The fresh and dried roots of Taraxacum officinale, collected in the
autumn.
HABITAT.--United States and Europe.
PROPERTIES.--The root is about six to twelve inches long, half an inch
to an inch thick, is dark brown externally and white within. It breaks
with a short fracture; from the fractured surface a milky juice exudes,
which is inodorous, but has a bitter taste.
CONSTITUENTS.--Taraxacin, a bitter, soluble, crystalline substance;
inulin, taraxacerin, resin causing milky juice, asparagin of no medical
value.
DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 dr.; dogs,
1 to 2 dr.