Effects & Benefits Of Dandelion Herb

Dandelion not just a pesky weed -- it's a versatile and nutritious herb. Dandelion's botanical name is Taraxacum officinale, and it grows throughout the northern hemisphere. According to MedlinePlus, a division of the National Institutes of Health, dandelion has extensive historical use in Native American, Arabian, Chinese and European systems of medicine. Scientific proof of dandelion's efficacy is lacking, however, and it should be used under the guidance of a botanically-trained health care provider, such as a naturopathic physician.

Treats Liver Disease

The European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy recommends dandelion root for the restoration of liver function. This may be helpful for a variety of conditions, such as hepatitis, fatty liver and cirrhosis. In naturopathic medicine, dandelion is believed to detoxify the liver and gallbladder, which can help reduce the side effects of medications that are processed by the liver and relieve symptoms associated with liver disease. Dandelion also has historical use for liver cleansing, in the absence of overt disease. Dr. Sharol Tilger, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth" states that dandelion root, in particular, is beneficial to the liver, but the herb can be slow in producing the desired reaction. Dandelion may be taken as tea, tincture, or capsule, or the fresh leaves may be added to a salad.

Lowers High Blood Pressure

Dandelion may assist in lowering blood pressure. High blood pressure, medically called hypertension, can lead to serious health complications. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 75 million Americans have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. Hypertension may have no symptoms, but it can lead to heart muscle damage, blood vessel damage, heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, kidney damage, vision loss and erectile dysfunction. Many strategies, both conventional and natural, may help to lower blood pressure. Dr. Tilgner notes that dandelion leaf has a diuretic action, which accounts for its ability to help lower blood pressure. It works by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, which increases urine production and excretion.

Diminishes Digestive Ailments

Dandelion is used to alleviate a wide variety of digestive ailments. MedlinePlus notes the traditional use of dandelion for heartburn, stomach upset, loss of appetite, diarrhea and colitis. Herbalists classify dandelion as a mild bitter. As the name implies, bitters have a bitter taste and tend to simulate digestion by increasing the activity of the gastric mucosa and increasing digestive secretions of the pancreas, liver and gallbladder. Dandelion is also know as a nutritive, which means it's nourishing to the gastrointestinal tract and the whole body. Additional digestive benefits may be a result of dandelion's anti-inflammatory effects. Dandelion is generally recognized as safe, however there are reports of skin allergy or digestive disturbances from ingesting the plant. There are also potential interactions with pharmaceutical drugs. Caution should be used when taking dandelion as medicine, and where there are any concerns, a medical professional should be consulted.