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Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Proposed Uses
  • LEAVES:  Fluid Retention; Nutritional Supplement
  • ROOT:  Constipation; Detoxification; Liver Support

The common dandelion 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.

Dandelion leaves have been found to produce a mild diuretic effect,  which has led to its proposed use for people who suffer from mild fluid retention, such as may occur in PMS. However, no studies have been reported on the effectiveness of dandelion for this purpose.

In the folk medicine of many countries, dandelion root is regarded as a "liver tonic," a substance believed to support 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.  This concept has led to the additional 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 meaningful scientific evidence that this observed effect leads to any of these benefits.

Finally, dandelion root is sometimes recommended for mild constipation.

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.  Dandelion is on the FDA's safe list.

However, based on dandelion root's effect on bile secretion, Germany's Commission E has recommended that it not be used by individuals with obstruction of the bile ducts or other serious diseases of the gallbladder, and only under physician supervision by those with gallstones.

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.

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