Dandelion root: what it may do, who should be careful, and what to buy
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- Roasted dandelion root tea bags. Best for: People who want dandelion as an everyday caffeine-free drink. See options on Amazon
- Organic cut and sifted dandelion root. Best for: Tea drinkers who like to brew loose herbs. See options on Amazon
- Dandelion root capsules, 500 mg. Best for: Adults who prefer a capsule and have checked with their provider. See options on Amazon
What dandelion root is
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), also called lion's tooth or blowball, is native to Europe but grows throughout temperate parts of the Northern Hemisphere. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says its flowers, leaves and root have been used in Mexican and other North American traditional medicine.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) notes that dandelion is related to the daisy family, and that the flower, leaf and root have been used traditionally to promote urination, support bile flow and stimulate appetite. In Chinese medicine it has been used to promote breast milk.
What the research shows
| Claim | What the evidence says |
|---|---|
| Any health condition | No compelling evidence (NCCIH) |
| Indigestion, joint pain | Promoted, not proven |
| Liver detox | Lab and animal studies only |
| Water pill effect | Supported by animal and human studies, per MSK |
| Cancer | Lab cell studies only; clinical trials needed |
NCCIH says we know very little about dandelion's effect on human health. Preliminary lab studies have looked at anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral properties, but that is not the same as proof in people.
MSK lists lab and animal findings for lipid lowering, liver protection, blood sugar lowering and diuretic effects, and lab studies of dandelion root extract against several cancer cell lines. It stresses that clinical trials are needed to learn when dandelion may be safe and effective. Products that promise a liver cleanse or detox are going beyond the evidence.
Safety and side effects
- Food amounts. NCCIH considers dandelion in food amounts likely safe. Less is known about larger amounts.
- Stomach effects. MSK lists heartburn, stomach irritation and indigestion, and mild diarrhea with too much.
- More urination. Dandelion can increase how often you urinate, which may add to water pills.
- Low blood sugar. MSK reports a case of low blood sugar and possible added effects with diabetes medicines.
- Allergy. Topical dandelion may cause reactions in people with eczema, and evidence is mixed on reactions in people sensitive to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies.
- Kidneys. MSK describes a man with chronic kidney disease who developed serious skin damage linked to high oxalate after drinking 10 to 15 cups of dandelion tea daily for 6 months.
- Liver. MSK also reports a case of acute liver injury after an herbal liver detox tea containing dandelion, which improved after stopping.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Little is known about safety above food amounts.
Drug interactions
NCCIH says there are theoretical reasons dandelion might interact with diabetes drugs, blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs and water pills, among others. MSK adds that dandelion affected the liver enzymes CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 in lab and animal studies, which may change blood levels of some medicines. In one case, a kidney transplant recipient had toxic levels of anti-rejection drugs after drinking a tea containing dandelion.
MSK also notes that lab studies found estrogen-like activity, including growth of hormone-sensitive breast cancer cells. If you have had a hormone-sensitive cancer, ask your oncologist before using dandelion supplements.
Tea, loose root or capsules?
- Roasted root tea. A simple way to enjoy dandelion as a drink. Keep intake moderate rather than drinking many cups a day.
- Loose cut root. Raw or roasted cut-and-sifted root lets you brew your own tea.
- Capsules. NOW Foods' Dandelion Root gives 500 mg of organic Taraxacum officinale root per capsule, taken once daily as needed, and advises consulting a physician if pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a medical condition.
- Ratio extracts and detox blends. Concentrated extracts and multi-herb detox products add other ingredients, and no human research supports detox claims.
How to choose dandelion root
- Latin name and part. Look for Taraxacum officinale root. Leaf products are a different part of the plant.
- Organic and tested. Prefer brands that state organic certification or third-party testing.
- Skip big detox claims. No human research shows dandelion cleanses the liver.
- Check your medicines. Ask your provider or pharmacist first if you take water pills, diabetes medicine, blood thinners, transplant drugs or other prescriptions.
What to look for when you buy
Roasted dandelion root tea bags
Best for: People who want dandelion as an everyday caffeine-free drink
A simple caffeine-free drink; NCCIH considers food amounts likely safe, though less is known about larger amounts.
Watch out: Do not drink large amounts daily, especially with kidney disease. It can increase urination.
See options on AmazonOrganic cut and sifted dandelion root
Best for: Tea drinkers who like to brew loose herbs
Loose root lets you control strength and choose raw or roasted.
Watch out: Same medicine and kidney cautions as tea bags. Store dry and sealed.
See options on AmazonDandelion root capsules, 500 mg
Best for: Adults who prefer a capsule and have checked with their provider
NOW Foods lists 500 mg of organic dandelion root per capsule, once daily as needed.
Watch out: No proven health benefit. Ask first if you take water pills, diabetes medicine, blood thinners or transplant drugs.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What is dandelion root good for?
- It is promoted for digestion and liver support, but NCCIH says there is no compelling evidence it helps any health condition.
- Does dandelion root detox the liver?
- Liver effects have only been seen in lab and animal studies. One case of liver injury was reported after a detox tea containing dandelion.
- Is dandelion root a diuretic?
- Yes. MSK says animal and human studies suggest it increases urination, which may add to water pill effects.
- Who should not take dandelion root?
- Ask your provider first if you take water pills, diabetes drugs, blood thinners or transplant drugs, have kidney disease, have had a hormone-sensitive cancer, are allergic to ragweed or daisies, or are pregnant or nursing.
- Is dandelion root tea safe every day?
- Food amounts are likely safe, but heavy daily drinking was linked to kidney-related harm in one person with kidney disease. Keep intake moderate.
- How do you make dandelion root tea?
- Follow the package directions for steeping tea bags or loose root, and keep servings moderate.
Sources
- Dandelion: Usefulness and Safety (nccih.nih.gov), National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Dandelion: About Herbs (mskcc.org), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Dandelion Root 500 mg Veg Capsules (www.nowfoods.com/products/supplements/dandelion-root-500-mg-veg-capsules), NOW Foods