Dandelion Root Tincture Benefits, How to Make & Dosages

Dandelion root tincture is a traditional remedy purported to have digestive benefits and to support detoxification through its natural diuretic effects.

Dandelion extract (Terraxacum officinale) has been used for hundreds of years by Native American, Chinese and Ayurvedic natural medicine systems.

Healers from these traditions claim that Dandelion root can tonify the blood and help to cleanse the liver, spleen and gallbladder. There is research that validated some of the claims, but others require more research to evaluate.

Liquid dandelion root tinctures contain higher concentrations of certain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients which may support health and well-being.

Making and using a dandelion tincture at home is simple and inexpensive, but you can also purchase liquid extracts online that have been tested for quality and purity.

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 Tincture Uses

In traditional medicine, Dandelion root extract tinctures are used to fortify the liver and promote detoxification.

This plant is a tonifying agent in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which means that it is believed to nourish and replenish the body’s vital energy and blood.

Researchers have investigated extracts from dandelion roots, leaves, stems and flowers for their effects on urinary function, the liver, heart, pancreas, gall bladder and kidneys.

The majority of scientific studies have involved animal subjects, not humans. While animal studies suggest some medicinal benefits, human research trials are needed to validate many of the claims made about this herb.

Dandelion root tinctures can be made from either fresh or dried roots. These tinctures are used to stimulate appetite and improve digestive disorders. Research suggests that this supplement can help with:

• Alleviate constipation and feelings of fullness
• Increase gastric motility (rate at which food passes through the intestines)
• Improve flatulence and upset stomach
• Promote a healthy bacterial balance in the gut
• Stimulate Gallbladder function

Liquid Dandelion Tincture Benefits

In various traditional medicine systems, dandelion extract has been used as a diuretic. Diuretics increase the amount of urine the kidneys produce, as well as the frequency of urination.

People use diuretics to help them get rid of excessive fluids in the body. Some individuals use dandelion root tinctures to help them lose water weight, such as before an athletic competition.

Pharmaceutical diuretics may be prescribed for certain conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) and liver disorders.

Some herbalists recommend the use of dandelion supplements for these conditions, however there is currently no reliable human research on using dandelion as a diuretic.

Preliminary research in animals suggests that dandelion root may help to modulate glucose levels in the blood (blood sugar levels).

However, not all animal studies on this herbal extract show positive effects on blood glucose regulation.

In studies on mice with diabetes, dandelion root extract was found to lower triglycerides and total cholesterol while simultaneously raising HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

One preliminary human study suggests that dandelion can support the gallbladder and liver function. However, results from this study have been question because it was not a well-designed study.

In a 2011 animal study published in Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Dandelion extract was found to improve gastric motility and emptying by 37% compared to those given a placebo. The herbal preparation was performed 18% better than a drug prescribed for that indication.

A study published in 2008 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that this supplement had a protective effect against pancreatitis in animals. Pancreatitis refers to inflammation in the pancreas, which can interfere with insulin secretion and other functions related to metabolism regulation.

In this study, animals given a dandelion root extract for five days at a dose of 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight experienced reduced levels of inflammation in the pancreas and decreased fluid accumulation.

Some animal and in vitro studies also suggest that dandelion helps to reduce inflammation and decrease cellular damage from free radicals. According to some sources, this herb exhibits anti-cancer effects in laboratory studies.

Currently, there is insufficient evidence available from human research studies to rate the clinical efficacy of this supplement for the prevention or treatment of any medical conditions.

How to Make a Dandelion Root Tincture

There are various techniques for making a liquid dandelion root tincture.

Making a tincture is a way to extract and preserve the beneficial nutrients of medicinal plants. When made and stored properly, a tincture can last for years.

Liquid dandelion root extract can be made at home by placing fresh or dried roots in a sealable jar or other suitable container. The container you use should be able to be sealed tightly; not allowing any air to enter the mixture as it matures.

Dandelion Extract Tincture Recipe:

1. Fill the container halfway with chopped dandelion roots.
2. Cover the roots with 100-proof vodka, rum or other clear alcohol.
3. Make sure the alcohol covers the roots by at least 2 inches.
4. Seal the container.
5. Shake the container gently to distribute the ingredients.
6. Store in a cool, dark location for at least a month. Longer is better.

Gently shake the tincture once every few days to redistribute the mixture. After the tincture is ready, strain it through a sieve or cheesecloth to remove all the roots.

The remaining alcoholic liquid is the tincture. You can store this in one large bottle, or several smaller bottles. Use brown or occluded glass if possible. When kept cool and dark, these tinctures can be used for at least 2 or 3 years without spoilage.

How to Take a Dandelion Root Tincture

Consult with a doctor to determine the appropriate dosage of this product for you if you are taking Dandelion extract to address a health problem.

There can be different concentrations in the active ingredients found in tinctures produced by different companies or in homemade tinctures. Follow dosing guidelines of commercially prepared tinctures closely to reduce the risk of taking too much or too little.

One common folk dosage rule is to use 1 drop of tincture for every 2 pounds of body weight.

According to one manufacturer, the recommended dosage is 6-12 drops, taken up to three times daily. The tincture is mixed in juice or water or placed under the tongue.

Some herbalists recommend titrating your tincture dosing to use the minimum effective dosage.

To do this, begin with a very low dose and monitor for effects. If you do not notice any effects, then slowly and gradually increase the dose until you experience desired effects.

Tinctures are concentrated forms of medicinal plants and do not require large doses. Not all dandelion root tinctures are the same strength.

Tinctures are most often taken by eyedropper. Use the eyedropper to drip the tincture directly under the tongue. This is called sublingual dosing. Tinctures enter the blood rapidly, and can cause immediate effects.

Dandelion Root Tincture Side Effects

Supplement products containing dandelion and/or dandelion pollen have caused allergic reactions in some users.

A small percentage of users have also experienced diarrhea and stomach upset. Most people experience no ill effects from dandelion root. No serious or permanent side effects are associated with this herb.

Dandelion Root Tincture Interactions

The bioactive plant chemicals in dandelion root tinctures may interact with certain health conditions and medications.

You should talk to a doctor before combining dandelion root with blood thinners including aspirin, warfarin and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Be careful and watch for side effects if using this herb with other medications including:

• Lithium
• Antidiabetic drugs
• Potassium-sparing diuretics
• Quinolone antibiotics
• Medicines that are broken down in the liver

Use caution if combining dandelion liquid tinctures with herbal supplements including danshen, ginger, garlic, fenugreek, devil’s claw, ginseng and Siberian ginseng.

Do not use dandelion root tinctures if you have a bleeding disorder, allergies and/or kidney dysfunction without first consulting with your doctor.

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