What are the effects of dandelion?
The above-ground and underground parts of dandelion (herb and roots) promote the excretion of bile from the gall bladder and stimulate appetite. In addition, some studies have described diuretic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and metabolism stimulating effects.
Overall, the use of dandelion is medically recognized in the following cases:
- increasing urinary excretion and thus flushing the urinary tract in case of mild urinary tract problems
- mild digestive complaints (such as bloating, flatulence)
- disturbed bile flow
- temporary loss of appetite
In folk medicine, dandelion is also recommended, among other things, for the prevention of kidney gravel and kidney stones, kidney ailments, liver and gallbladder diseases, gout, rheumatism, eczema and other skin diseases.
Dandelion ingredients
Important ingredients in dandelion herb are bitter substances, flavonoids, amino acids, minerals and trace elements (such as zinc, copper). The root also contains carbohydrates (such as inulin), carotenoids and various vitamins (C, E, B).
How is dandelion used?
You can drink a cup of warm dandelion tea three times a day – half an hour before each meal to stimulate appetite, after meals for digestive problems.
Dandelion can also be combined with other medicinal plants for tea preparation, for example, with nettle for urinary tract problems.
Home remedies based on medicinal plants have their limitations. If your symptoms persist for a long period of time, do not get better or even get worse despite treatment, you should always consult a doctor.
Ready-made preparations with dandelion
There is also ready-made dandelion tea as well as tea mixtures, for example for kidneys and bladder with ingredients such as dandelion, nettle and field horsetail.
Also available are, for example, tinctures, drops, dragées and fresh plant pressed juice based on dandelion. Please read the respective package insert and ask your doctor or pharmacist how to use such preparations properly.
What side effects can dandelion cause?
Due to the bitter substances in dandelion, occasional stomach complaints may occur.
Those who are allergic to daisies (such as arnica, marigold, chamomile, etc.) are also likely to be hypersensitive to dandelion (cross-allergy).
What you should consider when using dandelion
Since dandelion has a diuretic effect, it should not be used in the evening so as not to disturb night sleep due to the urge to urinate.
Those who make a flushing of the urinary tract with dandelion (or other medicinal plants) must drink plenty of fluids during the therapy.
If fever, cramps during urination, urinary retention or blood in the urine occur during the treatment of urinary tract problems, it is essential to consult a doctor.
For the use and dosage of dandelion and its preparations during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as in children, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How to obtain dandelion and its products
You can either collect fresh dandelion yourself or buy it in dried form for making tea at your local pharmacy or drugstore. There you can also get ready-made preparations based on the medicinal plant such as fresh plant press juice, dandelion tinctures and drops. For proper use, please refer to the respective package insert or ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Interesting facts about the dandelion
From the leaf axils sprout ten to 15 centimeters high, hollow flower stalks, at the end of which develops a bright yellow flower head. It consists of numerous small ray florets, from which the small, straw-colored fruits develop, complete with propeller-shaped appendage. Because they are easily blown away (by mouth or by the wind), the dandelion is also called a dandelion: Thanks to their “parachute,” the ripe fruits travel long distances. This way of spreading helped the dandelion (together with its undemanding nature) to settle all over the world.
Another characteristic of dandelions is the white, bitter-tasting milky sap contained in all parts of the plant.
Even though dandelion has the stamp of “weed”, its importance as a medicinal plant should not be underestimated. The use of the plant for medicinal purposes has a long tradition, as indicated by its scientific name: The genus name Taraxacum originally comes from Greek and means “I heal inflammation” (taraxis = inflammation, akeomai = I heal). The species name officinale (Latin: officinalis = used in pharmacies) confirms the very old medicinal use of dandelion.
In addition, dandelion can be eaten. For example, the leaves are used for salads and soups.