Although dandelions are considered a pesky weed, they have a variety of medicinal properties. Naturopathic practitioners have used dandelions for years to treat a variety of medical conditions, including improving digestion and healing the liver. Native American tribes also chewed the roots to relieve pain and steamed the leaves and applied them topically to soothe sore throats.
History suggests that the use of dandelion began in ancient China around 659 B.C. Dandelion is low in calories but rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Studies have shown that dandelion can help inhibit cancer growth, lower cholesterol levels, and support liver function.
In some countries, including Scotland and France, these plants are nicknamed potty trainers, or pitsengris in French, because they are natural diuretics that cause increased urination. Dandelions, also known as Taraxacum officinale, are a type of flowering plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Dandelions are part of the daisy family and are related to dahlias, thistles, ragweed, lettuce, artichokes, and sunflowers.
Dandelion, Science
Link, R (2022) explains that dandelions are a nutritious plant that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Every part of the plant, from the roots to the flowers, is nutritious. The USDA reports that dandelions can be eaten raw or cooked. Dandelions are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. Dandelions also contain small amounts of vitamin E, folate, and other B vitamins.
The report also found that dandelion leaves contain significant amounts of many minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. A study by Vandeputte et al. (2017) also reported that dandelion root is rich in the carbohydrate inulin, a type of soluble fiber found in plants that supports the growth and maintenance of healthy gut bacteria in the digestive tract.
Antioxidants
Dandelion contains many powerful antioxidants that have been linked to numerous medicinal properties. For example, several studies (Wirngo et al. 2016; Gerbino et al. 2018; Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)) have shown that dandelion is rich in antioxidants and antioxidants that are essential for the body’s ability to function. [Internet]; Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (USA); 2006–. Beta-carotene. 2022) also found that dandelions are rich in many antioxidants, including beta-carotene, which protects against cellular damage and oxidative stress.
Additionally, a study by Wirngo et al. (2016) found that dandelions are rich in polyphenols, another antioxidant found primarily in the flowers, but also in the roots, leaves, and stems.
inflammation
Inflammation is a normal immune system response to injury or infection. However, prolonged inflammation can cause permanent damage to the body’s tissues and DNA. However, two test-tube studies (Park et al. 2014, Jeon et al. 2017) found that dandelion reduced inflammatory markers in cells treated with compounds extracted from dandelion. Another study in mice with inflammatory lung disease by Ma et al. (2015) found that lung inflammation was significantly reduced in the test group.
Blood glucose levels
Semeco, A (2021) explains that chicory and chlorogenic acid are two bioactive compounds found in dandelion that can help lower blood sugar levels. For example, in-vitro studies by Ferrare et al. (2018) have shown that these compounds in dandelion may increase insulin secretion, a hormone that controls blood sugar levels, and glucose (sugar) absorption in muscles, thus increasing insulin sensitivity and potentially lowering blood sugar levels.
Wirngo et al. (2016) reported that several animal studies have also shown that chicoric acid and chlorogenic acid may slow the digestion of starchy and high-carbohydrate foods and lower blood sugar levels.
Cholesterol and triglyceride levels
An in vitro study by García-Carrasco et al. (2015) demonstrated that dandelion leaf and root extracts reduce triglyceride accumulation in fat cells. Additionally, a recent 4-week animal study by Majewski et al. (2020) found that feeding rats dandelion leaf extract significantly reduced total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. An earlier rabbit study by Choi et al. (2010) found that consuming dandelion root and leaves along with a high-cholesterol diet reduced cholesterol levels.
blood pressure
Anecdotal evidence suggests that traditional Chinese medicine practitioners prescribe dandelion for its diuretic and detoxifying properties. Thus, from anecdotal evidence, dandelion may act as a traditional diuretic. For example, in a clinical trial involving only 17 people, Clare et al. (2009) found that dandelion was an effective diuretic.
Additionally, one review by Binia et al. (2015) found that dandelion is rich in potassium, a mineral associated with lowering blood pressure in people who previously had high blood pressure. Therefore, because dandelion is potassium-centric, it may have an indirect effect on blood pressure.
Liver and Kidney Support
Both animal and human studies have confirmed that dandelion is beneficial for liver and kidney health. For example, an animal study by Hfaiedh et al. (2016) found that dandelion prevented liver damage in mice exposed to sodium dichromate, a compound used to cause liver damage. Additionally, another study by Abdel-Magied et al. (2019) also found that dandelion root has a positive effect on the liver, protecting it from oxidative stress and helping it function effectively.
Two other studies (Wirngo et al. 2016; Pfingstgraf et al. 2021) have also found that dandelion extracts may lower the levels of excess fat stored in the liver and protect against oxidative stress. A similar study by Devaraj et al. (2016) agrees that dandelion has long been recognized as a liver tonic in folk medicine originating from China, India and Russia, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to fight oxidative stress.
A previous in vivo study from Korea (You et al. 2010) demonstrated that dandelion extract protects against liver damage caused by alcohol toxicity in both hepatocytes and mice. The study further concluded that these protective effects are likely due to the number of antioxidants present in dandelion root and its ability to prevent cellular damage.
Dandelion is also good for your kidneys. Dandelion has been shown to be a natural diuretic, helping to keep your kidneys healthy by increasing the frequency of urination. This means that dandelion can also be used to manage prostate health.
Finally, the Mount Sinai Medical Group explains that “herbalists use dandelion root to detoxify the liver and gallbladder, and dandelion leaves to aid kidney function.” For centuries, Native Americans have boiled dandelions in water to treat kidney disease and digestive problems, such as heartburn and upset stomach.
Immune system and bacteria
One study by Flores-Ocelotl et al. (2018) found that dandelion root has antibacterial and antiviral properties that may inhibit the growth of disease-causing bacteria and pathogens. Another study by Kenny et al. (2015) in Ireland demonstrated that dandelion root is effective against certain strains of bacteria that cause staphylococcal infections and food poisoning.
Bone and Skin Health
Dandelion is a good source of Vitamin K, a key nutrient that plays a key role in bone health. Older research by Booth et al. (2003) has shown that a deficiency in Vitamin K increases the risk of fractures and loss of bone density. Dandelion can help prevent this. Dandelion also contains calcium, which helps build bone and tooth structure and keep them strong.
When it comes to skin health, the antioxidants in dandelion protect skin cells from damage, slowing the signs of aging. A 2015 test-tube study by Canadian researchers Yang and Li found that applying an extract from dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) to skin cells could help protect them from damage caused by harmful UV rays. Other studies have also found that dandelion has strong antibacterial properties, which may help prevent bacterial growth and prevent skin infections.
Anti-cancer effects
A 4-week rat study by Nassan et al. (2018) found that administration of dandelion root extract altered certain pathways involved in inhibiting the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. Three other test-tube studies (Rehman et al. 2017; Ovadje et al. 2016; Zhu et al. 2017) have also found that dandelion root extract can slow the growth of cancer cells in liver, colon, and stomach tissues.
Dosage
Dandelion extract and tablets are available at some pharmacies and health food stores. If you are buying dandelion supplements, be sure to buy a good quality brand. There is no official dosage recommendation for dandelion root capsules, but most dried/powdered supplements contain 500-1,500 milligrams of dandelion root extract per serving.
Link, R (2022) also suggests that if you want to make a tea using fresh leaves, you should take about 4-10 grams per day. If you are supplementing with a dandelion tincture, take 0.5 to 1 teaspoon (2-5 mL) three times a day. Be sure to read the dosage recommendations for the specific product you use, as different brands have different potencies.
For most people, drinking one to three cups of dandelion tea daily can be safe, but for best results, start with a small amount and gradually increase the amount to gauge your tolerance and avoid potential side effects, says Linx.
Drug interactions
According to Link, R (2022), dandelion is very high in vitamin K, which can affect blood clotting. Therefore, people taking warfarin or other blood thinners should continue to take vitamin K to avoid interfering with the action of the medication. Additionally, dandelion acts as a diuretic, which can affect kidney function.
It may also interact with medications that are broken down in the liver. To avoid interactions, take dandelion extract or drink dandelion tea at least 2 hours before or after taking your medication.
Some medicines that may interact with dandelion extract or other products include:
Antacids Anticoagulants Diuretics Lithium Ciprofloxacin Diabetes medications
Anyone with underlying medical conditions, such as liver disease, diabetes, or kidney disease, should always consult with their doctor before starting any supplements or making any significant changes to their diet. This is especially important if you take daily medications and are considering taking a dandelion root extract supplement.
caveat
Research shows that dandelion is a food “generally recognized as safe” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Links, R (2022) states that for most healthy adults, incorporating this powerful herb into your diet is usually safe and beneficial. However, there are also some side effects to consider. “First, dandelion can cause allergic reactions in some people when eaten or applied to the skin.
If you are sensitive to other plants in the same family, such as ragweed, daisies or thistles, you may also be sensitive to dandelions.”
Therefore, if you experience any symptoms such as swelling, itching or redness, discontinue use immediately and consult your healthcare provider.
Kidneys? Dandelion acts as a diuretic, promoting urine production, especially in the kidneys. This is the same effect as a diuretic drug. So anyone taking prescription or herbal diuretics is at risk of adversely affecting kidney function and developing electrolyte imbalances. So always follow directions and be careful if you already have kidney problems.
Conclusion
Studies have confirmed that dandelion has many health benefits. Dandelion is good for kidney health because it acts as a diuretic, similar to traditional diuretics. If you are interested in using a dandelion supplement, consider taking 500 to 1,500 milligrams of dandelion root extract.
Dandelion also contains other health benefits, especially for the digestive and immune systems. Finally, dandelion can treat liver disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, cancer, kidney problems, and infections.
