Taraxacum is a genus of dicotyledonous anemocores belonging to the large family of the Asteraceae (Compositae). This is the kind of real "dandelions".
• The roots of dandelion contain inulin, tannins and a latex containing a bitter principle (lactupicrine).
• The green leaves are rich in vitamin A: 700 times more than the PEAR, 70 times more oranges and twice more than spinach. They also contain vitamins B1, B2, C and E, and most minerals: Ca, Mg, P, K, Na, CI, S, Fe, Mn, Si, in proportions, as well as other substances.
• Have been isolated from the common dandelion also: carotene, phytoxanthines, of choline, flavonoids (Taraxine), mucilage, fatty acids and a phytosterol: the Triterpene.
• The dandelion is a bitter tonic, endowed with virtues stomachic, cholagogue, depurative and eupeptic. The diuretic effect of the dandelion, which gives it its name, is real. More generally, the dandelion allows the elimination of toxins.
• Latex stems may cause skin allergies in sensitive people. It has a coricide action and can be used on warts. It would be also a specific action on the gallbladder and possibly a solvent action on the hepatic calculations.
• Ligules provide a distilled water that lightens the skin.
