Dandelion (Taraxacum) is a perennial herbaceous plant with a thick spindle-shaped root and a shortened stem is useful whole (with roots) during flowering.

11 species of dandelion are known and described in Bulgaria. It is widespread throughout the country, in grassy places and abandoned terrains, along roads, very often as a weed. In modern medicine, the root (Radix Taraxaci) is mainly used. The whole plant, which together with the roots is collected during growth, has less application. Its roots are removed in autumn, when the leaves begin to wither, or in spring, at the beginning of their development (March-April).

As early as 1875, it was found that the plant is medicinal and has a choleretic and cholagogue effect. This means that it has a beneficial effect on a number of liver and bile problems, causing an increase in bile production (cholagogenic effect), while causing increased expulsion of bile (choleretic effect) - in most cases, these two actions are related.

Salad of fresh dandelion leaves, as well as powdered roots significantly lower blood cholesterol. This fact may explain the use of the plant in atherosclerosis.

The aboveground part with the roots improves the functions of the liver, has a choleretic, diuretic, anthelmintic effect, stimulates the appetite. The healing effect is due to the bitter substances contained in the plant, organic acids and glycosides. Enhances the action of the pancreas - increases the secretion of insulin and reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood.

It is used for cough, constipation, eczema, gout, spleen diseases, inflammation of the intestines, anemia, gas, hemoptysis, to regulate blood pressure.

In addition to liver and bile diseases in folk medicine, the plant is also used to treat warts and calluses: they are smeared repeatedly with the juice of fresh herbs.

Dandelion is also used as a diaphoretic, and also to increase the milk of lactating women.

Bulgarian folk recipes with dandelion

Recipe for furunculosis, skin rashes and eczema:
Soak 2 teaspoons of dandelion roots and leaves in 1 teaspoon of cold water for 8 hours. Then boil the mixture for 5-10 minutes. Strain and drink the dose for the day.

Appetite Tea:
To increase appetite, the following mixture is made: Mix 1 tablespoon of dandelion roots, 2 tablespoons of wormwood and 2 tablespoons of yarrow. Put the herbal mixture in 400 ml of hot water and leave for 20 minutes. Strain and take 1 tablespoon before 15 minutes of eating.

Tea for liver and bile problems:
Put 1 tablespoon of dried dandelion roots in 500 ml of cold water and leave for 8 hours. Strain and drink in equal parts during the day.

Ointment for eczema:
Make a mixture of dried dandelion roots, honey and warm whey. The resulting mixture is applied to the affected area.