Therapeutic Uses
- Gallstones – Dandelion root and leaves stimulate the flow of bile, which helps digest fats. Dandelion helps improve the flow of bile and prevents gallstones.
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) – Dandelion has diuretic action. Because diuretics may help relieve the bloated feeling of PMS, women may want to try some before their periods.
- High Blood Pressure – As the fluid volume of blood decreases, so does blood pressure. That’s why physicians often prescribe diuretics to treat high blood pressure. As a diuretic, dandelion may help. High blood pressure is a serious condition that requires professional treatment. Use dandelion only in consultation with your physician.
- Congestive Heart Failure – Congestive heart failure is characterized by chronic fatigue of the heart muscle. The condition is often treated with diuretics because they reduce blood volume, so the weakened heart has less fluid to pump around the body. As a natural diuretic, dandelion may be appropriate when taken in conjunction with other medications and therapies prescribed by a physician. Congestive heart failure is a serious condition that requires professional treatment. In addition to standard medication, use dandelion only in consultation with your physician.
- Cancer – Dandelion leaves contain noteworthy amounts of beta-carotene and vitamin C. Both nutrients are antioxidants that help prevent the cell damage that sets the stage for cancer, not to mention other degenerative diseases.
- Overweight – As a diuretic, dandelion can help eliminate water weight. However, experts do not recommend diuretics for permanent weight control.
Medicinal Uses: * Acne * Alcoholism * Ayurvedic * Bladder Infection (UTI) * Bronchitis * Bruises/sprains * Cholesterol * Colds * Culinary/Kitchen * Detoxification * Diabetes * Digestion * Hypertension * IBS * Liver * Longevity Tonics * Osteoporosis * PMS * Pregnancy/Childbirth * Spring Tonics * Warts
Dandelion Leaf Side Effects: Always make sure the dandelion greens you are harvesting have never been sprayed with herbicide. If they have, don’t try washing them; just move on to another patch. Dandelion may cause increased stomach acidity and ulcer pain. Some people have reported heartburn, stomachache, and mild diarrhea with its use. There have also been rare reports of low blood sugar, contact dermatitis, and allergies. If you have ileus, gallstones, or biliary tract obstructions, you should avoid this herb. Dandelion should not be used as a substitute for pharmaceutical diuretics for hypertension. People with known allergies to related plants, such as chamomile and yarrow, should use dandelion with caution.
Dandelion Leaf Drug Interactions: If you are using potassium supplements, avoid taking dandelion supplements because it may interfere with the absorption of e supplements. Dandelion may increase the risk of bleeding in those who are using anticoagulant drugs. Dandelion also should be avoided during antibiotic treatment, especially treatment with ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and enoxacin (Penetrex), since it may keep concentrations of these antibiotics from peaking in the bloodstream, diminishing their ability to fight infection.
