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.