7 potential benefits of dandelion root

You would almost certainly recognize a wild plant belonging to the Taraxacum genus that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. You probably know it by a different name, however: dandelion. 

People have long used different parts of this flowering plant for a variety of medicinal purposes. In fact, the root has different benefits than the benefits of the leaves and flowers. The root is filled with a milky, bitter substance and has been used by herbalists to stimulate the appetite and detoxify the liver and gallbladder, among other uses. While research on dandelion root benefits is somewhat limited, we’ve identified seven potential health benefits.

7 health benefits of dandelion root

Here are seven possible benefits of dandelion root:

1. It’s full of antioxidants. 

One of the most popular reasons people embrace dandelion root is because of its concentration of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radical molecules. One of the antioxidants present in dandelion root is beta-carotene, which protects against oxidative stress, as well as polyphenols. 

2. It may prevent or reduce inflammation. 

Dandelion root is often lauded for its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its antimicrobial effect, due to the presence of a compound called taraxasterol. A review article published in The Review of Diabetic Studies pointed out that dandelion root may be effective at combating the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus, as well as possibly being able to thwart the development of cancerous tumors. 

3. It may help control blood sugar. 

People with diabetes might be interested in this potential benefit. According to the aforementioned research from The Review of Diabetic Studies, dandelion root contains several compounds that may help regulate blood sugar, giving dandelion root some potential as an antidiabetic. It also contains inulin, which consists of complex carbohydrates called fructo-oligosaccharides that eliminate pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract. 

4. It may lower cholesterol. 

Dandelion root has the potential to lower cholesterol levels. A study that examined the potential benefit of using dandelion root and leaf in rabbits found that they both had hypolipidemic effects, meaning they lower the level of cholesterol-binding lipids that accumulate in the blood.

5. It may promote liver health and prevent liver disease. 

Dandelion root may also promote liver health. Dandelion root extract could especially be of potential interest to the 4.5 million adults in the United States with chronic liver disease, but since studies have been inconclusive, getting medical advice before starting any supplement is wise. Researchers who studied acute and chronic liver failure in rats found that Taraxacum officinale root extract reduced the level of liver tissue injury.

6. It has cancer-fighting properties. 

According to animal and lab studies published in the journal Oncotarget, dandelion root extract was able to target cancerous cells, including colon cancer cells, without harming noncancerous cells. The research suggests that dandelion root may have some potential as a nontoxic and effective anti-cancer alternative.

7. It can help with morning sickness. 

Dandelion root has traditionally been used to aid digestion, relieve nausea, and improve appetite in pregnant women. Herbalists may recommend taking it as a tincture, adding 1–15 drops to a half-glass of water, ginger ale, or lemon-flavored carbonated water. However, no formal safety studies have been done on the effect or safety of dandelion root on women who are pregnant or nursing.

Dandelion root and weight loss

Dandelion root inhibits the activity of lipase, which is an enzyme that helps the body absorb fat from foods. While it’s possible for people to lose weight because they’re absorbing less fat, any weight loss may be more likely the result of dandelion root’s diuretic effects, according to Cleveland Clinic. 

Dandelion root is an appetite stimulant. However, dandelion extracts—which may include the root, leaves, and flowers—may indirectly reduce obesity. More research is needed since this has only been observed in animal models and in vitro studies.

Dandelion flower benefits

Dandelions are famous for their cheerful yellow flowers—and the blizzard of white seeds that develop later on. Turns out, those dandelion flowers may have some health benefits for people, too. Research suggests that dandelion flower extract might be able to fight off damage to cells from free radicals due to its antioxidant qualities. 

Dandelion leaf benefits

The dandelion leaf is also purported to have some health benefits. The leaves are high in potassium, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health, according to an article published in the journal Nutrients. They also contain a significant amount of important vitamins, including iron and vitamin K, which some experts suggest may be useful in fighting off diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. 

RELATED: Alzheimer’s disease statistics

How to use dandelion root

Although you can harvest, dry, roast, and boil dandelion root to make a coffee or tea, you can also purchase dandelion root supplements as tablets, capsules, tinctures, and extracts. Note that some dandelion supplements may combine the root with the stem, leaves, or flowers as well.

Use caution

It is important to be cautious when purchasing supplements, including dandelion root. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate nutritional supplements in the same manner in which it regulates medications. In fact, the FDA does not review dietary supplements before they’re sold to customers. Instead of assuming manufacturers are selling what they’re promising on the supplement label, experts suggest checking with a third-party organization that tests supplements, such as Consumer Lab, NSF International, or U.S. Pharmacopeia.

Tod Cooperman, MD, president and founder of ConsumerLab.com, says that he would also recommend consulting a doctor before beginning to use any supplement, including dandelion root. “And if you are already taking it, you should definitely let them know you are taking it,” Dr. Cooperman says. 

Dandelion root side effects

Dandelion is generally considered safe for most people. In fact, the FDA has listed dandelion on a list of safe products even for people with rare allergies (other than allergies to dandelion and certain plants), according to the aforementioned report published in the journal Nutrients. However, the report also suggested limiting the daily intake of dandelion root to 1 or 3 grams. 

Other side effects that are sometimes mentioned in connection with dandelion root include mouth sores and heartburn. “It may cause contact dermatitis in those with sensitive skin,” adds Kelsey Costa, a registered dietitian nutritionist. 

If you do experience a side effect or adverse effect after drinking dandelion root tea or taking some other type of dandelion root supplement, don’t ignore it. “First stop taking it, and see if it goes away,” Dr. Cooperman says. “If it does, that answers the question. If it doesn’t go away, see a doctor.”

Dandelion root interactions

Because dandelion tea can act as a diuretic, people who are already taking a diuretic may want to approach this beverage with caution—or even possibly avoid it. Also, there is the possibility that the diuretic effect of dandelion root tea could reduce the effectiveness of other medications that you’re taking.

“Although there may be some merit to the claim of dandelion as a diuretic, there simply isn’t adequate human research to say for sure,” says Sergio Alvarez, MD, CEO and medical director of Mia Aesthetics. “If the claim is true, however, it means that certain prescription drugs may leave your body more quickly than intended due to dandelion root’s diuretic effects.”

In addition to diuretics, there’s also the possibility of an interaction with blood thinners such as aspirin, Coumadin (warfarin), or Plavix (clopidogrel). According to Mount Sinai, other medications to avoid due to possible interactions include antacids, some antipsychotic medications such as lithium, and certain antibiotics such as Cipro (ciprofloxacin).

It may also be advisable to steer clear of dandelion root when using medication used to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Using dandelion root along with medication could increase the likelihood of an episode of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. 

Allergies may be another possible reason to avoid dandelion, including dandelion root. According to Mount Sinai, people who have allergies to any of the following plants should avoid dandelion: ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigold, chamomile, yarrow, daisies, and iodine.

Bottom line: Is dandelion root good for you?

Dandelion root may confer certain health benefits to people who consume them. But even with the existing research on dandelion root—and other parts of the dandelion plant—experts suggest that more human studies are needed to confirm certain benefits. 

Nonetheless, dandelion root is known for having a good safety profile. People who are taking certain kinds of medications, such as diuretics for high blood pressure or blood-sugar-lowering medications for diabetes, may want to avoid and certainly run the idea by their doctor first.