LEONTODON TARAXACUM. 
61 
The roots by drying lose much of their bitterness, and with it 
their medicinal properties ; therefore the recent roots should be 
preferred. The roots should be taken up previous to the flower 
stems shooting, as they then contain more of the milky fluid, in which 
the virtues of the plant reside. 
In many parts of the Continent, particularly in France, the leaves 
of the Taraxacum are eaten as a salad herb, being previously blanched 
as the gardeners do endive ; by this process, the leaves ar edeprived of 
their bitterness, and are rendered perfectly mild and bland ; we are 
told also that at Gottingen, the poor people roast the roots, and use 
them as a substitute for coffee. 
Medical Properties and Uses. The Dandelion like 
many of our indigenous plants, has had its rise and fall. Some 
physicians of great eminence, have extolled it as a valuable medi- 
cine, whilst others have looked upon it as a mucilaginous bitter only. 
Many years ago it was a fashionable remedy on the Continent, and 
subsequently in this country ; but it is now rather growing into 
disrepute. 
It certainly possesses mild deobstruent and diuretic properties ; 
but not to that degree to entitle it to the high encomiums which have 
been lavished upon it by some authors. Boerhaave recommended it 
for biliary calculi, and esteemed it adequate to resolve obstructions 
of the viscera ; and the late Dr. Pemberton, in his treatise on 
diseases of the abdominal viscera, strongly recommended it in diseases 
of the liver, and derangement of the stomach.* By some, it is 
chiefly valued for its diuretic eff"ects ; and by others, for its gentle 
deobstruent properties: it is probable, the jarring opinions of its - 
virtues ought to be attributed to the preparations made use of. 
Taraxacum being generally prescribed in the form of extract, a mode 
of preparation that frequently destroys the most active qualities of 
vegetables; hence particular care should be taken in preparing the 
inspissated juice, or extract; when prescribed in this form, it is 
usually given in doses of from twenty to thirty grains two or three 
times in the day ; a decoction of the roots, two ounces boiled in one 
pint and half of water to one pint, with the addition of sulph. potass, 
is recommended as a deobstruent in jaundice, and obstructed liver. 
In Ireland, a decoction of the leaves, or roots, of this plant, is a 
popular remedy with the poor in pulmonary complaints. 
Off. The Herb, Root and Leaves. 
Off. Pp. Ext. Taraxaci. L.D. 
* I particularly recommend the use of Taraxacum, from which I have seen the 
most decided advantage, both in incipient scirrhus of the liver, and also in several 
chronic derangements of the stomach." Pemberton. 
