Dandelion's therapeutic uses
Dandelion, often seen as a common weed, is recognized for its potential therapeutic uses and nutritional value. Its leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a recommended supplement for pregnant women. Traditional uses of dandelion root include addressing liver and gallbladder issues, digestive disorders, and mild fluid retention. Some studies suggest that dandelion may have anti-cancer properties, particularly against liver, pancreatic, and breast cancer cells, and it is believed to support liver function and detoxification. Additionally, dandelion exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and preliminary evidence suggests it may help regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol. Although generally considered safe for most people, caution is advised for those with underlying health conditions, particularly those involving the liver or gallbladder, and individuals on certain medications. Overall, dandelion presents a fascinating intersection of folk medicine and emerging scientific inquiry, inviting further exploration into its health benefits.
Dandelion's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: None
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Constipation, detoxification, fluid retention (diuretic), liver support, nutritional supplement, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, blood sugar control, lowering cholesterol, skin health
Overview
The common dandelion, an enemy of suburban lawns, is an unusually nutritious type of food. Its leaves contain substantial levels of vitamins A, C, D, and B complex and of iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, manganese, copper, choline, calcium, boron, and silicon.
Worldwide, the root of the dandelion has been used to treat a variety of liver and gallbladder problems. Other historical uses of the root and leaves include treating breast diseases, water retention, digestive problems, joint pain, fever, and skin diseases.
The most active constituents in dandelion appear to be eudesmanolide and germacranolide, substances unique to this herb. Other ingredients include taraxol, taraxerol, taraxasterol, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, and p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid.
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical dosage of dandelion root is 2 to 8 grams, three times daily (of dried root); 250 milligrams, three to four times daily of a 5:1 extract; or 5 to 10 milliliters, three times daily of a 1:5 tincture in 45 percent alcohol. The leaves may be eaten in salad or cooked.
Therapeutic Uses
Dandelion leaves are widely recommended as a food supplement for pregnant women because of the many nutrients they contain. The scientific basis for any other potential use of dandelion is scanty.
Dandelion leaves have been found to produce a mild diuretic effect, which has led to its proposed use for people who experience mild fluid retention, such as may occur with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, no double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have been reported on the effectiveness of dandelion for this purpose. Some studies have indicated that dandelion root may be successful in preventing and treating several types of cancer, including liver, pancreatic, and breast cancer. One study treated skin cancer cells with dandelion extract and found that it began killing the cancer cells in forty-eight hours. Another study showed the root extract similarly affected colon cancer cells.
In the folk medicine of many countries, dandelion root is regarded as a liver tonic, a substance believed to support the liver in an unspecified way. This led to its use for many illnesses traditionally believed to be caused by a “sluggish” or “congested” liver, including constipation, headaches, eye problems, gout, skin problems, fatigue, and boils. Building on this traditional thinking, some modern naturopathic physicians believe that dandelion can help detoxify or clean out the liver and gallbladder. This concept has led to the additional suggestion that dandelion can reduce the side effects of medications processed by the liver and can relieve symptoms of diseases in which impaired liver function plays a role. However, while preliminary studies suggest that dandelion root stimulates bile flow, no meaningful scientific evidence exists that this observed effect leads to any preceding benefits.
Like other bitter herbs, dandelion root is used to improve appetite and treat minor digestive disorders. When dried and roasted, it is sometimes used as a coffee substitute. Dandelion root is sometimes recommended for mild constipation. Dandelion has anti-inflammatory properties and acts as an antioxidant, protecting the body from free radicals that can lead to chronic health conditions. Some studies suggest that dandelion can regulate blood sugar levels, which may be helpful for diabetes support, although more studies are needed. There is also limited evidence that dandelion may help lower cholesterol levels.
Safety Issues
Dandelion root and leaves are believed to be quite safe, with no side effects or likely risks other than rare allergic reactions. Dandelion is on the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) list of the US Food and Drug Administration and has been approved for use as a food flavoring by the Council of Europe.
However, based on dandelion root’s effect on bile secretion, Germany’s Commission E has recommended that it not be used by persons with obstruction of the bile ducts or other serious diseases of the gallbladder, and that it be used only under physician supervision by those with gallstones.
Some references state that dandelion root can cause hyperacidity and thereby increase ulcer pain, but this concern has been disputed. Because the leaves contain so much potassium, they probably resupply any potassium lost due to dandelion’s mild diuretic effect, although this has not been proven. Persons with known allergies to related plants, such as chamomile and yarrow, should use dandelion with caution.
There are no known drug interactions with dandelion. However, based on what is known about the effects of dandelion root, there might be some risk when combining it with pharmaceutical diuretics or drugs that reduce blood sugar levels. In addition, persons taking the medication lithium should use herbal diuretics such as dandelion leaf only under the supervision of a physician.
Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established. Also, persons taking diuretic drugs, lithium, insulin, or oral medications that reduce blood sugar levels should use dandelion only under a doctor’s supervision.
Bibliography
"Can You Eat Dandelions?" Cleveland Clinic, 21 July 2021, health.clevelandclinic.org/dandelion-health-benefits/. Accessed 13 Sept. 2024.
"Dandelion: Usefulness and Safety." National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, May 2020, www.nccih.nih.gov/health/dandelion. Accessed 13 Sept. 2024.
Leung, A. Y., and S. Foster. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. 2d ed., New York: Wiley; 1996.
Link, Rachael. "Dandelion Root Benefits for Cancer, Cholesterol, and the Liver." Dr. Axe, 26 Feb. 2022, draxe.com/nutrition/dandelion-root/. Accessed 13 Sept. 2024.
Marengo, Katherine. "Dandelion: Health Benefits and Side Effects." Healthline, 9 Oct. 2023, www.healthline.com/nutrition/dandelion-benefits#risks. Accessed 13 Sept. 2024.
McGuffin, M., editor. American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, Fla.: CRC Press, 1997.
Murray, M. T. The Healing Power of Herbs: The Enlightened Person’s Guide to the Wonders of Medicinal Plants. 2d ed., Rocklin, Calif.: Prima, 1995.
Pyevich, D., and M. P. Bogenschutz. "Herbal Diuretics and Lithium Toxicity." American Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 158, 2001, p. 1329.