilize and preserve them. Alcohol is the ideal carrier substance, conveying the therapeutic goodness of the herb to the body. In itself, too, science has proven that alcohol enhances the immune system and its defences.
As for the amount of alcohol taken in an average dose of tincture, you'll be surprised to learn that it's about the same as what you'd find in an overly ripe banana!
Tinctures remain the most practical way to take advantage of the amazing, health-giving power of herbs.
Ingredients:
Certified Organic
Dandelion
(Taraxacum officinalis) |
