The properties of Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale, the dandelion or common dandelion, is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant of the dandelion genus in the family Asteraceae (syn. Compositae). The common dandelion is well known for its yellow flower heads that turn into round balls of many silver-tufted fruits that disperse in the wind. These balls are usually called “clocks” in both British and American English. The name “blowball” is also used.
Dandelions have long been used in herbal medicine for their choleretic, diuretic, antiinflammatory, appetite-stimulating and laxative properties. The leaves, flowers, and roots are sometimes used as food.