Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
Key Facts
- Scientific Name
- Taraxacum officinale
- Plant Family
- Asteraceae (Daisy family)
- Origin
- Native to Eurasia; now widespread worldwide
- Primary Use
- Liver & Digestive Support
Overview
Dandelion is a flowering plant widely considered a weed but valued in herbal medicine for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Both the root and leaves are used therapeutically.
Traditional Uses
Used in traditional Chinese medicine and European folk medicine for liver and gallbladder conditions, digestive issues, and as a diuretic.
Active Compounds
Contains taraxacin, taraxacerin, inulin, sesquiterpene lactones, and high levels of vitamins A, C, and K.
Potential Benefits — Unverified Summary
Acts as a natural diuretic, supports liver health, aids digestion, and provides significant nutritional value. May help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol.
Safety & Side Effects
Generally safe. May cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed or related plants. Avoid with bile duct obstruction or gallstones. May interact with diuretics and lithium.
When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, severe rash)
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Severe digestive issues (persistent vomiting, bloody stools)
- Severe headache or dizziness
- Any symptoms that worsen or do not improve
Always consult a healthcare professional before using herbal supplements if you:
- Are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant
- Are taking prescription medications
- Have a chronic health condition
- Are scheduled for surgery
- Are giving herbs to children
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dandelion used for?
Acts as a natural diuretic, supports liver health, aids digestion, and provides significant nutritional value. May help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol.
Is Dandelion safe?
Generally safe. May cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed or related plants. Avoid with bile duct obstruction or gallstones. May interact with diuretics and lithium.
What are the active compounds in Dandelion?
Contains taraxacin, taraxacerin, inulin, sesquiterpene lactones, and high levels of vitamins A, C, and K.
What is the scientific name of Dandelion?
The scientific name of Dandelion is Taraxacum officinale.
What are the traditional uses of Dandelion?
Used in traditional Chinese medicine and European folk medicine for liver and gallbladder conditions, digestive issues, and as a diuretic.
When should I see a doctor when using Dandelion?
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Dandelion or any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medications, have a chronic health condition, or are scheduled for surgery. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe allergic reactions, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, severe digestive issues, or any symptoms that worsen or do not improve. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Source Records — Verification Pending
These identifiers were recorded in the original dataset. They are not complete citations or evidence that the claims above have been checked.
- NCCIH-Dandelion-2025
- PMC5553762
- Healthline-Dandelion-2024