This common flowering herb is a part of the sunflower family. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root and leaf have long been revered in herbal medicine across Asia, Europe, and North America. Traditionally, dandelion has been used primarily to promote digestion and support the liver.
Today, the leaf is a popular and nutritious salad ingredient, while roasted dandelion root is consumed as an herbal stimulant in place of caffeine. Dandelion can also be dried and used as a tea or a powdered supplement. The purest, most potent formulations are extracts of dandelion root or leaf or a combination of the two.
Dandelion root and leaf extract are both valued for supporting digestive health. Dandelion is used to promote appetite, soothe the stomach, relieve occasional gas, and promote regularity.
Dandelion Root Extract:
Dandelion Leaf Extract:
Dandelion roots contain a fiber called inulin that has demulcent and prebiotic properties. A demulcent is a substance that forms a coating over a mucous membrane, creating a soothing effect.
As a prebiotic, dandelion root promotes the growth of beneficial flora in the gut and helps to balance the gut microbiome.
As bitters, both dandelion leaf and root promote bile production to support healthy digestion. The compounds responsible for the bitter taste are also linked to promoting healthy liver function.
Several compounds in dandelion have been associated with balancing the inflammatory process. And a 2008 study in the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine suggests dandelion helps promote the body’s natural detoxification and elimination processes.
Side effects: Avoid dandelion if you are allergic to ragweed or related plants, including daisies, chrysanthemums, and marigolds.
Dandelion is high in vitamin K; if you are on a blood thinning medication, consult your health care practitioner before taking dandelion.
Dandelion may inhibit the absorption of antibiotics; avoid dandelion extract if you are using antibiotics.
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References
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4. Ovadje et al. Dandelion root extract affects colorectal cancer proliferation and survival through the activation of multiple death signalling pathways. Oncotarget. 2016 Nov 8; 7(45). Published online 2016 Aug 22.
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6. Spelman K et al. The diuretic effect in human subjects of an extract of Taraxacum officinale folium over a single day. Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine. 2009 Aug;15(8):929-34.
7. Ung-Kyu C et al. Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Root and Leaf on Cholesterol-Fed Rabbits. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2010 Jan; 11(1): 67–78. Published online 2010 Jan 6.
8. Wirngo F et al.The Physiological Effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) in Type 2 Diabetes. The Review of Diabetic Studies. 2016 Summer-Fall;13(2-3):113-131.
9. Yarnell E et al. Review article: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale and T mongolicum). Integrative Medicine Journal. Apr/May 2009. Vol. 8, No. 2: 35-38.
