Although you may consider dandelion a weed, the plant is also an herb that has been part of traditional medicine for hundreds of years. Dandelion, or Taraxacum officinale, grows as a wild perennial in temperate regions around the world. Its familiar yellow flowers open each day when the sun rises and close daily at sunset. The leaves have several medicinal uses, including as a diuretic, for digestive complaints, to keep blood sugar levels low and as a cancer preventive. Consult your doctor to discuss whether taking dandelion is a good choice for you.
Urinary Effects
Dandelion leaves contain several natural chemicals that may act as natural diuretics, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The herb increases the amount of urine you produce, acting to flush the kidneys, and its high content of potassium is generally good for kidney health. In a small study of human subjects, published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" in August 2009, dandelion extract caused an increase in urination frequency within five hours of a dose of the herb.
Lowering Blood Sugar
Having high levels of sugar in your blood may put you at risk for diabetes by placing extra stress on your insulin-producing cells. Consuming dandelion leaf extract may help keep your blood sugar in a healthy range. According to the results of a laboratory study published in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" in May 2001, dandelion reduced the levels of blood glucose in diabetic mice over seven days, compared to blood glucose in other, identical mice not given the herb. These are promising findings, although studies on human subjects are still needed to confirm the results.
Cancer Prevention
Dandelion may also contain compounds that prevent cancer or slow the growth of malignant cells. In several laboratory studies, dandelion caused the death of cancer cells in culture or caused induced cancer cells to differentiate, making them less malignant and invasive. In one of these studies, published in the Jan. 16, 2004, "Life Sciences," dandelion extract caused cultured liver cancer cells to die and also increased production of natural chemicals that inhibit the formation of malignant tumors. These are encouraging results, but clinical trials are still needed with human subjects.
Recommendations and Precautions
Dandelion leaf tincture is an alcoholic extract made from fresh leaves. The tincture is available from most health food stores, generally in 30 percent alcohol. The usual dose is 100 to 150 drops, three times daily. Dandelion tincture is generally considered safe, although some people may be allergic to the herb and may develop mouth irritation. Dandelion may also cause some stomach discomfort or heartburn, and it may interact with certain prescription medications, including some antibiotics and antacids. Talk with your doctor to determine if dandelion is a good addition to your regimen.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dandelion
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Dandelion
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Dandelion
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine;" The Diuretic Effect in Human Subjects of an Extract of Taraxacum Officinale Folium... B. Clare et al.;August 2009
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Effect of "Antidiabetis" Herbal Preparation on Serum Glucose and Fructosamine in NOD Mice; R. Petlevski et al.; May 2001
