Dandelion is much more than just a nuisance weed on the lawn. It is considered a valuable herb and a nutritious food by herbalists worldwide. The leaves, often used in salads and teas, are chock-full of vitamins and minerals. Its roots are used in the making of herbal medicines and they can be roasted for use in coffee substitutes. Dandelion root has a long history of use as a folk medicine, but there is not enough scientific evidence to determine its effectiveness, so check with your physician before taking it.
History and Appearance
Dandelion gets its name from the French "dent de lion" meaning lion's tooth, due to its long jagged-edged leaves. Its folk names include puffball, blowball, bitterwort, swine's snort and wild endive. Dandelion is closely related to chicory and is a member of the aster plant family. It can grow to a height of 12 inches and is topped by a bright yellow flower. The dark brown, brittle roots are filled with a milky white substance. Early settlers brought the herb to North America where it was quickly adopted by the Native Americans for use as an herbal medicine.
Benefits
Dandelion roots are used medicinally to treat a wide range of liver ailments, including cirrhosis, and may also be an effective gallbladder remedy. The root is used as a mild laxative and a digestive aid to soothe an upset stomach. Dandelion root may have some antiviral properties and is being studied as a treatment for cancer, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The root is also used post-pregnancy to increase lactation. The active constituents of the root responsible for these effects are the bitter compounds eudesmanolide and germacranolide.
Forms and Dosage
The roots are available in both fresh and dried forms, as a tincture, extract, tablet and capsule. It can also be made into a tea. NYU Langone Medical Center advises a typical dosage of dandelion root is 2 to 8 g of dried root three times daily. A 5:1 extract of 250 mg is taken three to four times per day and a 1:5 tincture of 5 to 10 ml three times per day.
Precautions
Dandelion root is classified as a dietary supplement and therefore not regulated by the FDA for efficacy and safety. However, it is on the FDA's GRAS list -- generally regarded as safe. It is possible to have an allergic reaction to dandelion, and people with allergies to plants of the aster family, including ragweed and marigolds, may not be able to use it. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching, hives, wheezing and swelling of the face and mouth. Dandelion root increases the flow of bile, so you should not take if you have gall bladder disease. The side effects are typically mild, including upset stomach and diarrhea. It can interact with some medications, so check with your health-care provider if you are taking lithium, antacids, or quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin.
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