Osprey
10-24-2012, 01:09 PM
While many people think of the dandelion
(Taraxacum officinale) as a pesky weed,
herbalists consider it a valuable herb that
can be used as a food and medicine.
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. 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. So far, there have not been any good
quality scientific studies on dandelion.
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. Plant Description: Hundreds of species of dandelion grow in
the temperate regions of Europe, Asia,
and North America. Dandelion is a hardy
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 slightly smelly. 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 flower has
antioxidant properties. Dandelion may also help improve the immune system. 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: Pediatric Ask your doctor before giving dandelion
supplements to a child, so your doctor can
help you determine the dose. Eating
dandelion in food is safe for a child. Adult Ask your doctor to help you determine the
right dose for you. 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: 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. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care,
under the supervision of a health care
provider. 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 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. Alternative Names: Lion's tooth; Priest's crown; Swine's
snout; Taraxacum officinale
(Taraxacum officinale) as a pesky weed,
herbalists consider it a valuable herb that
can be used as a food and medicine.
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. 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. So far, there have not been any good
quality scientific studies on dandelion.
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. Plant Description: Hundreds of species of dandelion grow in
the temperate regions of Europe, Asia,
and North America. Dandelion is a hardy
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 slightly smelly. 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 flower has
antioxidant properties. Dandelion may also help improve the immune system. 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: Pediatric Ask your doctor before giving dandelion
supplements to a child, so your doctor can
help you determine the dose. Eating
dandelion in food is safe for a child. Adult Ask your doctor to help you determine the
right dose for you. 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: 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. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care,
under the supervision of a health care
provider. 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 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. Alternative Names: Lion's tooth; Priest's crown; Swine's
snout; Taraxacum officinale