What Is Dandelion Root?

Unless you are familiar with their benefits, you may see dandelions as the enemies of a perfect lawn, and even more so the roots that promise the plants will come back year after year. It may also seem funny that you can find the greens of dandelions in the produce section of many health food stores, and sometimes even conventional grocery stores, when this plant is so abundant in your backyard. The root is often overlooked in this edible weed, but you can put it to use for medicinal and nutritional purposes.

Description

The dandelion root grows in northern temperate areas, and you can find it just about anywhere, including lawns, wastelands and meadows. The plant grows up to a foot tall, and has jagged leaves. You can easily identify dandelions by their bright golden blooms that quickly cover open areas. While many gardeners and lawn caretakers may pull this persistent weed, others depend on the plant to supply pollen to honey-producing bees during times that other flowers are not yet in bloom. The root is branched and ranges from 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter. The outside of the root is dark brown, while the inside is white and carries a milky juice. The entire plant has a bitter taste, but is edible.

Properties

The bitter taste of dandelion root is a result of the taraxacin present in the plant. The root also contains inulin sugar, rather than starch like many roots. Inulin is also present in echinacea and burdock root. Gluten and taraxacerin, a resin, are in dandelion root as well. It is also rich in many nutrients, such as vitamins A, B complex, C and D, and the minerals zinc, potassium and iron.

Use

You can used dandelion roots as a caffeine-free substitute for coffee. You can also ground up the roots and add them to chocolate, according to Botanical.com.
Dandelion root is considered a diuretic, and has traditionally been used for liver and kidney health. The root also has a mild laxative effect. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Native Americans used decoctions made from the roots to treat an upset stomach, skin problems, heartburn and kidney swelling. The root is also used in Chinese medicine for digestive disorders, inflammation and appendicitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other uses for the root in traditional folk medicine have included diabetes, diarrhea, bladder stones and loss of appetite.

Precautions

Dandelion root may interact with medications that you take. The root and plant can decrease the ability of your body to absorb antacids and antibiotics, according the University of Maryland Medical Center. You should also avoid using the plant with medications used to control blood sugar levels, or with blood thinners and diuretics. Dandelion may also increase the side effects of lithium. The University of Michigan recommends that you avoid dandelion use if you have diabetes, gallbladder problems, gallstones, ulcers or gastritis. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, you should also avoid the plant.

Research

Dandelion did not affect urine volume and frequency in mice, according to a study published in "Pharmaceutical Biology." However, different results were found in a study that focused on the effects of taking dandelion in humans, which was published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine." Following a five-hour period of dandelion dosage, the frequency and volume of urine in humans increased. Therefore, dandelion may be an effective diuretic for people.