Dandelion – Not a Pesky Weed:)

Isn’t it interesting that a powerful detoxifying herb is one that many throughout the world “detox” their yards and gardens of each time they dare to grow? They will pull them out, spray them with all manner of toxic chemicals, name-call them a “weed”, and even pour boiling water on them to kill them. And yet, Mother Nature sends more! Why? I feel it is because we humans need the beautiful yellow herb, the Dandelion.

Dandelion (“Taraxacum officinale”) has been used by peoples around the world for centuries. It is used to this day for a vast spectrum of conditions including cleaning the liver, stimulating bile flow, healing jaundice, dissolving gallstones, healing kidney infections, eczema, gout, warts, anemia, hepatitis, promoting a healthy gut microbiome (it is high in inulin which acts as a pre-biotic (food) for the gut microbes), stabilizing blood sugar, acts as a diuretic (but does not deplete the body of potassium), and as a food source as it is high in nutrients.[1]   

All parts of the Dandelion, leaves, flower, roots, have medicinal qualities. Dandelion contains vitamin A, B vitamins, calcium, potassium, iron, carotenoids (antioxidants that protect the eyes, heart and skin), coumarins (compounds that are anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant), phenolic acids (natural antioxidants), and inulin (a soluble dietary fiber that supports a healthy gut mircrobiome).[1]  

Healing Ally

A stand-out for Dandelion root is that it is considered to be a powerful liver tonic as it is beneficial in reducing inflammation, clearing congestion, stimulating bile production, and supporting detoxification of metabolic wastes. Dandelion is believed to be beneficial for many conditions, some of them include:

v Liver Health: Dandelion stimulates liver detoxification. Researchers believe that dandelion may reduce oxidative stress and reduce various liver injury biomarkers (like AST, ALT, and bilirubin).[2] Some research is showing that dandelion may aide in reducing liver fibrosis (scarring), due to the anti-oxidants in Dandelion.[3]  

v Type II Diabetes: Dandelion contains chicoric acid, chlorogenic acid, sesquiterpene lactones and taraxasterol – these compounds may aide in lowering chronic inflammation and stabilizing blood sugars, both are characteristic of Type II diabetes. Studies have shown that taraxasterol reduces inflammation and improves liver function, specifically reducing blood glucose release.[4] 

v Heart Health: Research suggests that Dandelion may be beneficial in helping to lower cholesterol and potentially improve liver function by reducing fat accumulation in the liver and reducing inflammation.[5] Dandelion acts as a diuretic (meaning it increases the production of urine), which may be beneficial in helping to heal hypertension, atherosclerosis, and reducing the risk of coronary artery disease. Dandelion is a rich source of anti-oxidants and beta-carotene which have been shown to also help reduce hypertension.[6]

v Rheumatoid Arthritis: Taraxasterol, an active compound in Dandelion, is thought to reduce inflammation and potentially protect against the long-term damage caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis.[7]

v Digestive Health: Studies suggest that the prebiotic fiber and inulin in Dandelion promote the health of gut microbes and may be beneficial in relieving constipation and aiding nutrient absorption in the digestive tract.[8] 

v And More: Studies are ongoing for the use of Dandelion in cancer treatments (Dandelion may have cytotoxic properties beneficial in killing cancer cells), for weight loss support, to repair damaged skin, and in boosting milk production for lactating Moms.[9]  

Ready to Add Dandelion to Your Health-Style?

Dandelion is available in capsules, tinctures, teas, liquid extracts, the produce section of your organic grocer (you’ll find the leaves for salads, or you can blend into a smoothie), and wild foraging (be sure to know the health of the soil it is found in though). Therapeutic dosage of Dandelion is 500-1,500mg per day. Dandelion is a great addition to an herbal mix as it compliments and works synergistically with other herbs, such as in the case of liver healing, with Burdock root and Milk thistle.   

Healing Recipes

Enjoy some creative ways to include Dandelion into your health-style:

• Dandelion Tea: https://www.foodmatters.com/recipe/how-make-dandelion-tea

• Vegan Dandelion Bread: https://veryveganval.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dandelion-bread.pdf

• Dandelion Syrup: https://www.alphafoodie.com/easy-vegan-dandelion-honey/#wprm-recipe-container-52083 

Are There Any Concerns or Cautions?

• Dandelion is regarded as generally safe for adults but should be avoided during pregnancy, by those taking certain pharmaceutical medications including, antibiotics, anticholesterol drugs, antidepressants, antihypertensive drugs, antipsychotics, diuretics, and estrogen-based contraceptives.[9]  

• Dandelion has a mild diuretic effect and stimulates urination which can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.[9]

• It is important to discontinue taking Dandelion if experiencing any allergic or sensitivity reactions.

*It is always important to consult with your trusted healthcare practitioner prior to making any major lifestyle changes, especially if taking any medications.

References:

1.     Article: “Dandelion”. Herbarium. https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monograph/dandelion/

2.     Article: “Plant Prebiotics and Their Role in the Amelioration of Diseases”. PubMed. Authors: Amrit Pal Kaur, et.al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8002343/

3.     Article: “Dandelion prevents liver fibrosis, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in rats”. Springer Link. Authors: Alaaeldin Ahmed Hamza, et.al. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s41936-020-00177-9.pdf

4.     Article: “The Physiological Effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) in Type 2 Diabetes”. PubMed. Authors: Fonyuy E Wirngo, et.al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28012278/

5.     Article: “Anti-Obesity Attributes; UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS-Based Metabolite Profiling and Molecular Docking Insights of Taraxacum officinale”. PubMed. Authors: Zain Ul Aabideen, et.al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33114490/

6.     Article: “New Perspectives on the Effect of Dandelion, Its Food Products and Other Preparations on the Cardiovascular System and Its Diseases”. PubMed. Author: Beata Olas. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35405963/

7.     Article: “Protective effect of taraxasterol against rheumatoid arthritis by the modulation of inflammatory responses in mice”. PubMed. Authors: Shu-Hua Jiang, et.al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28101182/

8.     Article: “Plant Prebiotics and Their Role in the Amelioration of Diseases”. PubMed. Authors: Amrit Pal Kaur, et.al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33809763/

9.    Article: “11 Health benefits of dandelion”. MedicalNewsToday. Author: Jenna Fletcher. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324083