Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale)

Dandelion root contains a high concentration of inulin, which serves as food source for the “friendly” bacteria species Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and thus promotes their growth. Inulin is also helpful in improving blood sugar control and diabetes.

Studies in humans have shown that dandelion root enhances the flow of bile improving such conditions as liver congestion, hepatitis, gallstones and jaundice (Susnik, 1982).

In one animal study dandelion improved liver’s ability to clear toxins by 244% (Cho, et al., 2002). It is also protective from alcohol or chemically induced toxicity in the liver. 

In one study on mice, dandelion exerted a diuretic effect comparable with that of a diuretic medication (Racz-Kotilla, et al., 1974). In a pilot study dandelion leaf extract produced a significant increase in the frequency of urination in the 5-hour period after the dose (Clare, et al., 2009).

No toxic or adverse effect have been reported even in large amounts.  (Schutz, et al., 2006).

Botanical medicines having a diuretic effect should be avoided by anyone taking diuretics because they may enhance the effect of the latter and have complications on cardiovascular system. Moreover, some anitibiotic such as ciproflaxicin should not be taken within 2 hours from any dandelion supplement, including tea (Zhu, et al., 1999).