Pú Gōng Yīng · Dandelion
Pú Gōng Yīng (蒲公英, Dandelion) is a herb of Cold nature and Bitter, Sweet flavor, in the “Heat-Clearing and Toxin-Resolving” category. Tradition uses it to clear Heat and Toxins, Reduce Abscesses, Promote Lactation.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Pú Gōng Yīng
- Characters
- 蒲公英
- Botanical name
- Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Part used
- Whole plant
- Nature
- Cold
- Flavor
- Bitter, Sweet
- Meridians
- Liver, Stomach
- Category
- Heat-Clearing and Toxin-Resolving
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- No contraindication described (always consult)
- Origin
- China, Europe, North America
Actions according to tradition
- Clear Heat and Toxins
- Reduce Abscesses
- Promote Lactation
- Clear Liver Heat
Traditional uses
- Breast abscesses and mastitis
- Internal abscesses
- Liver heat with red eyes
- Damp-heat jaundice
- Painful urination
Studied effects and current applications
- Liver detoxification
- Improves digestion
- Reduces water retention
- Clears skin conditions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Supports kidney function
Applications under investigation
- Liver disease
- Acne and eczema
- UTI and cystitis
- Gallbladder issues
- Edema
- Digestive problems
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Bile duct obstruction
- Intestinal obstruction
- Gallstones
Relative contraindications
- Hypotension
- Hypokalemia
- Latex allergy (cross-reactivity)
- Pregnancy
- Generally safe. Traditionally used during pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding
- Traditionally used to support lactation.
- Children
- Safe for children in appropriate doses.
- Older adults
- Generally safe
Possible adverse effects
- Allergic reactions
- Digestive upset
- Increased urination
- Low potassium (diuretic effect)
When to stop
- Gallbladder problems
- Allergic reactions
- Excessive urination
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diuretics | Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide | Moderate | Additive diuretic effect, risk of dehydration Monitor fluid status and potassium |
| Lithium | Lithium | Moderate | May decrease lithium elimination Monitor lithium levels |
| Antibiotics | Ciprofloxacin, Quinolones | Moderate | May decrease antibiotic absorption Separate by 2 hours |
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 10-15 grams daily (whole plant)
- Powder
- 3-6 grams daily
- Extract
- As per label
- Tincture
- 2-4 ml (1:5) 2-3 times daily
- Acute use
- 1-2 weeks
- Chronic use
- 2-4 weeks
- Maximum
- Use with breaks
- Children
- Safe for children.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 10-15g for 15-25 min.
Heat-toxin, liver, mastitis
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Lactonic sesquiterpenes, inulin and phenolic acids
Lactonic sesquiterpenes (eudesmanolides) · Choleretic, bitter digestive, anti-inflammatory
Bile secretion stimulation, NF-κB inhibition · 0.5-2% in leaves and root
Fructooligopolysaccharide (fructan) · Prebiotic, hypoglycemic, mild osmotic laxative
Fermentation by bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, postprandial glucose reduction · 12-45% in root (maximum in autumn)
Phenolic acids · Antioxidant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory
α-glucosidase inhibition, free radical scavenging · 1-3%
Flavone · Anti-inflammatory, diuretic
COX-2 inhibition, increased urinary Na+ excretion · 0.1-0.3%
Phytosterols · Hypocholesterolemic, prostatic anti-inflammatory
Competition with cholesterol in intestinal absorption · 0.05-0.2%
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Spring (March-May) for leaves and flowers; roots in autumn
Complete plant with root harvested before complete flowering when the concentration of sesquiterpene lactones and taraxacin is maximum. The flowers are collected separately for tea.
Complete plant (root + leaves + stems) washed, cut and dried in the sun or with gentle heat. It can be used fresh in decoction or dried. The root has stronger action than the leaves.
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
