In Germany, the herb and root of the dandelion are used as an appetite stimulant, diuretic, bile stimulator, and treatment for dyspepsia. The herb without the root is used for loss of appetite and dyspepsia involving flatulence and feelings of fullness. The dried roots are used as a coffee substitute. Dandelion is also used in salads and wines.

Traditionally, dandelion was used to treat liver, gallbladder, and spleen ailments. It's used as a mild laxative and antidiabetic. Dandelion is available as fresh greens, capsules, extract, tablets, tea, and tincture.

Reported uses

Dandelion has a diuretic effect, probably owing to the sesquiterpenes in its composition and its high potassium content. It may help prevent and treat kidney stones because of its disinfectant and solvent actions on urinary calculi.

The enzyme taraxalisin is present in dandelion roots. The insulin component, With its hypoglycemic effects, may affect the blood glucose level. Dandelion may have some immune-modulating effects.

It may also stimulate nitric oxide production, which is involved with immune regulation and defense, and may induce tumor necrosis factor alpha secretion in peritoneal cells.

Administration

Herb, fluid extract (1 glml of 25% ethanol): 4 to 10 ml by mouth three times a day

Fresh herb: 4 to 10 g cut herb by mouth three times a day

Infusion: 4 to 10 g in 5 to 9 oz (150 to 270 ml) water by mouth three times a day

Succus: 5 to 10 ml pressed sap from fresh plant by mouth two times a day

Tincture (I g/5 ml of 25% ethanol): 2 to 5 ml by mouth three times a day

Herb with root, fluid extract (1 glml of 25% ethanol): 3 to 4 ml by mouth three times a day

Infusion: 1 tablespoon cut roots and herb in 5 oz (150 ml) water

Tincture (1 g/5 ml of 25% ethanol): 10 to 15 gtt by mouth three times a day.

Hazards

Adverse reactions associated with dandelion include GI discomfort, GI or biliary tract blockage, gallbladder inflammation, gallstones, contact dermatitis, and allergic reactions.

When used with drugs such as anticoagulants, or with anti-platelet drugs such as aspirin, clopidrogrel, heparin, ticlopidine, warfarin, and NSAIDs, there is an increased risk of bleeding. When dandelion is used with antidiabetics, there is a possibility for potentiated effects, leading to hypoglycemia. Additive effects are possible when used with antihypertensives. Dandelion can also decrease blood ciprofloxacin levels. It's rich in minerals such as magnesium, which are known binders of fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

Those allergic to dandelion, those with photosensitive dermatitis and allergies to other Compositae plants, and those with bile obstruction, empyema, or ileus should avoid use.

Clinical considerations

All parts of the dandelion plant are edible. The stems, leaves, and flowers can be harvested alone, or the whole plant-including the roots-can be used.

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