DANDELION ROOT
Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinalis) is a foundational herb in Western herbalism for healthy liver function and detoxification. Dandelion root is a bitter herb and cholagogue, hepatoprotective tonic and gentle phase 1 liver detoxifier. It also stimulates bile release and gall bladder contraction as well as a gentle diuretic.
Cholagogues like dandelion root stimulates the release of bile from the gall bladder which we’ll discuss the role of the gall bladder and bile more in-depth under Globe Artichoke, but in a nutshell, bile also mops up toxins and excretes them through the large intestine. The liver synthesises bile and the gall bladder stores it.
Hepatics are a classification of herbs that tonify and support the function of liver health. (Hechtman)