The Mighty Dandelion

Alternative Names:

Lion’s tooth; priest’s crown; swine’s snout; Taraxacum officinale

While many people think of the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) as a pesky weed, it’s full of vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium and zinc. Dandelion leaves are used to add flavour to salads, sandwiches and teas. The roots are used in some coffee substitutes and the flowers are used to make wines.

In the past, dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver problems. Native Americans also boiled dandelion in water and took it to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn and upset stomach. In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion has been used to treat stomach problems, appendicitis, and breast problems, such as inflammation or lack of milk flow. In Europe, it was used in remedies for fever, boils, eye problems, diabetes and diarrhoea. Today, the roots are mainly used to stimulate the appetite and for liver and gallbladder problems. Dandelion leaves are used as a diuretic to help the body get rid of too much fluid.

Plant description

Dandelion is a hardy perennial that can grow to a height of nearly 12 inches (300mm). The plants have deeply notched, toothy, spatula-like leaves that are shiny and hairless. Dandelion stems are capped by bright yellow flowers. The grooved leaves funnel rain to the root. Dandelion flowers open with the sun in the morning and close in the evening or during gloomy weather. The dark brown roots are fleshy and brittle and are filled with a white milky substance that is bitter and slightly smelly.

Parts used

Dandelion leaves act as a diuretic, increasing the amount of urine your body makes. The leaves are used to stimulate the appetite and help digestion. Dandelion flower has antioxidant properties. Dandelion may also help improve the immune system.

Herbalists use dandelion root to detoxify the liver and gallbladder and dandelion leaves to help kidney function.

Medicinal uses and indications

Most scientific studies of dandelion have been in animals, not people. Traditionally, dandelion has been used a diuretic, to increase the amount of urine in order to get rid of too much fluid. It has been used for many conditions where a diuretic might help, such as liver problems and high blood pressure. However, there is no good research on using dandelion as a diuretic in people.

Fresh or dried dandelion herb is also used as a mild appetite stimulant and to improve an upset stomach. The root of the dandelion plant may act like a mild laxative and has been used to improve digestion. Some very preliminary research suggests dandelion may help improve liver and gallbladder function, but the study was not well designed.

Some preliminary animal studies also suggest that dandelion may help normalise blood sugar levels and lower total cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL, ‘good’ cholesterol, in diabetic mice. But not all the animal studies have found a positive effect on blood sugar and researchers need to see if dandelion would work in people. A few animal studies also suggest that dandelion might help fight inflammation.

Available forms

You can find dandelion herbs and roots fresh or dried in a variety of forms, including tinctures, liquid extract, teas, tablets and capsules. Dandelion can be found alone or combined with other dietary supplements.

How to take it

Paediatric

Eating dandelion in food is safe for a child.

Adult

Some traditional doses include:

Dried leaf infusion: 1 – 2 teaspoonfuls, three times daily. Pour hot water onto dried leaf and steep for 5 – 10 minutes.

Dried root decoction: ½ – 2 teaspoonfuls, three times daily. Place root into boiling water for 5 – 10 minutes. Strain and drink.

Leaf tincture (1:5) in 30 per cent alcohol: 30 – 60 drops, three times daily

Root tincture (1:2) fresh root in 45 per cent alcohol: 30 – 60 drops, three times daily

Precautions:

The use of herbs is a time-honoured approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.

• Dandelion is generally considered safe. Some people may have an allergic reaction from touching dandelion and others may get mouth sores.
• If you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigold, chamomile, yarrow, daisies, or iodine, you should avoid dandelion.
• In some people, dandelion can cause increased stomach acid and heartburn. It may also irritate the skin.

Possible interactions

Dandelion leaf may act like a diuretic, which can make drugs leave your body faster. If you are taking prescription medications, ask your health care provider before taking dandelion leaf. These medications may interact with dandelion:

Antacids: Dandelion may increase the amount of stomach acid, so antacids may not work as well.

Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants and antiplatelet): It’s possible that dandelion may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you already take blood-thinners such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), or clopidogrel (Plavix).
Diuretics (water pills): Dandelion may act like a diuretic, causing your body to produce more urine to get rid of excess fluid. If you also take prescription diuretics or other herbs that act as diuretic, you could be at risk for an electrolyte imbalance.

Lithium: Animal studies suggest that dandelion may make the side effects of lithium worse. Lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder.

Ciproflaxin (Cipro): One species of dandelion, Taraxacum mongolicum, also called Chinese dandelion, may lower the amount of the antibiotic ciproflaxin that your body absorbs. Researchers don’t know whether the common dandelion would do the same thing.

Medications for diabetes: Theoretically, dandelion may lower blood sugar levels. If you take medications for diabetes, taking dandelion may increase the risk of low blood sugar.

In these instances, please consult your health care provider before making any decision to use dandelion as a supplement or natural remedy. Ed