Dandelion
dandelion, lion’s tooth, blowball, liver disease
dandelion, lion’s tooth, blowball
Taraxacum officinale
On this page:
- What Dandelion Is Used For
- How Dandelion Is Used
- What the Science Says
- Side Effects and Cautions
- Sources
- For More Information
Introduction
This fact sheet provides basic information about dandelion—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Dandelion greens are edible and are a rich source of vitamin A. Dandelion has been used in many traditional medical systems, including Native American and traditional Arabic medicine.
What Dandelion Is Used For
- Historically, dandelion was most commonly used to treat liver diseases, kidney diseases, and spleen problems. Less commonly, dandelion was used to treat digestive problems and skin conditions.
- Today, dandelion is used by some as a liver or kidney "tonic," as a diuretic, and for minor digestive problems.
How Dandelion Is Used
The leaves and roots of the dandelion, or the whole plant, are used fresh or dried in teas, capsules, or extracts. Dandelion leaves are used in salads or as a cooked green, and the flowers are used to make wine.
What the Science Says
There is no compelling scientific evidence for using dandelion as a treatment for any medical condition.
Side Effects and Cautions
- Dandelion use is generally considered safe. However, there have been rare reports of upset stomach and diarrhea, and some people are allergic to the plant.
- People with an inflamed or infected gallbladder, or blocked bile ducts, should avoid using dandelion.
- Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about CAM, see NCCAM's Time to Talk campaign.
Sources
- Dandelion. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com on June 9, 2009.
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturalstandard.com on June 9, 2009.
- Dandelion root with herb. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:81–83.
For More Information
NCCAM Clearinghouse
The NCCAM Clearinghouse provides information on NCCAM and complementary health practices, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners.
CAM on PubMed®
Your literature search will be automatically limited to the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) subset of PubMed.
Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)
ODS seeks to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, supporting research, sharing research results, and educating the public. Its resources include publications and the International Bibliographic Information on Dietary Supplements database.
NIH National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus
This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.
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