MIRACLE WILD HERBS - DANDELION
While
many people think of the dandelion as a weed, herbalists know it as valuable
herb that can be used as a food and medicine.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Hundreds
of species of dandelion grow in Europe, Asia, and North America. Dandelion is a
perennial that can grow to a height of nearly 12 inches. Dandelions have deeply
notched, toothy, spatula-like leaves that are shiny and hairless. Dandelion
stems are capped by bright yellow flowers. The grooved leaves funnel rain to
the root.
Dandelion
flowers open with the sun in the morning and close in the evening or during
gloomy weather. The dark brown roots are fleshy and brittle and are filled with
a white milky substance that is bitter and pungent.
Dandelion
is a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, as well as minerals such
as iron, potassium, and zinc. Dandelion leaves are used to add flavor to
salads, sandwiches, and teas. The roots are used in some coffee substitutes,
and the flowers are used to make wines.
Parts Used:
Dandelion leaves act as a diuretic,
increasing the amount of urine the body produces. The leaves are used to
stimulate the appetite and help digestion.
Dandelion flowers have antioxidant
properties. Dandelions may also help improve the immune system.
Traditionally,
dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver problems. Native Americans
also boiled dandelion in water and took it to treat kidney disease, swelling,
skin problems, heartburn, and upset stomach.
In
traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion has been used to treat stomach
problems, appendicitis, and breast problems, such as inflammation or lack of
milk flow.
In
Europe, it was used in remedies for fever, boils, eye problems, diabetes, and
diarrhea.
Today,
the roots are mainly used as an appetite stimulant, and for liver and
gallbladder problems. Dandelion leaves are used as a diuretic to help the body
get rid of excess fluid.
Herbalists
use dandelion root to detoxify the liver and gallbladder, and dandelion leaves
to support kidney function.
Medicinal Uses and
Indications:
Traditionally, dandelion has been used a diuretic, to increase the amount of urine the body produces in order to get rid of excess fluid. It has been used for many conditions where a diuretic might help, such as liver problems and high blood pressure. However, there is no good research on using dandelion as a diuretic in people.
Fresh or dried dandelion herb is also used as a mild appetite stimulant and to improve upset stomach. The root of the dandelion plant may act as a mild laxative and has been used to improve digestion. There is some very preliminary research that suggests dandelion may help improve liver and gallbladder function, but the study was not well designed.
Some
preliminary animal studies also suggest that dandelion may help normalize blood
sugar levels and lower total cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL,
"good," cholesterol in diabetic mice. But not all the animal studies
have found a positive effect on blood sugar. Human studies are needed to see if
dandelion would work in people.
A
few animal studies also suggest that dandelion might help fight inflammation.
Available
Forms:
Dandelion
herbs and roots are available fresh or dried in a variety of forms, including
tinctures, liquid extract, teas, tablets, and capsules. Dandelion can be found
alone or combined with other dietary supplements.
How
to Take It:
Eating dandelion in food is safe for a child. Ask
your doctor before giving dandelion supplements to a child, so your doctor can
help you determine the dose. Some traditional
doses include:
•Dried
leaf infusion: 1 - 2 teaspoonfuls, 3 times daily. Pour hot water onto dried
leaf and steep for 5 - 10 minutes. Drink as directed.
•Dried
root decoction: 1/2 - 2 teaspoonfuls, 3 times daily. Place root into boiling
water for 5 - 10 minutes. Strain and drink as directed.
•Leaf
tincture (1:5) in 30% alcohol: 30 - 60 drops, 3 times daily
•Standardized
powdered extract (4:1) leaf: 500 mg, 1 - 3 times daily
•Standardized
powdered extract (4:1) root: 500 mg, 1 - 3 times daily
•Root
tincture (1:2) fresh root in 45% alcohol: 30 - 60 drops, 3 times daily
Precautions:
For
these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a
health care provider. The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to
strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components
that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or
medications.
Dandelion
is generally considered safe. Some people may develop an allergic reaction from
touching dandelion, and others may develop mouth sores.
If
you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigold, chamomile, yarrow,
daisies, or iodine, you should avoid dandelion.
In
some people, dandelion can cause increased stomach acid and heartburn. It may
also irritate the skin if applied topically.
People
with kidney problems, gallbladder problems, or gallstones should ask their
health care provider before eating dandelion.
Possible
Interactions:
Dandelion
leaf may act as a diuretic, which can speed up how fast drugs leave your
system. If you are taking prescription medications, ask your health care
provider before taking dandelion leaf. If you are currently being treated with
any of the following medications, you should not use dandelion without first
talking to your health care provider:
Antacids
-- Dandelion may increase the amount of stomach acid, so antacids may not work
as well.
Blood-thinning
medications -- Theoretically, dandelion is a blood thinner, so it may increase the risk of bleeding,
especially if you already take blood-thinners such as aspirin, warfarin
(Coumadin), or clopidogrel (Plavix).
Diuretics
(water pills) -- Dandelion may act as a diuretic, increasing the amount of
urine to help your body get rid of excess fluid. If you also take prescription
diuretics or other herbs that act as diuretic, you could be at risk for an
electrolyte imbalance.
Lithium
-- Animal studies suggest that dandelion may make the side effects of lithium worse.
Lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder.
Ciproflaxin (Cipro) -- One species of dandelion, Taraxacum mongolicum, also called Chinese dandelion, may lower the absorption of the antibiotic ciproflaxin from the digestive tract. Researchers don' t know whether the common dandelion would do the same thing.
Medications
for diabetes -- Theoretically, dandelion may lower blood sugar levels. If you
take medications for diabetes, taking dandelion may increase the risk of low
blood sugar.
Lion's
tooth; Priest's crown; Swine's snout; Taraxacum officinale
•Reviewed
last on: 1/2/2011
•Steven
D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in
complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed
Healthcare Network.
Supporting
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DISCLAIMER: The above statements are not from the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a physician from the American Medical Association especially when using prescribed medications or treatments. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
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