Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) is an herb whose root, leaves and stem are used for food and medicinal purposes. Dandelion is added to soups and salads and is also used to make wines or teas. The roots are roasted for use as a coffee substitute.
People use dandelion to treat gastrointestinal issues, such as upset stomach, abdominal gas and appetite loss. Dandelion can increase urination and act as a laxative to relieve constipation.
Dandelion is also used for joint pain, gallstones, muscle aches and skin problems, like eczema and bruises. It may be effective for viral infections and cancer, though there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate whether dandelion is effective for any treatment.
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Dandelion is an herbal supplement historically used for a variety of conditions. The plant is also used in some dishes and beverages. Dandelion is native to Asia and Europe, but today grows in most parts of the world, including the United States, Australia and New Zealand, according to Georget... more
Dandelion is an herbal supplement historically used for a variety of conditions. The plant is also used in some dishes and beverages. Dandelion is native to Asia and Europe, but today grows in most parts of the world, including the United States, Australia and New Zealand, according to Georgetown University Medical Center.
Healers have historically used dandelion root to treat gout, jaundice, liver problems and rheumatism. The juice from the dandelion plant was used to make a topical solution that healers applied to the skin for treating eczema and scurvy. People also drank the juice from dandelion to help upset stomach and indigestion.
People dried, ground or roasted dandelion for use in food preparations and to make a weak substitute for coffee. According to the Union County College, cooked dandelion leaves were used to cleanse the blood. A paste was made from the leaves to heal bruises.
People also used dandelion historically to make tea for heartburn and ailments of the heart. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, Native Americans boiled dandelion in water and drank it for swelling, upset stomach, skin problems and kidney disease.
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have used dandelion for appendicitis and breast problems, such as inadequate milk flow and inflammation.
European alternate health practitioners have used dandelion historically for diabetes, eye problems, fever diarrhea and boils on the skin.
Alternative health practitioners today still use dandelion as a liver tonic and diuretic, according to Georgetown University Medical Center. Diuretics are water pills that may help with conditions such as high blood pressure and liver problems. Animal studies show that dandelion possesses an antitumor, hypoglycemic and analgesic effect.
According to Union County College, dandelions are rich sources of lecithin, a substance that may prevent cirrhosis in the liver. Cirrhosis is the final stage of liver disease. It is characterized by liver scarring and poor liver function.
In addition to these uses, dandelion may help treat diabetes and gallbladder disease, according to MedicineNet.com. It works as a laxative to soften stools.
Dandelion, whether fresh or dried, may act to stimulate the appetite, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. An improved appetite could help people gain weight and take in more nutrients if they suffer from unexplained weight loss and malnutrition. Dandelion root can improve digestion too.
Dandelions diuretic effect may be due to chemicals within the herb. According to Medline Plus, chemicals in dandelions may reduce inflammation and increase the production of urine.
Although there are many ways in which people use dandelion today, there is a lack of evidence that it is actually effective as treatment for any condition. According to Medline Plus, dandelion may be beneficial for some issues, but there is not enough evidence to accurately rate effectiveness for:
Dandelion may help prevent urinary tract infections, but more evidence is needed for this claim as well. Some studies show that combining dandelion root with uva ursi extracts can decrease urinary tract infection occurrences in women. Uva ursi is an herb that may kill bacteria.
According to University of Maryland Medical Center, some animal studies show that dandelion can stabilize blood sugar levels. Dandelion may also reduce triglycerides, “bad cholesterol,” and total cholesterol. Some animal studies also demonstrate that dandelion can combat inflammation.
Dandelion is a healthy source of several nutrients. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, dandelion contains vitamins A, vitamin C, vitamin D and B vitamins. It also contains important minerals, such as potassium, zinc and iron.
People add dandelion leaves to sandwiches and salads. The leaves may be steeped in tea, the roots are used in coffee substitutes and the flowers may be used in making wine.
Georgetown University Medical Center states that no reports show side effects from taking dandelion, except in rare instances when people have a sensitivity. However, MedicineNet.com states that dandelion may cause side effects including diarrhea and upset stomach. Dandelion may lower people's blood sugar too much, leading to issues such as:
Dandelion is probably safe when taken in amounts commonly found in food. Dandelion is possibly safe when taken in amounts for medicinal purposes.
People who are allergic to dandelion may have allergic reactions. A serious reaction could cause:
People with a ragweed allergy are at risk from a reaction to dandelion. An allergy to plants like marigolds and daises are likely to experience a reaction to dandelion, according to Medline Plus.
Some drugs can react with dandelion, according to Medline Plus. Dandelion can reduce the amount of quinolone antibiotics that the body absorbs, thus reducing the effectiveness of the medications. Some of the antibiotics known to interact with dandelion in certain instances include:
Dandelion can inhibit the body's ability to get rid of lithium and thus elevate lithium levels in the body above what is safe.
Water pills such as amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone) and triamterene (Dyrenium) may elevate potassium levels in the body. Dandelion is high in potassium. Therefore, taking dandelion with these medications can result in an excess of potassium and side effects like muscle weakness and a very slow heart rate, according to MedicineNet.com.
Dandelion can reduce the speed that the liver can break down certain medications. This can increase the effects of the drugs and their side effects. These medications include:
Dandelion can also increase the speed that the liver breaks down medications, which may reduce their effects. These include glucuronidated drugs, such as:
Dandelion is sold in various forms, including liquids, tablets, capsules and teas. How much people should take depends on the type of dandelion supplement they take, their overall health, age and other factors, according to Medline Plus.
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that traditional doses include:
Recommended doses may vary per person and by the ratio of extract to alcohol in tinctures. There are no standardized doses for children or limits on dandelion in food.
Some people should not take dandelion or should do so only with caution, according to MedicineNet.com. This includes people who have:
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid dandelion supplements.
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Sources:
http://pharmacology.georgetown.edu/urbanherbs/dandelion.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/706.html
http://www.medicinenet.com/dandelion_taraxacum_officinale-oral/article.htm
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/dandelion-000236.htm
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/dandelion
http://www.med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=21667
http://faculty.ucc.edu/biology-ombrello/pow/dandelion.htm
| Accelerate Heart Rate |
| Blurred Vision |
| Breathing Difficulty |
| Diarrhea |
| Dizziness |
| Inflammation |
| Rashes |
| Shakiness |
| Swelling |
| Tingling Of Hands And Feet |
| Upset Stomach |