Taraxacum officinale
Taraxacum officinale
Taraxacum officinale (pronunciation: /təˈræksəkʊm ɒfɪˈsiːnəleɪ/), commonly known as the common dandelion, is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant of the family Asteraceae.
Etymology
The genus name Taraxacum is derived from the Greek words "taraxos" (disorder) and "akos" (remedy), referring to the medicinal uses of the plant. The species name officinale indicates that the plant has a long history of medicinal use.
Description
Taraxacum officinale grows from a rosette of leaves springing up from a central taproot. The flower heads are yellow to orange colored, and are open in the daytime, but closed at night. The leaves are 5–25 cm long or longer, simple, lobed, and form a basal rosette above the central taproot.
Medicinal Uses
Taraxacum officinale has been used in traditional medicine in many cultures. It is rich in vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Its leaves are often used to add flavor to salads, sandwiches, and teas. The roots are used in some coffee substitutes, and its flowers are used to make certain wines.
In traditional medicine, dandelion is regarded as a valuable herb that can be used as a remedy for fever, boils, eye problems, diabetes, and diarrhea. The plant is also considered a diuretic and is used to increase urine production and to treat digestive problems and skin conditions.
Related Terms
- Asteraceae: The family of flowering plants that includes dandelions.
- Perennial plant: A plant that lives for more than two years.
- Taproot: The largest, most central, and most dominant root of some plants.
- Diuretic: Something that promotes diuresis, that is, the increased production of urine.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Taraxacum officinale
- Wikipedia's article - Taraxacum officinale
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