DANDELION ROOT

Dandelion root is traditionally harvested in the fall when concentrations of inulin are at their highest. Because the root absorbs chemicals in soil, avoiding harvesting roots alongside roads, driveways, septic tanks, pools, air conditioning units, or barbecue grills.

If you don't plan to use the harvested roots immediately, you can dry them in a dehydrator and store them in a glass jar for up to a year. If dried correctly, the outer flesh should have a dark color while the inner flesh should remain a creamy white.

Dosage and Preparation

Fresh dandelion root: 2 to 8 grams daily

Dandelion root powder: 3 to 4 grams mixed with 150 milliliters of warm water

Dandelion tea infusion: 1 tablespoon of chopped root mixed with 150 milliliters of hot water for 20 minutes

Fresh root extract: 1 to 2 tablespoons daily

Dried dandelion extract: 0.75 to 1.0 grams daily

Drug Interactions

Dandelion can interact with certain drugs, either affecting how the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream, metabolized by the liver, or cleared from the body in urine. Speak with your doctor if you are taking a dandelion remedy along with any of the following drugs:

Antibiotics like Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and Penetrex (enoxacin)

Antidepressants like Elavil (amitriptyline)

Antipsychotics like lithium and Haldol (haloperidol)

Diuretics like Lasix (furosemide)

Estrogen-based contraceptives

Statin drugs like Mevacor (lovastatin) and Lipitor (atorvastatin)

Pregnant women, nursing women, and children are advised to avoid dandelion remedies due to the lack of research into their long-term safety. It is also possible that consuming too much dandelion may reduce fertility in women and testosterone levels in men due to a substance in the plant, called phytoestrogen, which mimics estrogen

If you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigold, chamomile, feverfew, yarrow, or plants in the Asteraceae family (such as sunflowers and daisies), you should avoid dandelion root as it may trigger rash, watery eyes, and other allergy symptoms. Dandelion also contains iodine and latex, so avoid it if you have allergies to either of these substances.

Dandelion root is generally considered safe and well tolerated in adults if consumed in moderation. Some people may experience side effects, including heartburn, diarrhea, upset stomach, and irritated skin.

Several later studies have shown that different dandelion root extracts were able to trigger apoptosis in leukemia and melanoma.

While the studies are promising, further research is needed before dandelion root can be recommended for either the prevention or treatment of cancer.

Cancer

Preliminary research suggests that dandelion root may have promise as an anti-cancer agent. it does so by inducing apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death, in certain cancer cells. Apoptosis affects all of the cells of the body, allowing old cells to be replaced with new ones. With cancer, apoptosis ceases, allowing the tumor cells to grow unimpeded.

Liver Injury

Dandelion is often consumed as a tonic under the presumption that it "cleanses" the liver. There is little evidence to this claim.

Diabetes

Dandelion root is believed to have anti-diabetic properties due to a soluble fiber known as inulin. Inulin contains a complex carbohydrate known as fructooligosaccharide (FOS) which supports the growth of healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and eliminates the unhealthy ones. This alone increases insulin sensitivity by slowing the flow of sugar from the intestines to the bloodstream, preventing spikes in either your blood sugar or insulin levels.

Skin Damage

In folk medicine, dried dandelion root is often ground into a paste and mixed with water to create a soothing paste for skin disoders like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, and boils.

While there is little evidence that dandelion can treat these conditions better or faster than leaving the skin alone, it does appear to have mild anti-inflammatory and antipruritic (anti-itching) properties. Research also suggests that it may help prevent sun damage.

Blood Pressure

Diuretics, also known as "water pills," are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, liver disease, and some types of kidney disease. While valuable, the drugs may cause side effects, including muscle cramps, headaches, dizziness, and changes in blood sugar.

Some scientists believe that dandelion's diuretic properties may have medical uses, including the treatment of prediabetes or premenstrual bloating and water retention.

Dandelion is also known as pu gong yi in traditional Chinese medicine and simhadanti in Ayurvedic medicine.

Its English folk name "piss-a-bed" and French nickname "pissenlit" both refer to the root's strong diuretic effect.

The root itself is sometimes roasted to create caffeine-free dandelion coffee. When used for medicine, the dried or fresh root can be made into teas, tinctures, decoctions (infusions), and poultices. Dandelion root is also available over the counter incapsule form.

In traditional Chinese and Native American medicine, dandelion root has long been used to treat stomach and liver conditions. Herbalists today believe that it can aid in the treatment of many ailments, including acne, eczema, high cholesterol, heartburn, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, and even cancer. Some of the claims are better supported by research than others.