Diuretic, liver stimulation, salivation stimulant, nutritive, laxative, anti-inflammatory, tonic

Water infusions, decoctions, tinctures, fresh or dried leaves and flowers

Dandelion is rich in vital nutrients in a form that the body can fully absorb. Therefore, dandelion makes a great supplement to a diet, without overworking the liver and kidneys.

The leaves also stimulate the digestive system to work, causing an increase in salivation and increased production of bile and other digestive agents. This causes more efficient digestion and better absorption of nutrients. Dandelion leaf is particularly useful for animals with chronic indigestion.

Dandelion is high in potassium, which makes it a balanced diuretic, because it replaces the potassium that would normally be lost with increased urination. However, dandelion can take longer to take effect than a pharmaceutical diuretic.

Dandelion is a gentle stimulant of the liver and gallbladder, without causing irritation or inflammation. Dandelion can be effective in treating inflammatory diseases of the liver and gallbladder.

Dandelion also has mild analgesic properties, and do not contain salicylates which are toxic to cats and irritate the stomach lining.

To use as a supplement, dry the greens and crumble them into the pet’s food. Feed 1 teaspoon of the dried herb for each 20 pounds of body weight daily. If the pet won’t eat it, make a leaf tea using organic unsalted vegetable or meat broth.

For indigestion, allow animal to chew on a fresh dandelion leaf or apply a few drops of dandelion tincture onto the tongue.

For use as a mild analgesic, infuse a generous handful of flowers in a cup of near-boiling water. When the water has darkened, cool it and administer 30-40 drops per 20 pounds of body weight. Flowers can also be dried and sprinkled on the food.

• Cleanliness is the primary consideration when using dandelion, always make sure that the plants you are feeding have not been sprayed with herbicide.

Wulff-Tilford, Mary, and Gregory L. Tilford. All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets. Irvine, CA: BowTie, 1999. Print.

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