Dandelion root: Benefits and Uses of Dandelion root: Your Health

Alternative Medicine Australia: Alternative Doctors in Australia: Your Health

Dandelion root

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Botanical name

Taraxacum officinale

Actions

Dandelion root shares actions with dandelion leaf, however is a much milder diuretic and stronger liver and digestive stimulant. (see dandelion leaf for more details). The root is a cholagogue (stimulates the production of bile in the liver and the flow of bile out from the gallbladder) and as a result has mild laxative effects. It's bitter flavour stimulates other digestive secretions and improves appetite.

Conditions commonly used for

Digestive disorders - loss of appetite, indigestion, constipation, haemorrhoids
Liver and gallbladder disorders - jaundice, chronic hepatitis, to aid liver detoxification, gallbladder disease and inflammation
Chronic conditions - to aid the eliminative processes in chronic conditions such as arthritis, skin disorders, chronic upper respiratory mucus, gout

Common dosage range

Infusion or decoction - 2 tsp of dried root per cup of boiling water, steeped for 10 minutes, taken up to 3 times per day. Also available in capsule or tablet form.

Cautions, Contraindications and Side Effects

Dandelion root is generally regarded as safe and well tolerated, however, the bitter substances in this plant can cause excessive stomach acidity in some individuals.
Individuals with gallstones should first consult with their healthcare practitioner before ingesting dandelion.

Links & Other Information

It is not within the scope of the YourHealth website to provide comprehensive information on documented or potential herb-drug interactions. Please seek the advice of your healthcare practitioner.

Contact YourHealth for referenced material regarding this herb, any conditions or therapies mentioned.

A Medical Practitioner specialising in Integrative Medicine, a qualified Nutritionist or Naturopath will be well trained in the use of nutrients, including their proper dosage, contraindications and potential drug interactions.

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Disclaimer

The information about medicines, nutrients and herbs contained in this web site is general in nature and is intended for use as an educational aid. It does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects or interactions of these substances, nor is the information intended as medical advice for individual problems or for making an evaluation as to the risks and benefits of taking a particular substance. The information contained herein has been devised without reference to cultural, dietary, societal, language, prescribing or dispensing conditions (including those imposed by law), other than those of Australia, which might affect the information provided.

YourHealth encourages persons who wish to embark on a health or treatment program, or take nutritional or herbal medicines, to contact and be supervised by a qualified healthcare practitioner.

A qualified herbalist will be well trained in the use of herbs, including their proper dosage, contraindications and potential drug interactions. Although many herbal remedies are available over the counter, self-prescribing is not recommended except for minor ailments, and best results will be obtained by seeking the advice of a qualified herbal medicine practitioner. Any plant substance, even those that are used as foods, can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

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