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Dandelion leaf has been used prominently in herbal medicine for many centuries.
Chinese, Indian and Native American healers used dandelion to tonify the blood, stimulate lactation, improve gastrointestinal health and support kidney function.
Many people use dandelion leaf tea to help them shed water weight. It is approved by the German Commission E and by Health Canada as a diuretic, which means it helps increase urination volume and frequency.
Botanically, the dandelion plant is called Tarxacum officinale and it is a member of the Asteraceae family. There are many different species of dandelion that grow throughout Asia, Europe and North America.
In much of the world, dandelion is viewed as an invasive weed. However, it is widely used as a food ingredient and contains multiple beneficial phytonutrients that can promote health and well-being.
Liver Health
Detox
Immunity- Supports liver and kidney health
- Used as a diuretic & detox supplement
- Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties
Top Dandelion Products* ❯Dandelion Leaf vs. Dandelion Root
There are some differences in the chemical makeup between dandelion leaves and roots.
Both the leaf and root of dandelion are used medicinally due to their concentrations of various beneficial phytonutrients (plant chemicals).
Dandelion leaf and root both contain good amounts of vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D and K. They also contain minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium and zinc.
According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD), dandelion leaf contains quercetin, luteolin, p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, germacranolide acids, chlorogenic acid, chicoric acid, and monocaffeyltartaric acid. It also contains scopoletin, aesculetin, aesculin, cichoriin, arnidiol, and faradiol.
Dandelion root contains certain plant chemicals that the leaf does not, most notably including concentrated amounts of a polysaccharide called inulin. Others include taraxacoside, taraxasterol and caffeic acid. [1]
Some people use dandelion leaf as a laxative. According to Dr. Edward F Group, the leaf contains high amounts of kynurenic acid. This is a natural byproduct that results in the human body from metabolizing the amino acid L-tryptophan.
Kynurenic acid influences various digestive processes in the body. One of its well-documented effects is as a choleretic, which means it increases the production of bile as well as its transportation to the gallbladder. [2]
Bile contains bile acids which are important for digestion, nutrient absorption and neutralization of certain toxins. Bile increases the absorption of fatty acids and is integral for the assimilation of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Dandelion Leaf Health Benefits
Chemical analysis of dandelion leaf shows that it contains various active constituents including alkaloids, triterpenoids and natural plant steroids. [3]
Dandelion leaf is a good source for beneficial antioxidants which may protect the body from damage caused by oxidative particles and free radical molecules. [4]
Preliminary research in mice suggests that dandelion leaf may support hepatic (liver) function. A 2013 research study showed that administration of a leaf extract helped to:
- Promote healthy blood lipid (fat) profiles;
- Suppress hepatic fat accumulation;
- Reduce resistance to insulin;
The mechanism of action involved is not yet well understood and it is not clear whether these effects will occur in humans. However, the effects have been attributed to dandelion’s antioxidant properties. [5]
Dandelion may also support liver function and detoxification by increasing bile production, promoting toxin excretion, improving fat metabolism and helping the body utilize available nutrients more efficiently. [6]
There is very limited research into the effects of dandelion on human subjects. Nearly all studies that have been completed have involved animal subjects.
Dandelion is not approved by the FDA as a medicine for the prevention or treatment of any disease or illness.
Dandelion Leaf Tea Medicinal Uses
Dandelion teas are sometimes promoted for weight loss and dieting. However, there is no research available to determine whether this herb works for weight loss.
One of the ways it may work is by increasing the excretion of water from the body. While this will temporarily result in a lower number on the scale, it will not actually result in changes to body composition or fat mass.
Many people use prescription diuretics (water pills) to help them shed excessive water weight and fluid accumulations.
These types of drugs are commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure and heart disease. They are also used to treat some types of liver and kidney dysfunction as well as edema.
Dandelion leaf tea and supplements are used as natural water pills to promote diuresis (production of more urine in the kidneys). This may improve bloating and excessive swelling or inflammation.
In one human study, all subjects experienced increased urine volume and urination frequency after taking a liquid dandelion extract. Based on results from this study, “T. officinale ethanolic extract shows promise as a diuretic in humans.” [7]
Dandelion seems to stimulate the kidneys to remove accumulated liquids from the body via urination. Increased urination helps the body to rid itself of toxin accumulations.
This may also improve urinary tract health and could help to prevent or reduce Urinary tract infections (UTIs). A combination of dandelion root with anti-bacterial uva ursi leaf extract has been shown to reduce the recurrence of UTI in females.
Dandelion Leaf Pregnancy Test
One of the traditional uses of dandelion leaf is to determine pregnancy. However, the validity of this test has not been established by research. It should not be relied upon as a conclusive test.
According to folklore medicine, the process of performing this test is as follows:
- Place dandelion leaf in a clean container.
- Saturate the leaf with fresh urine.
- Allow the urine to mix with the leaf for at least 10 minutes.
If the dandelion leaf begins to display red “blisters”, then you may be pregnant according to traditional herbal medicine sources.
Positive or negative results on test are not definitive. If you believe you may be pregnant, it is important to make an appointment with a doctor to perform a test and evaluation.
Side Effects and Interactions
Dandelion leaf has been used as a salad green and prepared in soups, wines and teas for thousands of years. It is considered a GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) food source according to the US Food and Drug Administration.
The vast majority of people who consume dandelion leaf supplements do not experience any negative side effects. However, there have been rare reports of mouth sores, contact dermatitis and other allergic reactions.
Dandelions are part of the Asteraceae botanical family. Be careful using this herbal extract if you are allergic to any other members of the Asteraceae plant family. Some other members of this family include daisies, ragweed and chrysanthemums.
Dandelion leaf can interact with certain prescription medications and herbal supplements.
It is best to seek medical advice before using this product if you are currently taking any medications, especially blood thinners, diuretics, antacids, antibiotics and/or antidiabetic drugs.
Dandelion leaf supplements are available in capsules, teas, tablets and liquid tinctures. Dried and fresh dandelion leaves are also available in grocery and health food stores.
It is recommended to choose organic dandelion products. The taproots of this plant penetrate deeply into soil and can absorb toxins like pesticides and herbicides.
- Williams CA1, Goldstone F, Greenham J. Flavonoids, cinnamic acids and coumarins from the different tissues and medicinal preparations of Taraxacum officinale. Phytochemistry. 1996 May;42(1):121-7.
- Turski MP1, Turska M, Zgrajka W, Bartnik M, Kocki T, Turski WA. Distribution, synthesis, and absorption of kynurenic acid in plants. Planta Med. 2011 May;77(8):858-64. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1250604. Epub 2010 Dec 14.
- Leu YL1, Shi LS, Damu AG. Chemical constituents of Taraxacum formosanum. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2003 May;51(5):599-601.
- Choi UK1, Lee OH, Yim JH, Cho CW, Rhee YK, Lim SI, Kim YC. Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root and leaf on cholesterol-fed rabbits. Int J Mol Sci. 2010 Jan 6;11(1):67-78. doi: 10.3390/ijms11010067.
- Davaatseren M1, Hur HJ, Yang HJ, Hwang JT, Park JH, Kim HJ, Kim MS, Kim MJ, Kwon DY, Sung MJ Dandelion leaf extract protects against liver injury induced by methionine- and choline-deficient diet in mice. J Med Food. 2013 Jan;16(1):26-33. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2012.2226. Epub 2012 Dec 20.
- Koh YJ1, Cha DS, Ko JS, Park HJ, Choi HD. Anti-inflammatory effect of Taraxacum officinale leaves on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 cells. J Med Food. 2010 Aug;13(4):870-8. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2009.1249.
- Clare BA1, Conroy RS, Spelman K. The diuretic effect in human subjects of an extract of Taraxacum officinale folium over a single day. J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Aug;15(8):929-34. doi: 10.1089/acm.2008.0152.
Article last updated on: June 26th, 2018 by Nootriment