Uses Of Dandelion Leaf Tea For Curing Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a liver disorder that results in inflammation and impairs the organ's ability to function properly. In most cases, this is a temporary condition, but in a few cases, it becomes chronic. Herbalists have long treated liver disorders with dandelion leaf tea, and scientists have begun investigating its ability to treat hepatitis.

About Dandelion

There are hundreds of species of dandelion, but the best-known of them is Taraxacum officinale. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center website, both the leaves and the roots of this plant have been used by herbalists and other traditional healers to treat liver disorders. This folk belief now has some scientific support. A 2006 article published in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" identified some of the pharmacologically active compounds in dandelion that might act on hepatic cells.

Animal Research on Hepatitis and Dandelion Leaves

The May 2010 issue of "Food and Chemical Toxicology" reports on a study in which researchers gave hepatitis to Sprague-Dawley rats, which developed elevated liver enzymes and inflammation of the liver cells. When treated with water extracts from dandelion leaves -- in other words, dandelion leaf tea -- however, enzyme levels and liver lesions decreased significantly, apparently because this extract reduced inflammatory response and oxidative stress. An article in the September 2010 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" reinforced this finding. In this study, rats with hepatitis who were given water extracts of dandelion leaves showed reduced liver damage compared to controls.

Human Research on Dandelion-containing Herbal Preparations

A Chinese researcher, Z. Chen, studied the effects of a traditional herbal preparation containing one species of dandelion, Taraxacum mongolicum, on patients with chronic hepatitis B. The results of this randomized, double-blind study, which was published in the February 1990 issue of "Chinese Journal of Modern Developments in Traditional Medicine," showed that liver enzymes were significantly more likely to return to normal levels in patients given the compound containing dandelion. Of the 51 people receiving the treatment, eight were effectively cured, while in the control group, only one person was cured.

An Herbalist's Perspective

Sue Sierralupe, a certified master herbalist, offers her perspective on the healing properties of dandelion on her website "The Practical Herbalist." According to her, the bitter components found in all parts of the dandelion plant, both leaf and root, stimulate the digestive system, including the liver, while its fiber absorbs toxins and carries them out of the body. Dandelion leaf can be hung up to dry. After the drying process, the green, crumbling leaves can be made into a tea by steeping a teaspoon of the dried leaves per cup of water.

Warnings and Cautions

Dandelion is generally regarded as safe, but people allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies should avoid this plant. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, dandelion may worsen the side effects of lithium, while Chinese dandelion, Taraxacum mongolicum, may decrease the absorption of certain antibiotics. People taking antacids are also advised to exercise caution when using this herb. Before using dandelion to treat a serious and contagious disorder like hepatitis, consult your physician and discuss all of the substances you are taking, regardless of whether they are prescription or non-prescription.