[Preparations cont'd]

To make a tea from Dandelion leaves, pour boiling water over two teaspoons of dried Dandelion leaves (or four teaspoons of freshly chopped) and steep for ten minutes.

Strain, and drink three to four cups daily as needed. While Dandelion leaf tea is extremely safe, it's always a good idea to increase your intake of potassium-rich foods such as apples, bananas, carrots, oranges, and potatoes when using a diuretic.

Using Dandelion Preparations as a General Tonic

As a general tonic and to stimulate digestion use, 3 times a day:

2-3 grams of the dried root

5-10ml of a root tincture, or

20-30 drops of Dandelion Fluid Extract - again, made from the root. A fluid extract is much stronger than a tincture, so less is needed. It is often the most convenient way to take dandelion root.

Some herbalists say that the tincture or fluid extracts are more effective because the therapeutic 'bitter principles' are more soluble in alcohol.

As a mild diuretic or appetite stimulant, 4-10 grams of dried leaves can be added to 1 cup of boiling water and taken as a decoction. 5-10ml of fresh juice from the leaves or 2-5ml of tincture made from the leaves can be used three times per day. The fresh juice is the most effective.

Cautions with Dandelion

No interactions have been reported between Dandelion and standard medications.

Because Dandelion acts as a cholagogue, which means that it increases the flow of bile, people with closure of the biliary ducts and other biliary ailments should not use it.

In cases of stomach ulcer or gastritis, Dandelion should be used cautiously, as it may cause overproduction of stomach acid.

Use in small doses, and take advice from a practitioner if you are using any other medication or suffer from any chronic conditions. Seek medical advice during pregnancy.

Those experiencing fluid or water retention should consult a practitioner before taking Dandelion leaves. People taking the leaves should be sure that their practitioner monitors potassium levels.

The milky latex in the stem and leaves of fresh Dandelion may cause an allergic rash in some individuals.

Dandelion - Top Liver Herb

Dandelion is a great liver herb. It is not as potent as some others, eg Barberry or Milk Thistle; but it is excellent in the general tonic effect it has, as well as helping the detox functions of the liver. It is also very safe to use.

Other resources:

Various herbs which help the liver.

Milk Thistle products

A complete 90-day Liver Programme

About The Liver - An AHZ article - Part 1

About the Liver - An AHZ article - Part 2

Is Colon Cleansing Really Necessary? - An AHZ article

Another view on Liver Cleansing 

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