Best Dandelion Supplement Reviews, Uses, Doses & Safety

Dandelion supplements are typically used for their diuretic effects to eliminate excess water weight, reduce bloating and swelling. These supplements are also promoted for digestive benefits, liver health and weight loss.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a plant with a long history of medicinal use. It has been used in folk medicine for thousands of years to improve liver dysfunction, cleanse the blood and increase energy. [1][2]

It also has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in various studies. [3] Although all parts of dandelion contain beneficial nutrients, the root and leaf are used primarily for manufacturing dietary supplements.

Dandelion root supplements on Amazon come in the form of oral capsules, liquid tinctures, teas and bulk dandelion root extract powder. Currently, the most popular brand on Amazon is Nature’s Way 525 mg Dandelion Root product which is Non-GMO, Gluten Free and Vegetarian-Friendly.

Dandelion Root

Herbal Supplement

Liver Health

Detox

Immunity

How It Works:

• Supports liver and kidney health
• Used as a diuretic & detox supplement
• Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties

Dosage:

Varies depending on formulation

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top Dandelion Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Best Dandelion Supplement

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that there are more than 1500 products available that contain dandelion extract.

Choosing the best dandelion supplement for you will depend on your purpose for using it – as well as your preferences concerning ease-of-use, taste, price and user reviews.

Dandelion root and leaf supplements are available in whole plant, pill, capsule, tincture, tea bag and other forms.

On Amazon, the best-selling brand of this supplement is Nature’s Way Dandelion Root 525mg with 100 capsules per bottle. Click here to see the current price on Amazon.com

This product is currently rated 4.4 out of 5 stars, with 72% of reviewers giving it a 5-star review. Positive reviews cite use as a diuretic, for cleanses, allergic reactions, digestion, cholesterol-lowering effects, and for high blood pressure.

Those users who provided negative reviews generally said that the product did not work for them or they experienced no noticeable effects from taking it.

Traditionally, liquid tinctures and teas were the most common ways to consume this plant. It is also possible to make both tinctures and teas at home using the raw plant.

However, this is only recommended if you can be certain that the dandelions you are using are free of pesticides and other environmental toxins that are present in the air, water and soil.

The benefit of using a high-quality dietary supplement is that all ingredients will be tested for biological contaminants, impurities and toxins to ensure safety.

Always looking for dietary supplements that are manufactured in cGMP (Good Manufacturing Practices Compliant) facilities and are tested for potency and purity.

Dandelion Supplement Uses

In folk medicine traditions, the most common use for dandelion root extract was as a “liver tonic” said to improve liver function in non-specific ways.

NMCD states that dandelion is used orally for the following conditions:

• Easing muscle aches and bruising;
• Alleviating joint and muscle pain;
• Upregulating bile production;
• Treating viral infections;
• Improving appetite;
• Toning the skin;

Dandelion is also used as a circulatory tonic, digestive tonic, diuretic and laxative. NMCD states that dandelion is also used in traditional medicine for heart failure and cancer.

It is also a natural source of a number of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C and D, iron, potassium and zinc, flavonoids, carotenoids, phytosterols and fatty acids.

Almost all of the research that has been conducted on dandelion in the past has involved animal studies, which are not a substitute for human clinical trials.

There has been very little reliable research on the effects of dandelion root supplements in humans.

Because of this, most of the uses for supplement have not been validated by human-based clinical evidence. The FDA has not approved the use of dandelion extract as a drug for the treatment of any medical condition.

Dandelion Supplement for Weight Loss

Dandelion supplements are often used to promote weight loss. For a long time, dandelion was thought to help with temporary weight loss because of its diuretic effects.

Increasing urine production and urination frequency helps to rid the body of fluid accumulations, leading to a loss of excess water weight.

Recent research suggests that dandelion might be helpful for weight loss and weight control in other ways as well.

According to IMDEA Food Institute, certain dandelion extracts “may play a significant role during adipogenesis and lipid metabolism, thus supporting their therapeutic interest as potential candidates for the treatment of obesity”. [4]

More research is needed to understand how dandelion supplements may or may not help with weight loss and post-obese healthy weight management.

Dandelion Supplement for Liver Detox

Many people use dandelion supplements in combination with milk thistle for improving liver function. Both dandelion and milk thistle demonstrate liver-protective effects.

One study suggested that dandelion supplements may counteract oxidative stress in liver tissue caused by acetaminophen toxicity. Researchers believe that the hepatoprotective effects are linked to its antioxidant activity.

Results from mice studies suggest that by reducing free radicals damage, this herbal extract may be useful for preventing and treating certain liver problems. [5] More research is needed to understand how dandelion affects liver function in humans.

Dandelion Supplement Dosage

Most oral dandelion supplements provide between 500 – 1000 mg per serving of root extract. Some supplements may provide lower dosages if combining dandelion root with other ingredients, such as milk thistle extract.

Nature’s Way Dandelion Root contains 525 mg per serving, with a recommendation of three capsules taken three times per day with food.

Now Dandelion Root contains 500 mg per capsule, with a recommended serving size of two capsules.

Oregon’s Wild Harvest sells an Organic Dandelion Root supplement that provides 400 mg per capsule, with a serving size recommendation of three capsules.

Ahana Nutrition markets a 900 mg Dandelion Root supplement, with each capsule containing 450 mg and a serving size of two pills.

Dandelion extracts come in a number of different forms and the dosage will depend on the form you take it in. Some sources of this product are more concentrated than others and require a lower dosage to be effective.

For example, some powdered extracts of dandelion root may be denoted as 4:1 extract versus a 10:1 extract. This refers to the amount of raw herb used to produce the extract. A 10:1 extract is more potent than a 4:1 product and therefore requires a lower dose.

Individuals using a 4:1 powdered extract generally take 500 mg one to three times per day. If using a 10:1 extract, the suggested dosage is 250 mg per day.

Dried dandelion roots are brewed into a tea at a dosage of 2 teaspoons per 8 ounces of hot water. This tea may be taken up to three times per day.

If using a dried root decoction, the recommended dosage is 2 to 8 grams per day. If using the dried stems and leaves of the herb, the recommended dosing is 4 to 10 grams daily.

Dandelion tinctures are often prepared in 30% or 45% alcohol solutions. A 1:5 leaf tincture and a 1:2 root tincture are recommended to be used at 100 to 150 drops per day.

Always follow dosage instructions from the manufacturer of any dandelion product you may choose.

Dandelion Supplement Side Effects

Dandelion is one of many members of the Asteraceae plant family. Some people have allergic reactions when exposed to these plants. Some other species of Asteraceae include ragweed, zinnias, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies.

Contact dermatitis and mouth sores have been reported from dandelion use, mainly in cases of contact with dandelion pollen. You should discuss dandelion supplementation use with a doctor if you have an allergy to Asteraceae plants.

Most healthy people experience no serious side effects from using dandelion supplements. However, it is possible that this herb could interact with certain medications, supplements and health conditions.

NMCD states that those with allergies, bleeding disorders and/or renal (kidney) impairment should use extra caution when taking a dandelion supplement.

Seek medical advice before combining this supplement with any of the following medications:

• Gluconerated drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol);
• Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates;
• Antidiabetic medications, including insulin;
• Anticoagulants/antiplatelets;
• Potassium-sparing diuretics;

Also use caution if taking a dandelion supplement in combination with lithium and/or quinolone antibiotics.

Some herbal supplements that might interact with this plant extract include dashen, angelica, ginger, ginkgo, red clover, turmeric, clove and ginseng. Ask your healthcare provider about the safety of combining any supplements you may use routinely.

Dandelion Supplement Reviews

Dandelion supplement user reviews shared online seem generally positive. Customers on Amazon report benefits for energy, swelling, water retention, digestion, detoxification and more.

A small percentage of users report that they experienced digestive side effects like flatulence, diarrhea and nausea after using dandelion products. Other people report that they simply do not like the taste of certain dandelion products, and therefore discontinued use.

Nootriment provides a consumer protection guide to help you make the best online supplement purchasing decisions at this link.

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