Dandelion (Pu Gong Ying)

蒲公英
Dandelion herb (Pugongying)

Pharmaceutical Name: Herba taraxaci

Botanical Name: 1. Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.. 2. Taraxacum sinicum Kitag.

Common Name: Dandelion herb

Source of Earliest Record: Xinxiu Bencao

Part Used: The whole plant is gathered in summer or autumn, cleaned in water and then dried in the sun.

Natural Properties & Taste: Bitter, sweet and cold

Meridians: Stomach and liver

Therapeutic Effects:
1. To clear heat and release toxins.
2. To resolve dampness.

Indications & Combinations:

1. Boils, carbuncles and furuncles. Dandelion herb (Pugongying) is used with Viola (Zihuadiding), Wild chrysanthemum flower (Yejuhua) and Honeysuckle flower (Jinyinhua).

2. Damp-heat jaundice. Dandelion herb (Pugongying) is used with Oriental wormwood (Yinchenhao).

3. Turbid urination. Dandelion herb (Pugongying) is used with Lysimachia (Jinqiancao) and Imperata rhizome (Baimaogen).

Dosage: 10-30 g

Cautions & Contraindications: Overdosing of this herb may cause mild diarrhea.