Dandelion Root Tea Side Effects, Dangers & Drug Interactions

Dandelion root tea side effects are rare when used by healthy adults who are not currently taking any other medications. However, certain adverse effects are possible and have been reported.

Dandelion root and leaf can cause allergic reactions, as well as certain gastrointestinal side effects.

Dandelion supplements can also cause interactions with some health conditions, other herbal supplements and prescription medications.

You should consult with a doctor before using dandelion tea or supplements if you have a bleeding disorder, diabetes, gallbladder problems – or if you use a diuretic medication (water pill). [1]

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

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Dandelion Root Tea Side Effects

The most common side effects associated with dandelion root products are caused from allergies to dandelion pollen.

Allergic reactions to the pollen can cause contact dermatitis (skin rash), mouth sores, and a hypersensitive skin condition called erythema multiforme.

A severe, possibly life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis is also possible with exposure to dandelion pollen. [2]

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of anaphylaxis include a sharp drop in blood pressure, weak pulse, airway constriction, nausea, vomiting and shock.

If you are allergic to any of thousands of members of the Asteraceae plant family, then you may also be allergic to dandelion. Some plant relatives of dandelion include ragweed, daisies, yarrow, chamomile, marigolds, chrysanthemums and zinnias.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM), dandelion root tea side effects may also include dyspepsia (heartburn) and/or increased amounts of acid in the stomach.

UMM also states that you should seek medical advice before using dandelion root or leaf if you have liver and/or kidney problems.

Dandelion Root Tea Contraindications

Individuals with certain medical conditions should check with their doctors or healthcare providers first before using this product. Its use is contraindicated in certain populations.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that dandelion might inhibit platelet aggregation or the clotting of blood.

In theory, dandelion tea might increase bleeding and increase risk for bruising in people with bleeding disorders.

In a single case, a 56-year old man with pre-existing renal (kidney) impairment developed a condition called hyperoxalaemia after he consumed excessive amounts of dandelion tea. According to the case report, he consumed as many as 15 cups daily for 6 months.

Hyperoxalaemia is a condition marked by high levels of oxalates in the blood. Oxalates occur naturally in many food sources. They are associated with the development of kidney stones.

Dandelion root tea side effects may include a decreased capacity for clearing oxalates from the blood. This can increase the risk of hyperoxalaemia, especially in those with existing kidney dysfunction. [3]

Dandelion Root Tea Drug Interactions

According to NMCD, there are certain types of medications that may not be well-suited for concomitant use with dandelion root or leaf extract. Some of these include:

Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets

Bleeding and bruising risks may be increased if you take dandelion root tea with aspirin, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), clopidogrel (Plavix), naproxen, enoxaparin, heparin, warfarin, and others.

Antidiabetics

Preliminary research suggests that dandelion root might increase insulin secretion and thereby interact with antidiabetic medications.

This combination could cause blood sugar to fall too low and result in hypoglycemic symptoms developing. In serious cases, low blood sugar can cause people to become unconscious.

Talk to your endocrinologist before using dandelion root tea with insulin, Glucophage (metformin), Glucotrol (glipizide), Diabeta (glyburide), Avandia (rosiglitazone) and Actos (pioglitazone), and others.

Diuretics

Dandelion exhibits diuretic effects in humans. Side effects of drinking this tea may include increased urine production (diuresis) and increased frequency of urination.

Seek medical advice before drinking dandelion root tea with water pills including Aldactone (spironolactone), Demadex (torsemide), Diuril (chlorothiazide), Edecrin (ethacrynic acid), and others.

Antibiotics

Consumption of this herbal extract routinely may affect the amount of antibiotics the body is able to assimilate.

This could alter the effectiveness of commonly prescribed antibiotic drugs like ciprofloxacin, floxacin, trovafloxacin, enoxacin, sparfloxacin, grepafloxacin, and others.

Lithium

NMCD states that dandelion might affect how much lithium the body is able to eliminate. This is believed to be due to the diuretic effects of dandelion.

Improper amounts of lithium in the body can result in serious side effects. Talk to your doctor about drinking dandelion root tea while taking lithium for any purpose.

Medications Metabolized by the Liver:

It is possible that dandelion root tea can affect the rate at which the liver breaks down certain medications.

This can either increase or decrease the effects and/or side effects of drugs including Zofran (ondansetron), Elavil (amitriptyline), Isoptin (verapamil), Theo-Dur (theophylline) and Haldol (haloperidol), and others.

If you are using any medication that is known to be metabolised by the liver, check with a doctor to determine how this may be affected by supplement use.

Glucuronidated drugs:

Preliminary evidence suggests that dandelion root tea may induce a phase-II enzyme called UDP-glucuronosyltransferase.

This means that it could speed up the clearance of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase substrate medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen), Comtan (entacapone), Camptosar (irinotecan), estrogens like Premarin – and oral contraceptives. [4]

Is Dandelion Root Tea Safe?

Dandelion roots have been used to make tea for hundreds of years and have long been recognized for their potential health-boosting properties.

The majority of people who consume this herb in tea or supplement form experience no negative effects from using it. However, some individuals may be at a higher risk for side effects.

As a food, dandelion is considered GRAS (generally regarded as safe) by the US FDA.

However, the FDA has not reviewed dandelion for effectiveness or safety in the prevention or treatment of any medical condition.

NMCD states that there are more than 1500 dietary supplements available that contain dandelion root and/or leaf extracts. There is no feasible way to ensure the purity of all of these supplements simultaneously.

There are no typical manufacturing methods in place for dandelion supplements. In some cases, dandelion extract products have been found to be contaminated with heavy metal residues and/or other toxic chemicals.

You should choose a reliable, trustworthy and established dandelion root tea bag manufacturer.

It is always best to ask a doctor or other licensed healthcare provider about dandelion root tea side effects and benefits before deciding to use this supplement

Be sure to mention all pre-existing health conditions you may have, as well as any medications or herbal supplements you may be taking routinely.

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