What Is the Medicinal Benefit of Dandelion Root?

Traditional Native American and Arabic medicine have relied on dandelion root for its many medicinal benefits. Dandelion has been eaten as a fresh salad due to its vitamins A, B6, C and D as well as minerals iron, potassium and zinc. Dandelion roots can boost your digestive system and stimulate your appetite and have been found in some coffee substitutes. In spite of its reputation as an irritating weed in spring, you will benefit from using dandelion root.

Facts

• Dandelion's scientific name is Taraxacum officinale. It is cultivated in France and Germany and grows wild in most of the world. "In the year 1959, published German research pointed out that the dandelion root possesses a very important and noticeable cleansing action on the tissues of the liver and eventually helps to stimulate the production of bile in the organ," states Herbs 2000.

Benefits

• Dandelion root is a known detoxifier and improves the gallbladder and liver. Dandelion also purifies the kidneys by quickly removing waste through urine. As a gentle laxative, dandelion root removes accumulated toxins caused by infection. Dandelion also assists with constipation, skin problems including acne and eczema, psoriasis and arthritic conditions including osteoarthritis and gout. By treating with dandelion root, warts, fungal infections and malignant growths can be reduced. Dandelion also helps with mild digestive disorders.

Dosage

• "Dandelion roots are used fresh or dried in teas, capsules, or extracts," comments NCCAM. Three times a day, take 3 to 5 g of dried dandelion root or 5-10 ml of alcohol-based dandelion root tincture during treatment of the liver, gallbladder or for digestive stimulation. You can also use dandelion root tincture in treating gout, skin disorders, mild to severe acne and constipation. Dandelion root decoction can be used the same as the tincture and can be made by boiling the herb in water and using the remaining liquid.

Identification

• Dandelion is a variable perennial that grows up to 12 inches. Dandelion leaves are deeply notched, toothy, shiny and hairless, and shaped like spatulas. Bright yellow flowers top the stem. Since dandelions are sensitive to light, the flowers open in the morning sunlight and close at night or in gloomy weather. Dandelion root has a bitter taste.

Warnings

• You may experience upset stomach and diarrhea, but these are rare. You may have allergies to dandelion. Do not take if you have an inflamed or infected gallbladder or blocked bile ducts, points out NCCAM. You may experience skin rash due to repeated exposure to dandelion. Talk to your health care provider if you suffer from long-term stomach ulcers or gastritis before taking dandelion root.