Dandelion Leaf - Taraxacum officinale
Common Name:  Dandelion, blowball, cankerwort, Irish daisy, monk’s head, priest’s crown, swine snout, wild endive, witch gowan, and yellow gowa
Ayurveda Name:  Simhadanti
Chinese Medicine Name: Pu gong ying 
Family:  Asteraceae
Parts Used:  ROOT
Actions:  Alterative,Aperient,  Bitter,  Cholagogue,  Diuretic,  Hepatic,  Nutritive Tonic
Taste:  bitter, drying, and cooling (slightly sweet)
Energy:  Cooling Drying
 
Traditional uses of the dandelion ranged from promoting better digestion to healing the liver, supporting the kidneys, bones and immune system.
Dandelion Root Benefits can include:
1. May Help Kill Cancer CellsA number of studies have found that dandelion root may be useful in the prevention and treatment of certain types of cancer, including liver cancer, leukemia, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer and prostate cancer.on dandelion root to relieve pain
2. Can Help Reduce Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure
High cholesterol is one of the major contributors to coronary heart disease. Changing your diet is one of the easiest ways to prevent high cholesterol.  Studies also suggest that dandelion may help normalize blood sugar levels and lower high blood pressure.
3. Supports Liver and Kidney Health
From filtering toxins to metabolizing drugs, the liver is essential to many aspects of health.
Dandelion root benefits your liver, helping protect it from oxidative stress and keeping it working effectively. In fact, folk medicines originating from China, India and Russia have long recognized dandelion’s effect as a liver tonic, mostly due to its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to fight oxidative stress.
4. Supports Immune System and Fights Bacteria
In addition to its many other health benefits, dandelion root also possesses antimicrobial and antiviral properties that can help stop the growth of disease-causing bacteria and pathogens.
5. Strengthens Bones
Taraxacum officinale is a great source of vitamin K, an important nutrient that plays a key role in bone health. This essential vitamin increases levels of a specific protein needed to help build strong bones, which is exactly why lower intakes of vitamin K have been linked to an increased risk of fractures and reduced bone density.
Dandelion also contains calcium, which forms the structure of the bones and teeth to help keep them strong.