Dandelion

Uses

Botanical names:
Taraxacum officinale

Parts Used & Where Grown

Closely related to chicory, dandelion is a common plant worldwide and the bane of those looking for the perfect lawn. The plant grows to a height of about 12 inches, producing spatula-like leaves and yellow flowers that bloom year-round. Upon maturation, the flower turns into the characteristic puffball containing seeds that are dispersed in the wind. Dandelion is grown commercially in the United States and Europe. The leaves and root are used in herbal supplements.

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used forWhy
1 Star
Constipation
Refer to label instructions
The bitter compounds in dandelion leaves and root are also mild laxatives.

The unprocessed roots of fo-ti possess a mild laxative effect. The bitter compounds in leaves and root are also mild laxatives.

1 Star
Edema
Refer to label instructions
Dandelion leaves have diuretic effects that may be comparable to the prescription diuretics used to treat edema.

Herbs that stimulate the kidneys were traditionally used to reduce edema. Herbal diuretics do not work the same way that drugs do, thus it is unclear whether such herbs would be effective for this purpose. Goldenrod (Solidago cnadensis) is considered one of the strongest herbal diuretics. Animal studies show, at very high amounts (2 grams per 2.2 pounds of body weight), that leaves possess diuretic effects that may be comparable to the prescription diuretic furosemide (Lasix®). Human clinical trials have not been completed to confirm these results. Corn silk (Zea mays) has also long been used as a diuretic, though a human study did not find that it increased urine output. Thus, diuretic herbs are not yet well supported for use in reducing edema.

1 Star
Indigestion, Heartburn, and Low Stomach Acidity
Refer to label instructions
Dandelion acts as a digestive stimulant and may be helpful for indigestion.

Bitter herbs are thought to stimulate digestive function by increasing saliva production and promoting both stomach acid and digestive enzyme production. As a result, they are particularly used when there is low stomach acid but not in heartburn (where too much stomach acid could initially exacerbate the situation). These herbs literally taste bitter. Some examples of bitter herbs include greater celandine, wormwood, gentian,, blessed thistle, yarrow, devil’s claw, bitter orange, bitter melon, juniper, andrographis, prickly ash, and centaury.. Bitters are generally taken either by mixing 1–3 ml tincture into water and sipping slowly 10–30 minutes before eating, or by making tea, which is also sipped slowly before eating.

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Pregnancy and Postpartum Support
Refer to label instructions
Dandelion is a tonic herb, believed to strengthen or invigorate organ systems. A rich source of vitamins and minerals, it promotes urine and bile flow and helps with the common digestive complaints of pregnancy.

Many tonic herbs, which are believed to strengthen or invigorate organ systems or the entire body, can be taken safely every day during pregnancy. Examples include leaf and root, red raspberry leaf, and nettle. Dandelion leaf and root are rich sources of vitamins and minerals, including beta-carotene, calcium, potassium, and iron. Dandelion leaf is mildly diuretic (promotes urine flow); it also stimulates bile flow and helps with the common digestive complaints of pregnancy. Dandelion root is traditionally used to strengthen and invigorate the liver.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

Dandelion is commonly used as a food. The leaves are used in salads and teas, while the roots are sometimes used as a coffee substitute. Dandelion leaves and roots have been used for hundreds of years to treat liver, gallbladder, kidney, and joint problems. In some traditions, dandelion is considered a blood purifier and is used for conditions as varied as eczema and cancer. As is the case today, dandelion leaves have also been used historically to treat water retention.

Information about Dandelion

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