Pú Gōng Yīng (蒲公英) — Dandelion

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Pú Gōng Yīng (蒲公英) — Taraxacum mongolicum — is known in English as Dandelion. It belongs to the category of Herbs that clear Heat and resolve toxicity in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Pú Gōng Yīng as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Clears Heat and resolves Fire toxicity — the most important herb for breast abscesses
2. Benefits the Liver and clears Liver Heat
3. Promotes urination and resolves Dampness
4. Strongly antimicrobial

Indications

1. Mastitis and breast abscess — the primary herb, often used as a single herb
2. Urinary tract infections from Damp-Heat — widely used in modern practice
3. Acne and inflammatory skin conditions
4. Jaundice and liver conditions from Damp-Heat
5. Sore throat and tonsillitis
6. Eye inflammation from Liver Heat

4. Key formulas containing Pú Gōng Yīng

Pú Gōng Yīng appears in the following key formulas:

• Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Taraxacum mongolicum (Pu Gong Ying, Dandelion) is a commonly consumed medicinal food with significant pharmacological research. Key bioactive constituents include taraxacin, taraxacerin, inulin, lutein, flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin) and sesquiterpene lactones. Research confirms broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antifungal activity, anti-inflammatory effects via NF-kB inhibition, hepatoprotective and choleretic effects (stimulating bile flow), diuretic properties, immunomodulatory activity and anti-cancer effects in multiple cell lines. Clinical research supports its use in urinary tract infections, liver conditions and inflammatory skin conditions. Dandelion is one of the few Chinese herbs also widely used in Western herbalism.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Avoid in Cold and deficiency patterns. May cause allergic reactions in patients sensitive to Asteraceae (daisy family). Avoid in patients with bile duct obstruction.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Pú Gōng Yīng as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Acne, Urinary tract infections, Fatty liver. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.