Taraxacum sinicum

Physical Characteristics

Taraxacum sinicum is a PERENNIAL. 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.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Root Edible Uses: Coffee Tea Leaves - raw or cooked. 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 Diuretic Galactogogue Hepatic Laxative Stomachic The aerial parts of the plant are antibacterial, cholagogue, diuretic, galactogogue, laxative and stomachic[176]. A decoction is used in treating abscesses, appendicitis, boils, liver problems, stomach disorders etc[176, 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 plant has an antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci, Pneumococci, Meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, C. diphtheriae, Proteus etc[176]. The stem has been used in the treatment of cancer[218].

Known Hazards

None known