- The trunk of the tree is tall, ranging from 1-3m, with smooth bark and almost no branches. The inner trunk usually contains milky white sap.
- The leaves come in various shapes, and the flowers are often yellow or purple and are well-known for their use in Traditional Medicine.
- You can plant the tree from March to April or around September to October to use the flowers and leaves for medicinal purposes.
According to Prof. Dr. Đỗ Tất Lợi, this type of tree is divided into three different types, including:
- Vietnamese Dandelion: has a tall stem like corn, leaves similar to cabbage, without serrated edges, and yellow flowers.
- Chinese Dandelion: has a short stem, about 10-20 cm tall, with leaves growing straight from the root and lying close to the ground. The leaves have serrated edges, and the flowers are yellow when blooming, turning white when mature.
- Chỉ Thiên Plant: has a stem about 30-40 cm tall, with leaves growing alternately on the stem. The leaf edges have small serrations, and the flowers are purple.

What ailments can dandelions treat?
This flower is an herbal remedy with many health benefits for humans. The stem, leaves, flowers, and roots of the plant can all be used as medicine or food. Below are some ailments that this plant species can treat:
Dandelions aid in treating skin conditions
Dandelions contain milky white sap, high alkalinity, and notably have antibacterial, insecticidal, and antifungal properties... Hence, they are very effective in treating various skin conditions such as scabies, eczema, fungal itching...

Supportive in treating diabetes
This plant species has the ability to stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin, helping to eliminate excess sugar in the body and prevent sugar accumulation in the kidneys. This is particularly beneficial for people with diabetes.

Cancer prevention
The plant contains polysaccharides - a substance capable of effectively preventing breast cancer in women. The roots also have the ability to inhibit tumor growth and are often used as medicine to treat cancer, especially blood cancer.

Improving liver function
This flower has cooling, detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, which help improve liver function and prevent liver diseases (acute hepatitis, cirrhosis, high liver enzymes...). The leaves or roots of this plant can be used to make herbal tea or eaten raw.

Stimulates appetite, supports digestion
This plant contains numerous bitter compounds that help alleviate pain and provide strong anti-inflammatory effects. It is one of the herbal remedies that support the treatment of gastric pain, aid digestion, and improve gastrointestinal function.

Effective diuretic properties
This type of plant has diuretic properties that help eliminate harmful substances from the body through urine. They also have therapeutic effects on urinary tract diseases such as kidney stones, bladder inflammation, diabetes...

Using dandelion for healing
- Herbal remedy for cancer support: Boil 20g of dandelion roots, 20g of dandelion leaves, and 40g of black nightshade with 1 liter of water. Drinking this daily can help treat cancer.
- Treating breast engorgement and blocked milk ducts: You can boil 20 - 40g of fresh dandelion leaves into a drink. Apply the residue to the swollen and painful breast area. Consistently use 2-3 times to achieve results.
- Treating indigestion and boils: Boil 10 - 15g of dried dandelion leaves with 600ml of water, then drink. Maintain use for 3 - 5 days to achieve results.
- Treating gastric pain: Boil 20g of dried dandelion leaves, 10g of dried bitter sophora root, and 15g of dried lonicera flower. When the water reduces to about 400ml, drink it. For best results, use this herbal remedy continuously for 10 days. Then rest for about 3 days before continuing use.
- Treating boils: Crush fresh dandelion leaves with a little salt and apply to the area with boils. Use this remedy for a week or until the boils reduce swelling.
- Treating gallbladder inflammation, gallbladder polyps, or diabetes: Dry 30g of dandelion leaves and make tea. Drink daily for best results.

Some precautions when drinking dandelion tea
Here are some considerations after drinking tea made from this flower:
- Some groups to consider when using it are: Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under 12 years old, patients with heart failure, high blood pressure, digestive disorders, or allergies to any components of the medicine.
- Drink in moderate doses, not more than 3 cups per day. Drinking too much can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, or allergic reactions.
- Drink tea in the morning or after meals. If you drink it in the evening, it may cause insomnia due to its diuretic effects.
- Do not combine this tea with other medications. This can cause drug interactions or reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
- Do not drink tea while pregnant or breastfeeding. This can cause uterine contractions or affect breastfeeding.
- Choose tea from reputable sources, without chemicals or additives. Avoid using plants grown along roadsides or in polluted areas as they may carry harmful substances.
- Consult your doctor before drinking dandelion tea for medicinal purposes. Avoid self-administering tea without knowing your health condition and appropriate dosage.

Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some considerations:
Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to this plant, especially those who are allergic to other types of daisy flowers. Allergic symptoms may include rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylactic shock.
Drug interactions: This flower may interact with some other medications, reducing their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
Temperature imbalance: Being a neutral plant, it may cause the body to lose temperature balance or stimulate tumor growth.
Environmental pollution: This invasive species reproduces and spreads rapidly. They can occupy the space of other plants, reducing biodiversity and affecting ecological balance. You should limit planting or allowing this plant to grow freely in unsuitable areas.
Vietnamese dandelion or Chỉ Thiên plants have superior medicinal properties compared to Chinese ones.
This is not only a beautiful flower but also a valuable medicine in traditional and modern medicine. The amazing healing effects of this plant have surprised many people and led them to it as a lifesaver. Through this article, Mytour hopes you have gained more knowledge about dandelions and how to use them effectively and safely. Take advantage of the healing effects of this plant to have a healthier and more beautiful body.
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