Pu Gong Ying (Taraxaci Herba)

Pu Gong Ying (蒲公英), dandelion, clears heat and resolves toxicity and reduces abscesses, with a special action on breast abscess (mastitis); it also clears damp-heat and promotes urination.

Pú Gōng Yīng  ·  蒲公英

Latin / Pharmaceutical Name

Taraxacum mongolicum (Herba Taraxaci)

Common English Name

Dandelion

Taste

Bitter, sweet

Temperature

Cold

Channels Entered

Liver, Stomach

Actions & Functions

  • Clears heat and resolves toxicity, reduces abscesses
  • Benefits the breast and treats mastitis
  • Clears damp-heat and promotes urination (jaundice, hot urination)

Indications

Breast abscess and mastitis; toxic sores and carbuncles; red, swollen eyes; and damp-heat jaundice and urinary disorders.

Dosage

9-30 g in decoction.

Common Combinations

With Jin Yin Hua and Pu Gong Ying-type herbs for sores; with Gua Lou for mastitis.

Cautions & Contraindications

Large doses may cause mild diarrhoea.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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Network Meta-Analysis Finds Chinese Herbal Decoctions Improve Outcomes and Reduce Side Effects in Breast Cancer Treatment

Research summary (Traditional Chinese Medicine): Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine decoctions in breast cancer treatment: a network meta-analysis. - Frontiers in oncology, 2026.