Used in traditional Chinese as well as Native American medicine, the dandelion plant is rich in beta-carotene and potassium and can impact numerous systems in the human body. This herb has been used to stimulate appetite, for gastrointestinal disorders, as a cancer treatment, and in the treatment of liver disease and disorders. However, it is not without possible side effects. Before taking dandelion or any other herbal remedy, consult with your health care provider.
The Plant
Dandelion is a perennial herb, initially native to Europe, but now found abundant in North America, particularly in lawns across America. The plant naturally grows to a foot in height, has oblong leaves that grow from the root and displays a single yellow flower. The root and flower are used in herbal medicine, while the leaves are often used in salads. The flowers can also be used in making dandelion wine.
The Liver
Being the largest organ in the body, the liver has a right and left lobe, each consisting of hepatocytes-liver cells. The liver produces bile, which is used to digest fats. The liver also absorbs nutrients from your blood. Fatty liver or fatty liver disease is where fat accumulates in the liver. This process also causes a progressive inflammation of the liver cells.
Traditional Use
Numerous cultures around the globe have used dandelion root for numerous ailments. The root has been used primarily for liver and digestive ailments, while the leaves are used for diuretic properties, particularly in the case of edema or fluid overload in the body. Other uses have been as a fever reducer, to stop diarrhea and hemorrhoids, and to treat boils. In China, this plant is used to treat snake bites, appendicitis and abscesses. There are no documented studies proving that dandelion increases the release and flush of fats from the liver.
Dandelions' Effect on Fatty Liver
Considered a choleretic, dandelion promotes the production of bile. Dandelion is also considered a cholagogue, meaning it causes contractions of the bile duct, which initiates the flow of bile out of the liver. However, there have been no valid clinical trials proving this theory in humans, only in animals. Through the process of cholagogue, microscopic fat molecules bind with bile and are flushed from the liver as the bile is excreted. There are numerous reasons why fats accumulate in the liver, such as more fat in the diet than the body can utilize, causing fatty deposits in the liver.
