Perhaps best known for their annoying tendency to crop up in the middle of immaculately manicured lawns, dandelions offer numerous health benefits. The shaggy, bright yellow flower, jagged, tooth-edged leaves and long tap root found their way into the medicinal arsenals of traditional European, Native American and Chinese herbalists to treat a range of digestive disorders and skin inflammations. Modern dandelion supplements may contain roots, leaves or extracts from either, and may be available as powders, tinctures, teas, tablets or capsules.
Diuretic
Traditional herbalists recommend dandelion leaves to treat urinary tract infections because of their diuretic properties. The responsible compounds are two phytochemicals, eudesmanolides and germacranolides, according to James Duke, author of "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook" and architect of the USDA's Medicinal Plant database. Dandelion also contains high levels of potassium, which help replace the potassium lost through diuresis. Doctors often prescribe diuretics as part of the treatment for high blood pressure, liver disorders and poor digestion.
Laxative
Dandelion root contains bitter compounds that help stimulate digestion and serve as a mild laxative, writes Steven Foster in "101 Medicinal Herbs." Substances in dandelion may promote the growth and function of bacteria normally found in the digestive tract.
Digestive Aid
Dandelion herbal supplements may help improve digestion, reduce flatulence and stimulate the appetite. The German Commission E approves the use of dandelion leaf and root extract for dyspepsia and loss of appetite among other things.
Liver Stimulant
Commission E also approved dandelion for use as a liver stimulant and to treat liver and kidney complaints. It is a traditional treatment for jaundice and other liver complaints and may promote general liver function. However, the Commission E monographs also indicate that dandelion products should only be used under a physician's supervision if gallstones or blocked bile ducts are a concern.
Nutritional Supplement
Dandelion leaves contain vitamins A, B complex, C and D. The flowers are a good source of lecithin, writes James Duke in "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." In addition, dandelions provide a range of minerals and trace elements, including boron, calcium, iron, potassium, silicon and zinc.
Anti-Inflammatory
Dandelion roots contain anti-inflammatory substances, according to the Medline Plus database which cites research in laboratory animals. The research suggests the traditional use of dandelion to treat rheumatism may be justified, although there were no human studies replicating the results as of May 2010.
References
- "101 Medicinal Herbs"; Steven Foster; 1999
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dandelion
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook"; James A. Duke, Ph.D.; 2000
- Urban Herbs: Dandelion
- Medline Plus: Dandelion
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