Dandelion Root & The Liver

All parts of the dandelion plant are useful. The leaves in spring go in salads, summer leaves before blossoms appear go in medicinal teas and tinctures. The roots of 2-year-old plants, harvested in the fall, are used in tablets and tinctures. According to "Prescription for Herbal Healing" by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, "The roots act as a blood purifier that helps the kidneys and the liver remove toxins and poisons from the blood."

Benefits

Dandelion root helps the liver by stimulating bile flow from the liver, reducing toxic conditions in that organ. Herbalists use dandelion root for liver problems including "hepatitis, cirrhosis and estrogen dominance" according to the Northwestern Health Sciences University's "Your Pathway to Wellness." As an additional benefit, the enhanced outflow of bile improves fat metabolism.

Active Components

Special types of sesquiterpene lactones, found only in this plant, are believed to be the source of the dandelion benefits. These bitter elements help with digestion and act as laxatives as well as increasing production of bile, moving it out of the liver.

Dosage

Take 1/2 to 1 tsp. of the dried root or 500 mg of a powdered extract in capsule form three times a day for liver/gallbladder support. Alternatively, you can make a tincture by steeping the fresh root in 45 percent alcohol in a 1:2 ratio, root to alcohol. Take 1 to 2 tsp. of the tincture three times a day.

Alcohol Liver Damager

A study published in "Food and Chemical Toxicology" found that a water extract of dandelion root provided "protective action against alcohol-induced toxicity in the liver." The study concluded this action worked by raising antioxidant levels and cutting lipid oxidation.

Warning

Avoid taking or even touching dandelion if you have allergies to other plants including ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigold, chamomile, yarrow, daises or iodine. The plant can cause skin irritations or mouth sores. Dandelion may lead to increased stomach acid and heartburn. Since dandelion increases urination, it could lead to prescription drugs being eliminated faster than intended. Do not take dandelion if also using lithium, quinolone antibiotics or antacids. Check with your doctor if you already have gallbladder or gallstone problems.