"What Are the Advantages and Cautions Associated with Pu-Po-Ding?"

Dandelion (Pu Gong Ying)

Dandelion, widely recognized as Pu Gong Ying in Chinese culture, is a prevalent herbal medicine encountered in daily life. Many individuals incorporate dandelion into their tea routines for health maintenance. This versatile herb offers a plethora of benefits, including heat-clearing and detoxification, anti-inflammatory properties, and intestinal purification, aiding in body detoxification. However, it's crucial to be aware of contraindications, such as avoiding dandelion consumption if you have low blood pressure.

1. Liver Protection

Dandelion roots exhibit liver-protective effects, assisting in repairing damaged liver tissue. Consuming dandelion tea not only promotes urination but also aids in eliminating toxins from the body, particularly liver toxins, thereby preventing liver damage and demonstrating efficacy in treating alcohol-induced liver injury.

2. Dispersing Masses and Relieving Swelling

Dandelion is effective in treating mastitis and supports lactation for postpartum women. It can be administered both internally and externally. In cases of persistent high fever or edema with abscess, dandelion tea can alleviate these symptoms. Additionally, its diuretic properties aid in removing excess salt from the body, reducing edema.

3. Preventing Anemia

Rich in iron, dandelion helps prevent anemia by supplementing iron and combating iron-deficiency anemia.

4. Relieving Dermatitis

Dandelion's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties alleviate skin issues like dermatitis and eczema. Topical application can help inhibit fungal infections and improve skin problems caused by them.

Contraindications and Precautions for Consuming Dandelion

As a cold-natured food, dandelion should be consumed with caution by individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency, yang deficiency, or chronic gastroenteritis. Patients with chronic gastroenteritis should avoid dandelion as it may exacerbate symptoms and complicate treatment. Excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal reactions like nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and mild diarrhea. High doses administered to experimental animals over three days have been observed to cause mild swelling of liver and renal tubular epithelial cells, narrowing of renal tubules, and other minor changes. In subacute toxicity tests on mice and rabbits, small amounts of casts may appear in urine, and renal tubular epithelial cells may swell.