Herbal Information Center - Dandelion - The Liver Herb - Benefits, Usage, Side Effects, Dosage, General Store

Dandelion is a weed that grows in the northern hemisphere in pastures, meadows and lawns. The name means lion’s tooth, and the plant is named for the jagged edges of its leaves that resemble teeth.

While it is considered a weed, the roots and flowers are valuable for medicinal and herbal purposes. The root contains salts that make it useful as a remedy for a variety of ailments.

The medicinal use dates back at least a thousand years to Arabia, where it was used to treat liver conditions. The plant has a bitter, taste, and it is rich in a variety of nutrients. It grows wild, but is also cultivated for medicinal use. The leaves can be cooked or used raw in salads, and they are also used to make wine or ground for use as a coffee substitute.

The root contains a bitter, milky juice that is thought to energize the body. It also has properties that can detoxify and purify the blood.

In India, is used as a remedy for liver disorders. It is considered a good diuretic because of it high potassium content. While pharmaceutical diuretics can deplete the system of potassium, the mineral’s abundance in the plants root helps make sure the body will not suffer the side effects of potassium loss from the use of dandelion as a diuretic.

In addition to potassium, it also contains high levels of sodium that help to balance electrolytes in the blood. This quality makes the plant useful in restoring balance after severe vomiting. It can also help neutralize acids in the blood, and it is widely used as a mild laxative as well.

Those with liver ailments, such as jaundice and cirrhosis, can take it to help induce the flow of bile from the liver, helping to detoxify the body. It also aids digestion, and it is an excellent tonic for the endocrine system. It is also used to lower cholesterol and uric acid levels in the body, and its rich iron content makes it useful for treating anemia. The juice in the stem and root can be used as an astringent on warts, blisters, corns and acne.

Supplements are available as a freeze-dried herb, in capsules, in liquid extracts and tinctures, and as a tea. Because of its bitter taste, it is often combined with other herbs, such as licorice, sassafras or ginger to make a tea that has a flavor similar to root beer. Typical dosages are 2 to 8 grams three times per day of dried root, 250 mg three or four times per day in capsule form, and 5 to 10 ml three times per day of tinctures of dandelion root.

Though it is generally safe and gentle, some people may have an allergic reaction to the milky latex in the stem and leaves. It should not be taken with diuretics or drugs that have a diuretic action. People who are taking medications for diabetes should use with caution, as it may intensify the blood sugar lowering effects of those drugs.

520 mg 90 Capsules C05DAND-90 $9.95

520 mg 180 Capsules C05DAND-180 $17.95