House of Botanicals · Buda, Texas · Est. 2015

Herb 70 of 81Back to library

Herb module

Pu Gong Ying

DandelionTaraxacum mongolicum

The humble yard dandelion, a cooling herb used to clear Heat and support the Liver in two Zoi formulas.

Found inLung MeridianLiver Meridian

Pu Gong Ying is dandelion, the same cheerful yellow flower that pushes up through sidewalk cracks. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is a cold herb used to clear Heat, resolve Dampness, and relieve toxicity. Zoi includes it in both Lung Meridian™ and Liver Meridian™, so it serves both formulas.

Best functions

  • Traditionally used to clear Heat, resolve Dampness, and relieve toxicity
  • Used to dissipate nodules, softening and breaking up areas of accumulation
  • Used to calm the Liver, promote the flow of Liver Qi, and clear the eyes
  • Studies suggest it may help protect the liver and support the immune system
  • Contains inulin, a fiber studied as food for healthy gut bacteria

Fascinating facts

  • The English name comes from the French "dent de lion," meaning "lion's tooth," after the jagged edges of the leaves.
  • Dandelion leaves are eaten as a slightly bitter salad green, and the roasted root has long been brewed as a coffee substitute.
  • Dandelion appears in two Zoi formulas, Lung Meridian™ and Liver Meridian™.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine

Pu Gong Ying is cold in nature, with a bitter and sweet flavor, and is considered a Heat-clearing herb. It enters the Liver and Stomach channels.

Go deeperDownload the fact sheet on the Lung Meridian page
Biomedical deep dive

Pu Gong Ying Dandelion

From the Zoi Medicinals fact sheets’ Biomedical Details, with lines from Noa’s herb notes marked “Noa’s notes”.

On the fact sheet

  • Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion, Herba Taraxaci) is cold and enters the LIV and ST meridians; dissipates nodules, calms the Liver and clears the eyes, clears Heat, resolves Damp, relieves toxicity. Lung Meridian · Liver Meridian · sheets

Key active constituents

The fact sheets don’t name constituents for this herb.

Pharmacology and mechanisms

  • The Liver sheet lists dandelion among herbs shown to be protective of the liver.
  • Studies show decreases in ALT and AST (blood markers of liver damage) after dandelion.
  • The Liver sheet says dandelion has been shown to slow or ease damage from liver fibrosis (scarring).
  • Studies note a positive impact on insulin resistance and blood sugar levels.
  • The Lung Meridian sheet says dandelion has immunomodulating properties (helps balance immune activity).
  • Taraxasterol is anti-inflammatory; it inhibits COX-2 and NF-κB in macrophages (immune clean-up cells). Noa’s notes
  • Hepatoprotective: reduces liver enzyme elevation and supports bile secretion. Noa’s notes
  • Prebiotic: its inulin fiber feeds Bifidobacterium, a beneficial gut bacterium. Noa’s notes

What the research says

  • Dandelion root extract protected the liver in an experimental model of acute-on-chronic liver failure (Pfingstgraf et al., Antioxidants 2021).
  • Reviews of dandelion were cited for its effects on blood sugar and insulin resistance (Wirngo et al., Rev Diabet Stud 2016; Fan et al., Molecules 2023).

Safety, interactions and cautions

  • Every Zoi fact sheet: do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding unless directed by your health care practitioner.
  • Avoid with known dandelion or latex allergy. Noa’s notes

In these Zoi formulas

  • Lung Meridian (#9 on the fact sheet)
  • Liver Meridian (#8 on the fact sheet)

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.