Taraxacum officinalis.
Taraxacum officinalis is one of the dandelions. This is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae.
Away from their native regions, they have become  established throughout all temperate parts of the world.
Dandelion is unpopular among gardeners and it is treated like a weed. At the same time, they are cultivated for commercially at a limited scale. Dandelions are also collected from fields or gardens, since they are eaten as leafy vegetables and they are used for culinary purposes in general. Dandelion has a characteristic bitter taste and it can be eaten fresh or cooked in a variety of salads. Taraxacum officinalis, as a vegetable, is a good source of vitamin C, if eaten fresh and raw. Dandelion is widely uses for medicinal purposes, as well. For centuries a leaf decoction has been used for the treatment of anemia, because there is a general belief that when drunk, it may "purify" the blood.
A powder, made with roasted or dehydrated root of dandelion, is sometimes used as a substitute for coffee. There is a common belief that taraxacum officinalis, when drunk just before a meal, can stimulate and enhance digestion. Therefore, in many well-being stores, taraxacum officinalis is sold in mixtures of dandelions and other herbs as a remedy for indigestion. It is also used as ingredient in weight loss products.
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