Taraxacum mongolicum

Physical Characteristics

Taraxacum mongolicum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China..

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Root Edible Uses: Coffee Tea Young leaves - raw or cooked[177]. The following uses are also probably applicable to this species, though we have no records for them[K] Root - cooked[183]. Flowers - raw or cooked[183]. The unopened flower buds can be used in fritters[183]. The whole plant is dried and used as a tea[177, 183]. A pleasant tea is made from the flowers. The leaves and the roots can also be used to make tea. The root is dried and roasted to make a coffee substitute.

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Cancer Cholagogue Decongestant Depurative Diuretic Febrifuge Galactogogue Hepatic Laxative Stomachic The whole plant is antibacterial, cholagogue, decongestant, depurative, diuretic, febrifuge, galactogogue, laxative and stomachic[147, 176]. The plant has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Pneumococci, Meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, C. diphtheriae, Proteus etc[176]. A decoction is used in treating abscesses, appendicitis, boils, liver problems, stomach disorders etc[147, 218]. It has been used for over 1,000 years by the Chinese in treating breast cancer and other disorders of the breasts including poor milk flow[218]. The stem has been used in the treatment of cancer[218].

Known Hazards

None known