The fresh and dried roots of Taraxacum officinale, collected in the autumn.

Habitat.—United States and Europe.

Properties.—The root is about six to twelve inches long, half an inch to an inch thick, is dark brown externally and white within. It breaks with a short fracture; from the fractured surface a milky juice exudes, which is inodorous, but has a bitter taste.

Constituents.—Taraxacin, a bitter, soluble, crystalline substance; inulin, taraxacerin, resin causing milky juice, asparagin of no medical value.

Dose.—Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 dr.; dogs, 1 to 2 dr.

PREPARATIONS

EXTRACTUM TARAXACI—EXTRACT OF TARAXACUM

Made by percolation of powdered taraxacum with alcohol and water, and evaporation.

Dose.—Horses and cattle, 1 to 4 dr.; sheep and pigs, 30 gr. to 1 dr.; dogs, 5 to 20 gr.

FLUIDEXTRACTUM TARAXACI—FLUIDEXTRACT OF TARAXACUM

Made by maceration and percolation with dilute alcohol, and evaporation.

Dose.—Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 dr.; dogs, 1 to 2 dr.

Action and Uses.—Taraxacum is a simple stomachic and bitter and may be employed in place of gentian or calumba. It has been generally taught that taraxacum is a hepatic stimulant and increases the secretion of bile. This has been proven valueless. The extract is often used as a base in preparing masses.