The dandelion, or Taraxacum officinale, is a common weed found on lawns all over the United States. The hardy yellow flowers can grow as high as 12 inches and bloom year-round. Despite its status as a weed, the dandelion is useful as an herbal supplement. Both the leaves and roots of the plant have health benefits.
Benefits
Dandelion root has a multitude of medicinal benefits. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) notes that the plant's primary traditional use is as an aid for liver disorders. Dandelion root's other traditional uses include treatment for fever, eye disorders, kidney disease, skin irritation, digestion problems and inflammation or lack of milk in breasts. Modern-day use of dandelion root focuses mostly on liver function, digestion, gallbladder function and appetite stimulation. Dandelion root may also prove beneficial for people with diabetes.
Function
Dandelion root is composed of the bitter compounds lactucopicrin, triterpenoids and phytosterol. According to the University of Michigan Health System, the bitter compounds in dandelion root are responsible for the herb's efficacy in treating digestive and liver ailments. Dandelion root acts as a mild laxative, which makes it useful in treating digestive ailments such as gas and constipation. The bitter compounds help liver ailments by increasing production of bile in the gallbladder and bile flow from the liver.
Usage
While dandelion is relatively safe, you should consult a professional before taking it. A health care practitioner can advise you on proper dosages, possible side effects and negative interactions with other medications.
You can use dried dandelion root or take it in tincture, tea, tablet, capsule or liquid extract form. The UMMC lists the following common dosage information for adults: for standardized, powdered dandelion root, 500 mg taken one to three times a day; as a tincture composed of fresh dandelion root in 45 percent alcohol, 100 to 150 drops taken three times a day; as a dried decoction, 1/2 to 2 tsp. of boiled and strained dandelion root taken one to three times a day.
Side Effects
Dandelion root may cause allergic reactions, mouth sores, heartburn and an increase of stomach acid. Avoid taking dandelion root supplements if you are on lithium, quinolone antibiotics or antacids. The UMMC suggests that dandelion increases the intensity of lithium's side effects, while certain types of dandelions make it harder for your digestive tract to absorb quinolone antibiotics.
Considerations and Warnings
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine points out that while dandelion root has many traditional uses, the body of scientific evidence supporting these uses is slim.
Since dandelion can cause increased acid production in the digestive system, people with stomach ulcers, gastritis and acid reflux problems should be careful when taking it. If you have obstructed bile ducts, you should avoid taking dandelion root supplements. In addition, you should consult a professional before taking dandelion root if you have gallstones or an infected gallbladder.
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