Dandelions are not only common lawn weeds, but they're also widely-used medicinal plants. You might take dandelion leaves or roots for their diuretic, laxative and liver-supportive effects, as well as to detoxify your gallbladder and liver. Dandelion may be unsafe for certain people, so consult your physician about the potential dangers, drug interactions and proper dosage before using dandelion for detoxification.
Function
Dandelion contains "bitters" called sesquiterpene lactones, specifically germacranolides and eudesmanolides, which appear to provide the herb's main actions in the body, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Dandelion leaves are rich in vitamin A and have diuretic actions, while the roots appear to support and potentially clean out the liver. The bitter principles in both the leaves and roots have slight laxative, bile-stimulating and digestion-stimulating actions. According to the traditional uses, dandelion roots could also stimulate appetite and possibly detoxify the liver, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Effects
Dandelion root's effects on your liver and gallbladder may potentially offer detoxification actions that cleanse or remove toxins, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In addition to detoxification, dandelion could also help to protect and support your liver and gallbladder function. Dandelion leaves and roots also provide diuretic and laxative actions that could help clean out excess fluid in your body and cleanse your colon, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Don't use dandelion for detoxification before first consulting your doctor.
Other Uses
Dandelion leaves and roots can provide nutritional support, due to the large concentrations of vitamins and minerals contained in the plant, as well as treat heartburn and indigestion, says the University of Michigan Health System. Dandelion leaves may also help treat edema or fluid retention, and the roots could treat constipation and support your liver. The root specifically is sometimes recommended for detoxification in traditional herbal medicine, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. No widely-accepted, conclusive scientific research supports the use of dandelion roots or leaves for any medical purpose, however.
Types
Dandelion root is typically available in the form of a dried decoction, powdered extract or tincture, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. The dried dandelion-root decoction is usually made into a tea. Alternatively, you could take dandelion root in the form of a tincture in 45 percent alcohol, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Standardized powdered extracts of dandelion root are also available in capsules or tablets. Dried dandelion leaves are sometimes used in teas or infusions, as well as tinctures and standardized powdered extracts. Ask your doctor about the dosage that's right for you before taking any amount of dandelion leaves or root.
Warning
Don't take dandelion if your have stomach ulcers, gastritis, gallstones or bile-duct obstructions, warns the University of Michigan Health System. In rare cases, dandelion can cause potentially fatal allergic reactions in people who are allergic to the plant fiber called inulin. Also avoid dandelion if you're allergic to yarrow, chamomile and related plants, cautions the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dandelion remedies could interact negatively with certain medications like oral diabetes drugs or insulin, lithium and diuretics.
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