Dandelion General Information
Dandelion, the enemy of suburban lawns, happens to be a very nutritious food. Historically the root and leaves have been used to treat breast diseases, water retention, digestive problems, joint pain, fever, and skin diseases. The 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. The substances eudesmanolide and germacranolide are the active constituents in Dandelion and are unique to this plant.

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Dandelion Uses & Scientific Evidence For
In 1959, German scientists found the root of Dandelion had significant cleansing action on the liver and worked well to stimulate bile production. Research in the journal Planta Medica, in 1974, examined and found Dandelion leaves to be an excellent diuretic because it can stabilize the amount of potassium your body needs. Today, Dandelion leaves are commonly recommended as a food supplement for pregnant and postmenopausal women because of the numerous nutrients they contain. This plant produces a mild diuretic effect and reduces serum cholesterol levels. Dandelion root is used to improve appetite, minor digestive problems, and works as a milk laxative. Some modern naturopathic physicians believe that it can help detoxify the liver and gallbladder. Clinical trials have shown Dandelion to be effective in treating pneumonia, bronchitis and upper respiratory infections. It also helps with kidney function, pancreas, spleen, stomach, tinnitis, tonsilitis, osteoporosis, abscesses, anemia, boils, breast tumors, cirrhosis of the liver, fluid retention, hepatitis, jaundice, rheumatism and warts. Dandelion may aid in prevention of age spots and works well in treating warts, fungus infections, and external and internal malignant growths. It is also used for treat skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and arthritis conditions. This plant is used for ulcerations of the urinary passages, obstructions of the liver, gallbladder, and spleen. The roasted Dandelion root can even be used as a coffee substitute.

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Dandelion Dosage Information
Dandelion comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. For use as a tonic, take 3-5 grams of the dried root or 5-10 ml of a tincture from the root, 3 times a day. For use as a diuretic or appetite stimulant take 4-10 grams of the dried Dandelion leaves in 1 cup boiling water and drink 3 times a day. For other formulations, read and follow product label directions.

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Dandelion Safety & Interaction Information
Dandelion is generally regarded as safe; however, the leaf and root should be used with caution by persons with gallstones. If there is an obstruction of the bile ducts, then Dandelion should be avoided altogether. In cases of stomach ulcer or gastritis, Dandelion should be used with caution, as it may cause overproduction of stomach acid. For fluid or water retention it is best to consult with your physician or nutritionist before taking Dandelion leaves as a treatment.

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