Dandelion & Dandelion Root: Benefits and Side Effects

Dandelion is a common weed that grows widely throughout the northern hemisphere in pastures, meadows and lawns, mostly in temperate climates. The name dandelion means lion’s tooth, and the plant is named for the jagged edges of its leaves that resemble teeth.

Though dandelion is considered a weed, its roots and tops are valuable for medicinal purposes. Dandelion root contains an abundance of nutritive salts that make it useful as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments. The medicinal use of dandelion root dates back to at least tenth century Arabia, where it was used to treat liver conditions. The plant has a bitter, endive-like quality, and it is unusually rich in a variety of nutrients. Dandelion grows wildly in abundance, but it is also cultivated for medicinal use. The leaves can be cooked or used raw in salads, and they are also used to make wine or ground for use as a coffee substitute.

Dandelion root contains a bitter, milky juice that is thought to be capable of energizing the body. It also has properties that can detoxify the body and purify the blood.

In India, dandelion root is used as a remedy for liver disorders. It is considered an excellent diuretic, largely because of it high potassium content. While pharmaceutical diuretics tend to deplete the system of potassium, the mineral’s abundance in dandelion root ensures that the body will not suffer the side effect of potassium loss from the use of dandelion as a diuretic. In addition to potassium, dandelion root also contains high levels of sodium that help to balance electrolytes in the blood. This quality makes the plant useful in restoring balance after severe vomiting. Dandelion root can also help neutralize acids in the blood, and it is widely used as a mild laxative as well.

People with liver ailments, such as jaundice and cirrhosis, can take dandelion root to help induce the flow of bile from the liver, helping to detoxify the body. Dandelion root also aids digestion, and it is an excellent tonic for the endocrine system. In addition, dandelion is used to lower cholesterol and uric acid levels in the body, and its rich iron content makes it useful for treating anemia. The juice in the stem and root of dandelion can be used as an astringent to dry up warts, blisters, corns and acne.

Dandelion root is available as a freeze-dried herb, in capsules, in liquid extracts and tinctures, and as a tea. Because of its bitter taste, dandelion is often combined with other herbs, such as licorice, sassafras or ginger to make a tea that has a flavor similar to root beer. Typical dosages of dandelion root are 2 to 8 grams three times per day of dried root, 250 mg three or four times per day in capsule form, and 5 to 10 ml three times per day of tinctures of dandelion root.

What about dandelion side effects?

Though dandelion is generally safe and gentle, some people may have an allergic reaction to the milky latex in the stem and leaves. Dandelion root should not be taken with pharmaceutical diuretics or drugs that have a diuretic action. People who are taking medications for diabetes should use dandelion root with caution, as it may intensify the blood sugar lowering effects of those drugs.

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