Dandelion is a bitter but nutritious herb prepared from the roots and leaves of the common yellow-flowered plant. Today, dandelion is used as a weight loss aid, to relieve inflammation of the liver and gallbladder, congestive jaundice, skin diseases, and PMS. Although the active compound underlying dandelion's many health effects has not been identified, the fresh leaves are high in nutrients including beta carotene, vitamin C, and potassium.