Ayurvedic Herb

Dandelion Root

BotanicalTaraxacum officinaleAlso calledDandelion, Lion's tooth, Blowball

A humble, bitter backyard root that Western Ayurveda counts as a cooling friend to the liver and digestion.

Dandelion Root, root

Most of us spend years trying to get rid of dandelions. Herbalists dig them up on purpose. The long taproot is brown outside and creamy inside, and it tastes bitter with an earthy sweetness underneath. Roasted, it turns toasty and dark, almost like coffee.

Dandelion is not a classical Ayurvedic herb, but modern Ayurvedic teachers give it a clear place: bitter, a little sweet, and cooling. Bitter is the taste Ayurveda uses to lighten heat and heaviness, so dandelion is a natural fit for pitta and kapha, and in Western Ayurveda it is often linked with the liver and with rakta dhatu, the blood tissue.

Ayurvedic Properties

Not described in classical Ayurveda; modern Ayurvedic writers describe it as bitter and sweet in taste and cooling, with a pungent post-digestive effect (Frawley and Lad, The Yoga of Herbs, and other modern Ayurvedic teachers).

RasaTastes
  • Bitter
  • Sweet
ViryaHeating or cooling
Cooling
VipakaPost-digestive effect
Pungent
AgniEffect on digestion
Gently supports agni

Its bitterness gently stirs a slow appetite while staying cool.

GunaQualities
  • Light
  • Dry
TridoshaEffect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha
  • Vata: increases in excess
  • Pitta: decreases
  • Kapha: decreases
  • decreases (calms that dosha)
  • increases (can aggravate it)
  • neutral or balancing
  • not known
  • V Vata · P Pitta · K Kapha

Bitter and cooling, dandelion is a classic pitta and kapha herb in Western Ayurveda. Vata types do better with the roasted root, brewed with warming spices like cinnamon or ginger.

Traditional Uses

  • Traditionally used to support the liver's natural rhythms.
  • Traditionally used to support healthy digestion and appetite as a bitter.
  • Traditionally used to support rakta dhatu, the blood tissue, and clear skin.
  • Traditionally used to support the body's natural fluid balance.

How People Use It

  • TeaSimmer 1 teaspoon of cut root in 2 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. It tastes earthy and bitter, so cinnamon or a little fennel softens it.
  • FoodYoung dandelion greens add a bitter bite to spring salads or can be sauteed with garlic and olive oil.
  • WaterRoasted root, simmered the same way, makes a dark, toasty brew that some people enjoy as a gentle coffee alternative.
Try This

Roasted Dandelion Root Morning Brew

A dark, toasty cup to start a pitta morning.

  • 1 teaspoon roasted dandelion root
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon chips or a small piece of cinnamon stick
  • 2 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • 2 cups water
  • A splash of warm oat or whole milk (optional)
  1. Add the dandelion root, cinnamon and cardamom to a small pot with the water.
  2. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the liquid is dark.
  3. Strain into a mug and add a splash of warm milk if you like.
  4. Sip it slowly after a light breakfast rather than on an empty stomach.

Pairs Well With

Cautions

  • Dandelion in food amounts is considered likely safe, but less is known about larger amounts. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding beyond food amounts is not known, so check with your doctor or midwife first.
  • Dandelion is related to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies. If you are sensitive to these plants, use caution and stop if you notice any allergic reaction.
  • Dandelion might interact with diabetes medicines, blood thinners and water pills. Talk with your doctor if you take any of these.
  • Topical dandelion may cause an allergic reaction in people with eczema.
  • Please consult a qualified practitioner or your doctor before using dandelion regularly.

In Our Shop

Organic Dandelion Root

Organic Dandelion Root, from $5.75. Weighed and packed by hand at our Rockville Centre studio.

Shop Dandelion Root →

From the Journal

Sources and Further Reading

This page shares how herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda and other herbal traditions. It is for general education only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please talk with your doctor or a qualified practitioner before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.