Taraxaci Herba
Aliases：Hua Hua Lang、Pu Gong Cao、Huang Hua Di Ding、Niao Chuang Cao、Po Po Ding
Pugongying (Taraxaci Herba) is a commonly used Chinese medicinal herb that clears heat and resolves toxicity. It is the dried whole plant of Taraxacum mongolicum Hand. Mazz., Taraxacum borealisinense Kitam., or other related species of the same genus (family Asteraceae).
Efficacy & Actions
Clear heat and resolve toxin, reduce swelling and dissipate nodules, promote diuresis and relieve strangury.
Indications
Furuncles, sores and toxic swellings, acute mastitis (breast carbuncle), scrofula, red eyes (conjunctival congestion), sore throat, lung abscess, intestinal abscess, damp-heat jaundice, and painful strangury due to Heat.
Modern Pharmacology
This product has anti-pathogenic microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and other effects.
Ingredients
The main chemical constituents of dandelion include flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, luteolin, apigenin and their glycosides), phenolic acids (e.g., caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, chicoric acid), terpenoids and sterols (e.g., taraxasterol, taraxerol), sesquiterpene lactones (e.g., taraxacin), polysaccharides (inulin), volatile oils, coumarins, as well as various amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Among these, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, taraxasterol, and dandelion polysaccharides are key markers for quality control. The content of these constituents varies significantly among different parts (roots, leaves, and flowers).
Usage & Dosage
1. Internal use: 9–15 g in decoction. 2. External use: Appropriate amount of fresh herb, crushed for topical application, or decocted for fumigation and washing of the affected area.
Contraindications
1. Excessive dosage of this product may cause mild diarrhea. 2. It should be used with caution in cases that are not due to excess heat pattern or in yin-type carbuncles (cold-type sores). 3. When Pugongying (Taraxaci Herba) is decocted together with Mahuang (Ephedra Herba) and Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos), the solution may become turbid; therefore, it is not suitable for the preparation of compound injections. 4. It should not be used concurrently with potassium-sparing and sodium-excreting diuretics such as spironolactone and triamterene, as this may easily cause hyperkalemia. 5. Concurrent use with alkaline drugs may reduce its antibacterial activity and should be avoided. 6. It should not be used together with sulfonamides. Pugongying contains organic acids, which may easily cause the crystallization of sulfonamides in the urine, thereby increasing the burden on the kidneys.
Selected Formulas
I. Clearing Heat, Resolving Toxin, Eliminating Carbuncles and Dissipating Nodules Wuwei Xiaodu Yin (from Golden Mirror of Medicine): Dandelion, Wild Chrysanthemum, Viola, Honeysuckle, Begonia fimbristipula, Licorice. Indicated for furuncles, sores, carbuncles, and acute mastitis. Jiu Ru Hua Du Tang (from Dong Tian Ao Zhi): Dandelion, Honeysuckle, Angelica sinensis. Indicated for early‑stage acute mastitis. Fresh dandelion external application: Crush fresh herb and apply topically. Treats boils, carbuncles and toxic swellings. Ju Pu Yin (from Sichuan Traditional Chinese Medicine): Fresh white chrysanthemum, fresh dandelion, white wine. Crush to extract juice, mix with wine and take orally; apply the residue to the affected area. Indicated for furuncles. Dandelion, Viola and Mung Bean Soup: Dandelion, Viola, mung beans. Decoct and eat the beans. Indicated for heat‑toxin boils. II. Intestinal Carbuncle and Lung Carbuncle Formula for Intestinal Carbuncle: Fresh dandelion, Patrinia, red peony root. Decoct and take orally. Indicated for acute and chronic appendicitis. Formula for Lung Carbuncle: Fresh dandelion, Houttuynia, honeysuckle, coix seed. Decoct and take orally. Indicated for lung abscess and pneumonia. III. Damp‑Heat Jaundice and Heat‑Induced Strangury Formula for Damp‑Heat Jaundice: Dandelion, Artemisia capillaris, Smilax glabra, Imperata, Hypericum japonicum. Indicated for jaundice caused by viral hepatitis and cholecystitis. Formula for Heat‑Induced Strangury: Dandelion, Imperata, Lysimachia, plantain seed. Indicated for urinary tract infections. IV. Red, Swollen and Painful Eyes Dandelion Decoction (from Yixue Zhongzhong Canxilu): Fresh dandelion decoction taken orally and used as a warm wash for the eyes. Indicated for red, swollen and painful eyes, and pterygium. Formula for Pediatric Mumps: Dandelion, mung beans, Chinese cabbage, honeysuckle. Decoct and take orally. Fresh dandelion may also be crushed and applied topically.
Daily Consumption
Dandelion and Mung Bean Soup: Dandelion, mung beans, honeysuckle. Indicated for pediatric mumps. Dandelion and Pork Liver Soup: Fresh dandelion, pork liver. Cook as soup. Indicated for red, swollen and painful eyes due to liver fire flaring upward. Dandelion Medicated Bath: Decoct dandelion in water for fumigation and washing (local or whole‑body bath). Treats carbuncles, sores, eczema and pruritus.
Medicinal Parts
dried whole herb
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry container in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.