Herb Whole plant / Aerial parts (全草 quán cǎo)

Pu Gong Ying

Dandelion · 蒲公英

Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz. · Herba Taraxaci

Also known as: Huang Hua Di Ding (黄花地丁), Po Po Ding (婆婆丁)

Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion) plant

Images shown are for educational purposes only

Dandelion is one of the most versatile Heat-clearing herbs in Chinese medicine, prized especially for treating breast infections, skin abscesses, and urinary tract infections. It clears internal Heat and inflammation, reduces swelling, and supports liver and urinary function. Despite its humble reputation as a common weed, it has been a valued medicinal plant for over a thousand years.

Category Herbs that clear Heat and resolve Toxicity (清热解毒药)
Therapeutic focus Skin Health Breast Health Urinary Health Liver Health Immune Support

TCM Properties

Temperature

Cold

Taste

Bitter (苦 kǔ), Sweet (甘 gān)

Channels entered

Liver, Stomach

Parts used

Whole plant / Aerial parts (全草 quán cǎo)

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Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment

What This Herb Does

Every herb has a specific set of actions — here's what Pu Gong Ying does in the body, explained in both everyday and TCM terms

Therapeutic focus

In practical terms, Pu Gong Ying is primarily used to support these areas of health:

Skin Health Breast Health Urinary Health Liver Health Immune Support

TCM Actions

In TCM terminology, these are the specific therapeutic actions that Pu Gong Ying performs to restore balance in the body:

Clears Heat and Resolves Toxicity Disperses Swelling and Dissipates Nodules Promotes Urination and Relieves Stranguria Clears Liver Heat and Brightens the Eyes

How these actions work

'Clears Heat and resolves Toxin' means this herb directly counteracts inflammatory, infectious conditions that TCM categorizes as Heat-Toxin. In practical terms, this covers acute infections with redness, swelling, heat, and pain, such as skin abscesses, boils, breast infections, and sore throats. Pú Gōng Yīng's cold nature cools the Heat, while its bitter taste drives the pathogen downward and out. It is considered the foremost herb for breast abscess (mastitis) and is also widely used for any sore or skin infection with prominent Heat signs.

'Reduces swelling and disperses nodules' means the herb can break up localized accumulations of pathological material, whether these present as inflamed lumps, swollen lymph nodes, or hard masses. This action goes beyond simply clearing Heat: it actively resolves the physical congestion. This is why it is used for conditions like lymphadenitis (swollen lymph nodes) and scrofula, often paired with Xià Kū Cǎo.

'Promotes urination and unblocks painful urinary dysfunction' refers to its mild diuretic effect, which helps flush Damp-Heat from the urinary system. This makes it useful for urinary tract infections with burning, painful, difficult urination and for Damp-Heat jaundice. It is not as strongly diuretic as dedicated water-draining herbs, but adds urinary benefit when Heat-Toxin patterns involve the Lower Burner.

'Clears Liver Heat and brightens the eyes' reflects the herb's affinity for the Liver channel. Since TCM teaches that the Liver 'opens to the eyes,' clearing Liver Heat directly benefits red, swollen, painful eyes. This action is used for acute conjunctivitis and other inflammatory eye conditions driven by Liver Fire.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony. Pu Gong Ying is used to help correct these specific patterns.

Why Pu Gong Ying addresses this pattern

Pú Gōng Yīng is bitter and cold, entering the Liver and Stomach channels. Its bitter taste descends and drains, while its cold nature directly clears Heat and resolves Fire Toxin. This makes it highly effective for Toxic-Heat patterns where pathogenic Heat accumulates and congeals into painful, red, swollen sores and abscesses. It is considered the key herb for breast abscess (mastitis) because the breast is governed by the Stomach channel (breast tissue) and Liver channel (nipple), both of which this herb enters directly. The herb both clears the toxic Heat internally and disperses the local swelling and stagnation.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Mastitis

Red, swollen, painful breast lumps, especially early-stage acute mastitis

Boils

Skin boils, carbuncles, and furuncles with redness and heat

Periappendiceal Abscess

Internal abscesses including lung or intestinal abscess

Sore Throat

Sore, red, swollen throat from Heat-Toxin

Commonly Used For

These are conditions where Pu Gong Ying is frequently used — but only when they arise from the specific patterns it addresses, not in all cases

Arises from: Toxic-Heat Stagnation

TCM Interpretation

In TCM, acute mastitis (called rǔ yōng, 乳痈) is seen as Heat-Toxin accumulating in the breast, which sits at the intersection of the Stomach channel (governing the breast tissue) and the Liver channel (governing the nipple). Emotional stress can cause Liver Qi stagnation, which generates Heat. Simultaneously, Stomach Heat from rich or greasy foods may contribute. When Heat-Toxin congests in the breast, it produces redness, swelling, pain, and potentially pus formation.

Why Pu Gong Ying Helps

Pú Gōng Yīng directly enters both the Liver and Stomach channels, targeting the exact organ systems involved in breast pathology. Its cold nature clears the Heat-Toxin driving the inflammation, while its ability to disperse stagnation and reduce swelling addresses the local congestion. Classical texts like the Ben Cao Zheng Yi describe it as having remarkably rapid effects on breast abscess. It can be taken as a decoction internally and applied fresh as a poultice externally for a combined approach.

Also commonly used for

Boils

Skin boils, carbuncles, and furuncles with redness, swelling, and pain

Tonsillitis

Acute sore throat and swollen tonsils from Heat-Toxin

Jaundice

Damp-Heat jaundice, often combined with Yin Chen and Zhi Zi

Hepatitis

Used as part of formulas for hepatic inflammation with Damp-Heat

Cholecystitis

Gallbladder inflammation with Heat signs

Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis with Heat in the Lungs, often paired with Jin Yin Hua and Yu Xing Cao

Appendicitis

Acute intestinal abscess with Heat-Toxin signs

Lymphadenitis

Swollen lymph nodes from Heat and Phlegm accumulation

Herb Properties

Every herb has an inherent temperature, taste, and affinity for specific channels — these properties determine how it interacts with the body

Temperature

Cold

Taste

Bitter (苦 kǔ), Sweet (甘 gān)

Channels Entered

Liver Stomach

Parts Used

Whole plant / Aerial parts (全草 quán cǎo)

Dosage & Preparation

These are general dosage guidelines for Pu Gong Ying — always follow your practitioner's recommendation, as dosages vary based on the formula and your individual condition

Standard dosage

9–15g

Maximum dosage

Up to 30–60g in acute Heat-toxin conditions (severe breast abscess, acute infections), under practitioner supervision and for short-term use only.

Dosage notes

For general Heat-clearing and detoxification, 9–15g is standard. For breast abscess (mastitis), higher doses of 15–30g are commonly used, often as a single herb or with other Heat-clearing herbs. In acute conditions with severe Heat-toxin, experienced practitioners may use up to 30–60g. Fresh herb can be used at higher amounts for external application (poultice). When using Pu Gong Ying to drain Stomach Fire, the Qing Dynasty text Ben Cao Xin Bian recommended larger doses of 15–30g (one liang or at least five to six qian), noting that its Fire-clearing power is gentle and requires adequate dosage to be effective.

Processing Methods

In TCM, the same herb can be prepared in different ways to change its effects — here's how processing alters what Pu Gong Ying does

Processing method

The fresh whole plant is used directly without drying, either taken as fresh juice or mashed into a poultice for external application.

How it changes properties

The fresh form has a stronger cooling and detoxifying effect compared to the dried herb. It retains more of its volatile compounds and active juice, making it more potent for topical application and acute conditions.

When to use this form

Preferred for acute conditions requiring immediate topical application, such as breast abscess, boils, and skin infections. Fresh juice is drunk and the mashed herb is applied simultaneously to the affected area.

Common Herb Pairs

These ingredients are traditionally combined with Pu Gong Ying for enhanced therapeutic effect

Jin Yin Hua
Jin Yin Hua 1:1 (e.g. 15g each)

Together, Pú Gōng Yīng and Jīn Yín Huā create a powerful Heat-clearing and toxin-resolving pair. Jīn Yín Huā has a broader range, entering many channels to disperse Wind-Heat and resolve Toxin throughout the body, while Pú Gōng Yīng focuses its detoxifying action specifically on the Liver and Stomach. Classical texts note that Jīn Yín Huā's full effect in treating sores and abscesses cannot be fully realized without the addition of Pú Gōng Yīng.

When to use: For all types of sores, boils, carbuncles, and abscesses with red swelling, heat, and pain. Also used together for sore throat and other Heat-Toxin conditions.

Zi Hua Di Ding
Zi Hua Di Ding 1:1 (e.g. 15g each)

Both herbs clear Heat and resolve Toxin, but they complement each other: Pú Gōng Yīng excels at dredging stagnation and dispersing nodules (focusing on the Liver and Stomach), while Zǐ Huā Dì Dīng is stronger at cooling the Blood and resolving deep-seated Toxin (focusing on the Heart and Liver). Together they provide both Blood-level cooling and Qi-level detoxification.

When to use: For severe boils, carbuncles, and skin abscesses with pronounced redness, swelling, and pain. They appear together in the classic formula Wǔ Wèi Xiāo Dú Yǐn.

Xia Ku Cao
Xia Ku Cao 1:1 (e.g. 15g each)

Pú Gōng Yīng clears Heat-Toxin and disperses swelling, while Xià Kū Cǎo specifically clears Liver Fire and softens hardness to dissolve nodules. Together they address both the Heat driving the condition and the physical mass or nodule that has formed, making them particularly effective for hard, swollen lumps.

When to use: For scrofula (swollen lymph nodes), thyroid nodules, goiter, or any firm, palpable lumps associated with Heat and Phlegm stagnation. Also used for Damp-Heat jaundice.

Gua Lou
Gua Lou 1:1 (e.g. Guā Lóu 15g : Pú Gōng Yīng 15g)

Guā Lóu clears Heat from the chest and Lungs, dissolves Phlegm, and disperses breast nodules, while Pú Gōng Yīng directly enters the Stomach and Liver channels to resolve Heat-Toxin in the breast. Together they clear Heat, reduce swelling, and dissolve lumps from both the Qi and Phlegm levels.

When to use: For early-stage breast abscess (mastitis) with swelling, redness, and pain but before pus has formed. Also used for breast lumps and nodules.

Key Formulas

These well-known formulas feature Pu Gong Ying in a prominent role

Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin 五味消毒饮 Deputy

This is the most famous formula for treating boils, carbuncles, and skin infections caused by Heat-Toxin. Pú Gōng Yīng serves alongside Zǐ Huā Dì Dīng, Yě Jú Huā, and Zǐ Bèi Tiān Kuí Zǐ as a deputy to Jīn Yín Huā, showcasing its core action of clearing Heat-Toxin and dispersing swelling. The formula perfectly demonstrates how Pú Gōng Yīng works synergistically with other Heat-clearing herbs in treating sores and abscesses.

Comparable Ingredients

These ingredients have overlapping uses — here's how to tell them apart

Zi Hua Di Ding
Pu Gong Ying vs Zi Hua Di Ding

Both clear Heat-Toxin and treat sores and abscesses. However, Pú Gōng Yīng is stronger at dispersing stagnation and dissolving nodules (focusing on the Liver and Stomach), making it the primary choice for breast abscess and swollen lumps. It also has additional benefits for urinary conditions and jaundice. Zǐ Huā Dì Dīng is better at cooling the Blood and resolving deep Toxin (focusing on the Heart and Liver), making it preferred for severe boils and venomous snake bites.

Jin Yin Hua
Pu Gong Ying vs Jin Yin Hua

Both are premier Heat-clearing and Toxin-resolving herbs. Jīn Yín Huā enters virtually every channel and has a broader therapeutic range, also treating Wind-Heat exterior patterns and Heat-Toxin dysentery. Pú Gōng Yīng is more focused, entering only the Liver and Stomach, and has particular strengths for breast conditions, eye inflammation, and urinary Damp-Heat that Jīn Yín Huā does not share. Classical texts note that the two herbs enhance each other's effects when used together.

Ye Ju Hua
Pu Gong Ying vs Ye Ju Hua

Both clear Heat-Toxin and are used in formulas for sores and abscesses. Yě Jú Huā is stronger at clearing Liver Fire and calming Liver Wind, making it more suited for Wind-Heat headaches and dizziness. Pú Gōng Yīng has additional actions of promoting urination and treating Damp-Heat jaundice, and is specifically indicated for breast abscess, which Yě Jú Huā is not.

Therapeutic Substitutes

Legitimate clinical replacements when Pu Gong Ying is unavailable, restricted, or contraindicated

Zi Hua Di Ding

Zi Hua Di Ding
Zi Hua Di Ding 紫花地丁
Violet herb

Covers: Covers Pú Gōng Yīng's core action of clearing heat and resolving fire toxicity, reducing swellings, and dispersing clumping. Multiple Chinese clinical reference sources document these two herbs as mutually interchangeable (互代) for heat-toxin patterns presenting with abscesses, boils, mastitis, and inflammatory swellings.

Does not cover: Zǐ Huā Dì Dīng has a stronger heat-clearing and detoxifying action and is best suited for deep, pointed furuncles and疔疮 (boils with a hard core). It lacks Pú Gōng Yīng's notable strength in dispersing clumping and softening masses (particularly breast abscesses), its action on the Stomach channel, its ability to promote lactation, and its diuretic effect for treating damp-heat dysuria and jaundice. Do not substitute when Pú Gōng Yīng is selected specifically for its Liver-Stomach channel action or its lactation-promoting function.

Use when: When Pú Gōng Yīng is temporarily unavailable and the primary indication is heat-toxin with superficial or deep furuncles and boils (疔疖). Less appropriate when the main target is a diffuse breast abscess, damp-heat urinary symptoms, or lactation insufficiency.

Identity & Adulterants

Related species and common adulterations to be aware of when sourcing Pu Gong Ying

Pu Gong Ying is sometimes confused with Ku Ju Cai (苦苣菜, Sonchus oleraceus), also known as 'Gao Jiao Pu Gong Ying' (tall-stemmed dandelion), which belongs to a different genus and should not substitute for Pu Gong Ying in medicinal use. Other Taraxacum species such as Taraxacum ohwianum (Eastern dandelion) and Taraxacum erythropodium (red-stemmed dandelion) are accepted as equivalent in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The Western species Taraxacum officinale is closely related but is botanically distinct from the primary Chinese medicinal species Taraxacum mongolicum. Wild-harvested dandelion generally has higher active compound content than cultivated material and is preferred for medicinal use.

Educational content — always consult a qualified healthcare provider or TCM practitioner before using any herb.

Toxicity Classification

Classical Chinese pharmacopoeia toxicity rating for Pu Gong Ying

Non-toxic

Pu Gong Ying is classified as non-toxic in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and has a long history of safe use as both food and medicine. At standard decoction doses (9–15g), adverse effects are rare. In excessive doses or with prolonged use in people with cold constitutions, it may cause mild gastrointestinal reactions including nausea, loose stools, or stomach discomfort. Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching) are possible in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae family plants. Intravenous preparations of Pu Gong Ying (used in Chinese hospital settings) have occasionally caused allergic reactions, but this is not a concern with oral herbal decoctions.

Contraindications

Situations where Pu Gong Ying should not be used or requires extra caution

Caution

Spleen and Stomach deficiency Cold (yang deficiency with external cold signs): Pu Gong Ying is bitter and cold in nature, which can further damage already weakened digestive function and worsen symptoms like loose stools, poor appetite, and cold limbs.

Avoid

Allergy to Asteraceae (Compositae) family plants: people allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, daisies, or marigolds may also react to dandelion, potentially causing skin rashes, contact dermatitis, or in rare cases anaphylaxis.

Caution

Yin-type sores and ulcers (non-inflammatory, pale, cold swellings): these conditions require warming and tonifying treatment. Using a cold, Heat-clearing herb like Pu Gong Ying would be counterproductive and may worsen the condition.

Caution

Bile duct obstruction or gallstones: Pu Gong Ying stimulates bile production and flow. In cases of blocked bile ducts, this choleretic effect could worsen symptoms or cause complications.

Caution

Chronic diarrhea due to Spleen deficiency: the cold nature and mild laxative effect of Pu Gong Ying can aggravate loose stools in people with weak digestive systems.

Caution

Excessive or prolonged use in large doses without Heat signs: overuse may cause nausea, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea even in otherwise healthy individuals, as the cold nature can injure Stomach Qi.

Special Populations

Important considerations for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and pediatric use

Pregnancy

The safety of Pu Gong Ying during pregnancy has not been conclusively established through clinical studies. In TCM, it is a cold-natured herb, and excessive cold can theoretically affect the fetus. However, it is not traditionally listed among pregnancy-prohibited herbs, and at standard doses (9–15g) in a balanced formula, it is generally considered acceptable for short-term use when Heat-toxin conditions require treatment. Pregnant women should only use it under practitioner guidance, and prolonged or high-dose use should be avoided.

Breastfeeding

Pu Gong Ying has traditionally been used to treat mastitis (breast abscess) in breastfeeding women, making it one of the few Heat-clearing herbs with specific relevance to lactation. Classical texts describe it as able to promote milk flow while resolving breast inflammation. At standard doses in decoction, it is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. However, its cold nature means it should not be used long-term or in excessive doses during lactation, as this could affect the Spleen and Stomach function of both mother and infant.

Children

Pu Gong Ying may be used in children at reduced doses appropriate to age and body weight, typically one-third to one-half of the adult dose. Because of its cold nature, it should be used cautiously in young children whose digestive systems are still developing and tend toward weakness. It is best used short-term for acute Heat conditions (such as throat infections or skin boils) rather than as a long-term supplement. For children under 2 years old, use only under professional guidance.

Drug Interactions

If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, be aware of these potential interactions with Pu Gong Ying

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin): An animal study showed that Pu Gong Ying reduced ciprofloxacin absorption, likely due to its high mineral content chelating the antibiotic. Dandelion preparations should be taken at least two hours apart from fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

Diuretic medications (e.g. furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide): Pu Gong Ying has a mild diuretic effect. Concurrent use with prescription diuretics may increase the risk of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, particularly potassium disturbance.

Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g. spironolactone): Dandelion is naturally rich in potassium. Combined use may lead to elevated blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia).

Lithium: The diuretic effect of Pu Gong Ying could theoretically alter lithium excretion, potentially increasing lithium blood levels. Monitoring is advisable.

Blood sugar-lowering medications (insulin, metformin): Animal studies suggest dandelion may lower blood sugar. Combined use with diabetes medications could increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel): Dandelion may theoretically slow blood clotting. Caution is advised when combined with blood-thinning medications.

Sulfonamide antibiotics: Pu Gong Ying contains organic acids that may increase the risk of sulfonamide crystallization in the urinary tract, adding to kidney burden.

Dietary Advice

Foods and dietary considerations when taking Pu Gong Ying

While taking Pu Gong Ying, avoid excessively cold or raw foods if the digestive system is already weak, as the herb's cold nature can compound the chilling effect on the Spleen and Stomach. Spicy, greasy, or heavily fried foods should be minimized when using it for Heat-toxin conditions, as these can generate more internal Heat and counteract the herb's purpose. Pu Gong Ying is itself edible as a vegetable and pairs well with light, easy-to-digest foods.

Botanical Description

Physical characteristics and morphology of the Pu Gong Ying source plant

Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz. is a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae (daisy) family. It grows 10–25 cm tall and produces a basal rosette of leaves that are oblong to lance-shaped, with irregularly toothed or pinnately lobed margins. The leaves are green to grey-green, slightly hairy on the underside, and produce a milky white latex when broken.

Each plant sends up one or several hollow, leafless flower stalks, each bearing a single bright yellow composite flower head. After flowering, the heads mature into spherical "blowballs" made up of many small achene fruits, each topped with a tuft of fine white hairs (pappus) that catch the wind for seed dispersal. The taproot is conical, brown on the outside, yellowish-white inside, and also exudes milky sap when cut.

Dandelion grows in temperate regions worldwide, thriving in meadows, roadsides, lawns, fields, and disturbed soils. It is extremely hardy, tolerating cold, drought, and poor soil conditions, and reproduces prolifically.

Sourcing & Harvesting

Where Pu Gong Ying is sourced, when it's harvested or collected, and how to assess quality

Harvesting season

Spring through autumn, ideally when the flowers first open (typically April to June).

Primary growing regions

Pu Gong Ying grows throughout China and has no single designated terroir (dao di) region, as it is widely distributed and adaptable. It is found across Northeast China (Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning), North China (Hebei, Henan, Shandong, Shanxi), Central and East China, and the Southwest. Wild dandelion, particularly valued for its higher active compound content, is mainly sourced from Henan, Anhui, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces. Gansu's Longxi region has become an important trading hub for wild dandelion. Cultivated dandelion is grown extensively in Hebei (especially Anguo), Shandong, Anhui, and other provinces.

Quality indicators

Good quality Pu Gong Ying has abundant, intact leaves that are grey-green in color, with minimal stem breakage. The root should be complete, conical, brownish on the outside, and firm. The overall herb should have a faint, characteristic aroma and a mildly bitter taste. Flower stalks may be present with yellowish-brown remnants of the flower head. Avoid material that is heavily yellowed, moldy, insect-damaged, or excessively fragmented. The best quality contains more leaves and longer roots.

Classical Texts

Key passages from the classical Chinese medical texts that describe Pu Gong Ying and its therapeutic uses

Xin Xiu Ben Cao (《新修本草》, Tang Dynasty)

Original: 主妇人乳痈肿，水煮汁饮之及封之，立消。

Translation: It principally treats women's breast abscess with swelling. Boil in water, drink the decoction and apply as a poultice — the swelling resolves immediately.

Ben Cao Jing Shu (《本草经疏》)

Original: 蒲公英味甘平，其性无毒。当是入肝入胃，解热凉血之要药。乳痈属肝经，妇人经行后，肝经主事，故主妇人乳痈肿乳毒，并宜生啖之良。

Translation: Pu Gong Ying is sweet and mild in nature, and non-toxic. It enters the Liver and Stomach, making it an important herb for resolving Heat and cooling the Blood. Breast abscess pertains to the Liver channel. After menstruation, the Liver channel governs, so it primarily treats women's breast abscess and breast toxicity — eating it raw is especially effective.

Ben Cao Xin Bian (《本草新编》)

Original: 蒲公英，至贱而有大功……蒲公英亦泻胃火之药，但其气甚平，既能泻火，又不损土，可以长服久服而无碍。

Translation: Pu Gong Ying is the humblest of herbs yet possesses great power… It also drains Stomach Fire, but its nature is very gentle — it can clear Fire without damaging the Earth [Spleen-Stomach], and can be taken long-term without harm.

Ben Cao Zheng Yi (《本草正义》)

Original: 蒲公英，其性清凉，治一切疔疮、痈疡、红肿热毒诸证，可服可敷，颇有应验，而治乳痈乳疔，红肿坚块，尤为捷效。

Translation: Pu Gong Ying has a cool and clearing nature. It treats all manner of boils, abscesses, red swelling, and Heat-toxin conditions — taken internally or applied externally, it is quite effective. For breast abscess and breast boils with red, hard lumps, it works especially quickly.

Historical Context

The history and evolution of Pu Gong Ying's use in Chinese medicine over the centuries

Pu Gong Ying first appeared in medical literature under the name "Pu Gong Cao" (蒲公草) in the Jin Dynasty text Liu Juanzi Gui Yi Fang (《刘涓子鬼遗方》), a surgical manual. It was formally included as a medicinal herb in the Tang Dynasty pharmacopoeia Xin Xiu Ben Cao (《新修本草》, completed 659 CE), where it was described as a remedy for breast abscess. The herb has accumulated many folk names throughout history, including "Po Po Ding" (婆婆丁), "Huang Hua Di Ding" (黄花地丁), "Nai Zhi Cao" (奶汁草), and "Huang Hua Lang" (黄花郎).

A popular legend attributes the herb's discovery to a fisherman surnamed Pu and his daughter Pu Ying, who used the plant to cure a young woman's breast infection. The name "Pu Gong Ying" was said to honor this act of compassion. The Tang Dynasty physician Sun Simiao reportedly used Pu Gong Ying on himself to treat a finger infection, and subsequently included it in his Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang (《备急千金要方》).

Chen Shiduo, in the Qing Dynasty text Ben Cao Xin Bian, praised it as "the humblest herb with the greatest merit," noting its ability to clear Stomach Fire gently without damaging digestive function, unlike the more aggressive Bai Hu Tang. In 2002, China's Ministry of Health classified Pu Gong Ying as a "dual-use medicinal food" substance, reflecting its long history as both a spring vegetable and a trusted medicine.

Modern Research

4 published studies investigating the pharmacological effects or clinical outcomes of Pu Gong Ying

1

Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) by Natural Standard Research Collaboration (2005)

Sweeney B, Vora M, Ulbricht C, Basch E. J Herb Pharmacother. 2005; 5(3):79-93.

This systematic review evaluated the available clinical and preclinical evidence on dandelion. It found preliminary support for diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and choleretic (bile-stimulating) effects, but concluded that high-quality human clinical trials were lacking for most claimed uses.

PubMed
2

Diverse Biological Activities of Dandelion — Narrative Review (2012)

González-Castejón M, Visioli F, Rodriguez-Casado A. Nutr Rev. 2012; 70(9):534-547.

This review summarized dandelion's demonstrated pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, and hepatoprotective effects across preclinical studies. It noted that dandelion extracts are listed on the US FDA 'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS) list and that available human trial data showed it was well tolerated with no negative effects reported.

3

Dandelion (Taraxacum Genus): A Review of Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effects (2023)

Molecules. 2023; 28(13):5022.

A comprehensive review cataloging dandelion's bioactive compounds (sesquiterpenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, triterpenoids, sterols) and their pharmacological activities including antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-rheumatic effects. The review noted that clinical applications include formulas for pelvic inflammatory disease and breast hyperplasia, and highlighted the need for more clinical trials.

PubMed
4

Effects of Taraxacum mongolicum on the Bioavailability and Disposition of Ciprofloxacin in Rats (1999)

Zhu M, Wong PY, Li RC. J Pharm Sci. 1999; 88(6):632-634.

This animal study found that co-administration of dandelion extract with ciprofloxacin decreased the antibiotic's absorption, likely due to the high mineral content of the herb chelating the drug. This suggests dandelion should be taken at least two hours apart from fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

Research on individual TCM herbs is growing but still limited by Western clinical trial standards. These studies provide emerging evidence and should be considered alongside practitioner expertise.