Dandelion leaves are used as a food in salads or as a cooked green and medicinally for a wide range of health problems, including those benefiting from mild diuretic action, such as poor digestion, liver ailments, and high blood pressure. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, there is no convincing scientific evidence to support the use of dandelion for any condition. If you have high blood pressure, consult with your doctor before using dandelion medicinally.
Treatment
High blood pressure is treated with lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical activity, weight loss and stress reduction. Medicines, such as diuretics or water pills, may be used to help your kidneys get rid of excess water and salt from your body, which decreases the amount of fluid in your blood vessels and your blood pressure goes down. Herbal supplements such as dandelion may also to help to control blood pressure.
How It Works
Dandelion has properties that may make it beneficial in controlling high blood pressure. Dandelion leaves may have diuretic effects that help to remove excess water from the body by increasing the removal of salt and water through the kidneys. Dandelion is also beneficial because it contains potassium, which is an important nutrient that is often depleted through the urine from the use of other diuretics when treating high blood pressure.
Preparation and Dosing
Dandelion is available as dried flowers and leaves or liquid extract form. Dandelion tea can be taken three times daily for diuretic effects. You can make dandelion tea by adding 1 to 2 tsp. of dried leaves to 1 cup of boiling water and steeping for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also take 1 to 2 tsp. of fresh juice or 1/2 to 1 tsp. of leaf tincture three times daily as a diuretic.
Effectiveness
Laboratory studies in animals have shown that dandelion leaves may have diuretic effects. A study published in the journal Planta Medica in 1974, showed that high doses of dandelion produced diuretic effects that were similar to a prescription diuretic called furosemide, which is used to treat high blood pressure. However, human trials have not been done to support these results.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dandelion
- National Institutes of Health: High Blood Pressure
- PaloAltoMedicalFoundation.org: Dandelion
- "Planta Medica"; The action of Taraxacum officinale extracts on the body weight and diuresis of laboratory animals; E Racz-Kotilla, et al.; Nov 1974
