To get the potential health benefits of Taraxacum officinale, more commonly known as dandelion, create a tasty chai tea beverage with the roasted roots. Grind dry roasted roots in a coffee grinder and combine with your favorite spices and herbs, then steep in boiling water. Although many people regard dandelion as a pesky weed, the leaves are nutritious and make a good addition to salads and stews, and both the leaves and roots have a wide range of traditional uses.
Liver Benefits
People have traditionally used dandelion root to treat liver problems, and the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recommends dandelion root for restoring liver function, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Some naturopathic doctors use dandelion root to detoxify the liver, reduce side effects of drugs processed by the liver and relieve symptoms of liver disease. Dandelion root also may help improve gallbladder function.
Gastrointestinal Benefits
ESCOP recommends dandelion root for treating gastrointestinal problems, including loss of appetite and upset stomach. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that dandelion root may be beneficial for treating gas and sensations of uncomfortable fullness. Dandelion root also may have a mild laxative effect, which can help relieve constipation. Additionally, dandelion root may improve the function of friendly bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Animal research indicates dandelion root may have anti-inflammatory properties, according to NIH. More research is needed to confirm benefits with humans. People traditionally have used dandelion root to treat conditions involving inflammation such as acne, psoriasis, bladder and urinary tract disorders, gout, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
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