Uses for Dandelion Herbal Supplement

Dandelion populates many yards and fields. Though many consider it to be a pesky weed and many herbicides specifically target it, dandelion has a long history of use as a healing herb. The Latin name for this plant, Taraxacum officinale, means "the official remedy for disorders," according to Gaea and Shandor Weiss in "Growing and Using the Healing Herbs." A Dandelion supplement is composed of dried, powdered dandelion root and leaves.

Liver Support

• Many herbalists think liver support when they hear dandelion. Dandelion clears liver obstructions and helps to detoxify the body. The Aug. 9, 2010 editions of "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" confirmed the health benefits of dandelion as liver support and in aiding the regeneration of liver cells in a study using mice.

  Dr. Daniel Mowrey, director of the Mountainwest Institute of Herbal Medicine, recommends dandelion as one of the best herbs for liver dysfunction. He reports that dandelion has a long history of use to treat jaundice, hepatitis and other liver issues. Dandelion also is used to treat pregnancy preeclampsia, which taxes the liver, and causes edema, raised blood pressure and protein in the urine.

  Dandelion contains both pectin and vitamin C, which makes it effective for reducing cholesterol. The Jan. 6, 2010 edition of "The International Journal of Molecular Sciences" confirmed that the antioxidant properties of dandelion improved lipid levels and could reduce the risk of damage due to atherosclerosis.

Blood Pressure Reduction

• Dandelion is high in potassium, calcium and magnesium, and the combination of these minerals helps reduce blood pressure and decrease the risk of stroke. Additional study is needed to determine the value of dandelion as a complementary therapy.

Diuretic

• Dandelion helps the body to reduce excessive water, especially water outside the circulatory system trapped between the cell walls. The "PDR for Herbal Medicine" reports that dandelion may improve kidney and bladder dysfunction and reduce kidney stone formation. The high potassium ratio in dandelion helps to balance body chemistry that might be disrupted by diuretics that do not contain potassium.

  German Commission E has approved dandelion for use in treating infections of the urinary tract.

Diabetes Support

• According to Gaea and Shandor Weiss in "Growing and Using the Healing Herbs," European herbal medicine uses dandelion to treat diabetes. Dandelion contains inulin, a sugar that does not require the pancreas to produce insulin. Inulin extracts made from dandelion leaves and roots help reduce blood sugar and may benefit diabetics and hypoglycemics.

Gallbladder Support

• "PDR for Herbal Medicines" reports that the German Commission E approved dandelion for the treatment of gallbladder dysfunction. A study reported in the April -- June 2010 edition of "The International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology" reported that dandelion is one of several herbs that can help improve the gallbladder function and reduce gallbladder dysfunction.