However, dandelions can interact with certain medications andcause adverse reactions.
Its best to consult your healthcare provider before taking dandelion supplements.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Health Benefits of Dandelion
Dandelion comes in many different forms.
Its greens can be eaten raw or cooked.
It is also available in supplement form as tablets, capsules, tinctures, or liquid extracts.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
The plant has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and other traditional or folk medicines.
Generally, the health benefits of dandelion remain unproven and data on dandelion use is limited.
Here’s what is known about dandelion benefits from the existing research.
To date, there is little evidence that dandelions can treat or prevent any disease.
The evidence is generally limited to test tube studies and animal research.
By doing so, blood sugar levels can be significantly decreased.
Despite the positive findings, the same effect has yet to be seen in humans.
The same effects of dandelion remain unproven in humans.
With that said, there are no high-quality studies in humans to support these claims.
More research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Taraxasterol is thought to reduce inflammation and potentially protect against the long-term damage due to RA.
Preventing and Treating Cancer
Some researchers suggest that compounds in dandelions may protect against cancer.
Keeping Skin Healthy
A number of studies suggest that dandelion can offer benefits in skin health.
The study used a fermented dandelion broth to help repair the skin damage.
However, more study is needed.
Promoting Digestive Health
Some studies suggest a role for dandelion products in aiding digestion.
Dandelions contain prebiotic fibers known to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, as well asinulinwith similar effects.
Possible Side Effects
Dandelion is generally considered safe and well-tolerated if consumed in moderation.
As a general rule, do not exceed the recommended dosage on the product label.
If you experience side effects of any sort, stop taking the supplement and call your healthcare provider.
As a precaution, dandelion supplements should not be used in children or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Avoid harvesting dandelions from yards or fields as they may be contaminated with pesticides or pollutants in the soil.
There are also dandelion teas that some people use for medicinal purposes.
In the United States, supplements are not stringently regulated and can vary in their quality.
Certification does not mean that the supplement works or is without risks.
Summary
The use of dandelion is common in alternative medicine.
However, the benefits of dandelion remain unclear.
Neither is there any evidence that it helps with lactation and breast milk production.
Dandelion as a food is generally considered safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
It can cause side effects and allergic reactions, and may play a role in certain drug interactions.
Speak to your healthcare provider before using dandelion or any other supplement.
2023 Jun 27;28(13):5022. doi:10.3390/molecules28135022.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Dandelion.
(Dandelion) Root Extract in Experimental Acute on Chronic Liver Failure.Antioxidants (Basel).
2021 Mar 24;10(4):504. doi: 10.3390/antiox10040504.
2019 Apr 25;6:53. doi:10.3389/fnut.2019.00053.
2022 Mar 15;15:471-482. doi:10.2147/CCID.S351527.
2021 Mar 16;11(3):440. doi:10.3390/biom11030440.
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Drugs and Lactation Database.Dandelion.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Traditional Chinese medicine: what you gotta know.
