dandelion

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Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

 

Interactions You Should Know About

 

If you are taking diuretic drugs, lithium, insulin or oral medications

that reduce blood sugar levels, use dandelion only under doctor's

supervision

 

 

 

Principal Proposed Uses

· Fluid Retention (Leaves), Nutritional Supplement (Leaves),

Liver/Gallbladder Disease (Root), Various Forms of Arthritis (Root),

Constipation (Root)

 

Introduction

 

The common dandelion, enemy of suburban lawns, is an unusually

nutritious food. Its leaves contain substantial levels of vitamins A, C,

D, and B complex as well as iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, manganese,

copper, choline, calcium, boron, and silicon.

 

Worldwide, the root of the dandelion has been used for the treatment of

a variety of liver and gallbladder problems. Other historical uses of

the root and leaves include the treatment of breast diseases, water

retention, digestive problems, joint pain, fever, and skin diseases.

 

The most active constituents in dandelion appear to be eudesmanolide and

germacranolide, substances unique to this herb. Other ingredients

include taraxol, taraxerol, and taraxasterol, along with stigmasterol,

beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, and p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid.1

 

 

 

What Is Dandelion Used for Today?

 

Dandelion leaves are widely recommended as a food supplement for

pregnant and also postmenopausal women because of the many nutrients

they contain. They also appear to produce a mild diuretic effect, which

may be appreciated by those who suffer from fluid retention.

 

In the folk medicine of many countries, dandelion root is regarded as a

" liver tonic, " a substance believed to benefit the liver in an

unspecified way. This led to its use for many illnesses traditionally

believed to be caused by a " sluggish " or " congested " liver, including

constipation, headaches, eye problems, gout, skin problems, fatigue, and

boils.

 

Building on this traditional thinking, some modern naturopathic

physicians believe that dandelion can help " detoxify " or clean out the

liver and gallbladder.2 This concept has led to the suggestion that

dandelion can reduce the side effects of medications processed by the

liver, as well as relieve symptoms of diseases in which impaired liver

function plays a role. However, there is as yet no real evidence for any

of these uses.

 

Dandelion root is also used like other bitter herbs to improve appetite

and treat minor digestive disorders. When dried and roasted, it is

sometimes used as a coffee substitute. Finally, dandelion root has been

used for the treatment of " rheumatism " (arthritis) and mild

constipation.

 

The scientific basis for the use of dandelion is scanty. Preliminary

studies suggest that dandelion root stimulates the flow of bile.3,4,5

Dandelion leaves have also been found to produce a mild diuretic

effect.6

 

 

Dosage

 

A typical dosage of dandelion root is 2 to 8 g 3 times daily of dried

root; 250 mg 3 to 4 times daily of a 5:1 extract; or 5 to 10 ml 3 times

daily of a 1:5 tincture in 45% alcohol. The leaves may be eaten in salad

or cooked.

 

 

Safety Issues

 

Dandelion root and leaves are believed to be quite safe, with no side

effects or likely risks other than rare allergic reactions.7? It is on

the FDA's GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list and approved for use

as a food flavoring by the Council of Europe.

 

However, based on dandelion root's effect on bile secretion, Germany's

Commission E has recommended that it not be used at all by individuals

with obstruction of the bile ducts or other serious diseases of the

gallbladder, and only under physician supervision by those with

gallstones.11

 

Some references state that dandelion root can cause hyperacidity and

thereby increase ulcer pain, but this concern has been disputed.12

 

Because the leaves contain so much potassium, they probably resupply any

potassium lost due to dandelion's mild diuretic effect, although this

has not been proven.

 

People with known allergies to related plants, such as chamomile and

yarrow, should use dandelion with caution.

 

There are no known drug interactions with dandelion. However, based on

what we know about dandelion root's effects, there might be some risk

when combining it with pharmaceutical diuretics or drugs that reduce

blood sugar levels. In addition, individuals taking the medication

lithium should use herbal diuretics such as dandelion leaf only under

the supervision of a physician, as being dehydrated can be dangerous

when using this medication.13

 

Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with

severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interactions You Should Know About

 

If you are taking diuretic drugs, lithium, insulin or oral medications

that reduce blood sugar levels, use

 

dandelion only under doctor's supervision

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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