Water Dandelion (Taraxacum palustre)

Water Dandelion (Taraxacum palustre) is a member of the Compositae family, native to Europe, and Asia. Traditionally, its roots, leaves, and flowers have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its diuretic, bitter, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and native american herbal medicine.

Water Dandelion (Taraxacum palustre) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Water Dandelion (Taraxacum palustre) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Water Dandelion
Scientific Name	Taraxacum palustre
Plant Family	Compositae
Genus	Taraxacum
Species	palustre
Native Range	Europe, Asia
Plant Parts Used	Roots, Leaves, Flowers
Primary Medicinal Actions	Diuretic, Bitter, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Native American Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Taraxacum palustre
Common Name: Water Dandelion
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Marsh Dandelion, Marsh Dandelion, Water Dandelion
Plant Family: Compositae
Genus: Taraxacum

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 10 to 30 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface glaucous green and lower surface pale white, bearing prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Radial symmetry, yellow disk flowers surrounded by white ray florets, arranged in a solitary head, with 18 to 24 white ligules and a central disk composed of 30 to 40 tubular florets.
Stems: Elongated, cylindrical stems with a succulent texture, exhibiting an erect growth habit, and bearing alternate, sessile leaves with a hairy surface.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Diuretic: In herbal texts, considered a calming diuretic, in urinary system discussions.
Bitter: As described in traditional systems, a gentle bitter, for flavor-based applications.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a moderate anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Tonic: Historically regarded as a cooling tonic, in whole-system applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.
Coumarin: Naturally occurring lactone compounds distributed across various plant tissues.
Tannin: A class of polyphenolic compounds commonly found in bark, leaves, and seeds.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: There is insufficient evidence to determine specific contraindications related to this herb.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Tincture: This method preserves plant compounds using an alcohol-based solution.
Powder: Powdered preparations use finely milled plant parts.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers humus-rich soil with moderately well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in high organic matter soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers consistently moist soils. Tolerates variable moisture levels.