(Dandelion.)

Origin. - The dried root of Taraxacum officinale Weber, a perennial, acaulescent herb found in most countries of the northern hemisphere.

Description and Properties. - Slightly conical, about 12 inches (30 Cm.) long and 1/2 to I inch (12-25 Mm.) thick above, crowned with several short, thickish heads, somewhat branched, dark-brown, longitudinally wrinkled; when dry breaking with a short fracture, showing a yellowish, porous central axis surrounded by a thick white bark containing numerous milk-vessels arranged in concentric circles; inodorous; bitter.

The drug contains a bitter principle, taraxacin, besides inulin, resin, sugar, and mucilaginous substances.

Dose. - 1-4 drams (4.0-15.0 Gm.) [2 drams (8 Gm.), U. S. P.],

Official Preparations

Extractum Taraxaci - Extracti Taraxaci - Extract of Taraxacum. - Dose, 5-60 grains (0.3-4.0 Gm.) [15 grains (1 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Fluidextractum Taraxaci - Fluidextracti Taraxaci - Fluidextract of Taraxacum. - Dose, 1-4 fluidrams (4.0-15.0 Cc.) [2 fluidrams (8 Cc), U. S. P.].

Physiological Action and Therapeutics. - Taraxacum is a stomachic tonic, diuretic, laxative, cholagogue, and feeble hepatic stimulant. It has been a popular remedy for constipation associated with hepatic congestion and atonic dyspepsia, yet the drug is now less employed than formerly, in actual practice being usually united with other laxatives.

The extract or fluidextract may be given, the latter and the expressed juice being the more active.