Dandelion contains many bitter substances, including some terpines. The leaves also contain a small amount of the sweet smelling substance curamine, which works blood thinning, blood vessel expanding, muscle relaxing, and inhibits infections with bacteria and fungus. Cumarine is found in many plants, but is poisonous in large doses.
Dandelion also contains a long list of vitamins and minerals, for example B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, as well as iron, magnesium, silicon, and manganese. The leaves are rich in potassium and vitamin A. The roots are rich in potassium and calcium.
Detox effects
Dandelion promotes the function of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and kidneys. It is used against anaemia, certain forms of arthritis, jaundice, liver infection, gallbladder inflammation, gallstones, abscesses, cramps, fluid retention, constipation, and some kinds of breathing difficulty.
Can be effective against breast cancer and liver spots. Lowers the cholesterol and uric acid levels. Helps the liver and the gallbladder remove waste products and stimulates the kidneys to eliminate poisons though the urine.
Diuretic effect
The leaves have a better diuretic effect the roots. The plant’s high content of potassium means that it is the ideal diuretic remedy because the risk of potassium loss is minimal. The diuretic effect can also contribute to lowering high blood pressure.
Dandelion can be used along with prescribed diuretic medicine. Daily use of the leaves can enable a reduction of the dose of prescribed diuretics, and it may be possible, under your doctor’s supervision, to reduce the amount of medicine necessary.
Precautions
Never use herbal medicine is you think that you may have symptoms which should be examined by a doctor. If you do not experience improvement within a month, contact a competent practitioner.
Contraindications
Should not be used with pregnant or nursing.
Do not take dandelion together with lithium preparations.
Can increase the effects of diuretic and blood pressure reducing medications.
Side effects
Dandelion is generally considered to be a safe herb. Be aware that bile increasing remedies can lead to the release of gallstones from the gallbladder. If you maintain the following dosages, problems are very rare.
Dosage
- Liquid 1:1 extract: 3 ml, or a tablespoon full, daily. Should be taken together with water.
- Extracts are strong – follow with a good tasting drink if necessary.
- Extract in powder form (4:1): 500 mg, 1-3 times daily (applies to both the leaf and root)
Increased effects with other herbs:
- For bladder problems: Bearberry (Arctostapylos uva-ursi), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), quackgrass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea).
- For circulatory problems – high blood pressure: Hawthorn (Crataegus oxycanthoides), linden (Tilia), mistletoe (Viscum album).
- For decreased blood supply to the legs: Box holly (Ruscus aculeatus), prickley ash bark (Zanthoxylum clavaherculis), ginger (Zingiber officinalis).
