Dandelion Tincture – Benefits, Safety & How to Prepare

Dandelion tinctures are purported to promote healthy digestive function, cleansing and detoxification processes, and liver and gallbladder health.

In folk medicine, dandelions have been used for centuries to heal digestive ailments, cleanse the blood, improve circulation and support kidney function.

Dandelion is a member of the Taraxacum genus of plants in the Asteraceae family. The extract from the roots and leaves contain many beneficial phytochemicals that are purported to promote a range of physiological effects.

Some of the plant compounds identified include, “bitter taraxacins (eudesmanolides), sitosterol, stigmasterol, alpha- and beta-carotene, caffeic acid, mucilage, and an unusually high potassium content.” [10]

Dandelion extract tinctures are highly-concentrated liquid solutions that are easy to consume by mixing in water or tea. You can buy tinctures online or prepare your own at home from fresh dandelion plants.

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* ❯

Dandelion Tincture Uses

According to one source, “In almost every herbal healing tradition, the root of the dandelion has been used for the treatment of a variety of liver and gallbladder problems.” [10]

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that dandelion roots and leaves are used for conditions including heart failure, cancer, arthritis and certain skin disorders.

Dandelion tinctures are also used as laxatives, diuretics and to stimulate bile flow. They are also used for bruising, muscle aches, rheumatism and viral infections.

The German Commission E has approved the use of this plant as a natural remedy for anorexia, edema, dyspepsia, liver and gallbladder complaints, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and loss of appetite.

In Canada, it is approved as a diuretic, to help treat digestive disturbances, as a laxative (aperient), to increase bile flow (choleretic) and to increase urine production.

Dandelion root tinctures are said to have a pleasantly bitter taste and to act as an astringent.

In traditional Chinese medicine, this herb known as Pu Gong Ying was believed to clear away excess heat and work as a blood tonic. It was used as an antipyretic to prevent or reduce fever and considered an antidote to heat toxicity.

According to one source, it is still recommended by Chinese herbalists for, “acute mastitis, lymphadenitis, boils and carbuncle, acute conjunctivitis, cold and fever, acute tonsillitis, acute bronchitis, gastritis, hepatitis, urinary tract infection, hot eyes, acute pharyngitis” and more. [11]

How to Make Dandelion Tinctures

Common dandelions grow almost everywhere. They are able to thrive even in poor growing conditions. You can harvest your own dandelion greens, roots and flowers and use them to make an alcohol tincture.

It is recommended to avoid harvesting dandelion greens and roots near large population centers. Pesticides and other soil, water and air toxins are common in cities. Consider harvesting wild, organic dandelions in rural areas where permitted.

Dandelion Tincture Recipe

Take a spade shovel and dig down and around the base of a dandelion plant. Gently pry it upward out of the ground.

Then shake off loose dirt from the taproot and place the entire plant in a harvesting bag. For your tincture, you will only need the leaves and roots. The flowers and stems are not used.

Make sure you have the following materials to prepare your own tincture at home:

• Dandelion roots and greens;
• Large Mason jar;
• 100-proof vodka;
• Cutting board;
• Masking tape;
• Cheesecloth;
• Sharp knife;
• Wax paper;

Preparing the Plants

The first step is to wash the plants. Some sources recommend soaking the dandelions whole in a 5-gallon bucket of clean water. This helps to make sure there are no bugs, dirt, weeds, sand or other contaminants on the plants before making the tincture.

After soaking for at least an hour, wash the plants off gently in a sink. Use your fingers or a vegetable brush to help remove stubborn dirt.

Make sure the plants are very clean and then place them on a drying rack and pat them dry with a towel. You may also dry them off in a salad spinner.

At this point, the roots and leaves are still attached by the nodule between them. You may cut this nodule away.

Dirt and bugs can remain stuck in these nodules. Your finished tincture will be purer if you cut them out.

Next, place the dry roots and leaves on your cutting board. Cut them into small pieces. For the leaves, roll them up and slice the into half-inch ribbons. Chop the roots into pieces about1/4 to ½ inch. Place all cut plant parts into the Mason jar.

Use a wooden spoon to lightly pack the plants into the Mason jar. Do not over-pack the jar. Fill it enough to ensure no wasted space from air pockets. Continue until the plants are packed in about 3 inches below the rim of the jar.

Making the Alcohol-Based Tincture

Now add in 100-proof vodka until you cover the plants by at least an inch or liquid.

It is important to use at least 100-proof because the water contained in the plants will dilute the alcohol. If the alcohol concentration drops below 37.5%, the tincture may rot instead of ferment.

Cover the top of the Mason jar with a square of wax paper. Then place the lid on and screw it down tight.

Shake the jar vigorously to mix the alcohol with the plants. Remove the lid and check whether you need to add more alcohol to re-cover the plants to at least one-inch alcohol depth.

Place a masking tape label on the jar so that you know what it is and when it was made. Your label might read something like: 50% Alcohol Dandelion Tincture: June 2018.

It is time to allow the tincture to sit and ferment. It is recommended to allow a minimum of two weeks time to rest. Waiting 4 to 6 weeks is better and up to 4 months is best.

During this time, the dandelion tincture should be kept in a cool and dark place. Once a week, take it out and shake it gently to redistribute the contents inside the jar. Do not open the tincture as this can interfere with the extraction process and reduce the quality of the finished product.

After waiting between 2 weeks to 4 months, the tincture is ready to be strained with a cheesecloth. You can strain the tincture into any suitable container and then place it back into its labeled jar when finished straining.

Always keep your dandelion tincture stored in a dark, cool locations. These homemade tinctures can be stored for several years.

Dosages and Safety

Dandelion tinctures are commonly used in half-teaspoon doses, 3 or 4 times daily or as desired. Dosages can vary depending on the potency of the tincture. It can be difficult to determine recommended dosages with homemade products due to variations in concentration.

One brand of dandelion root tincture sold on Amazon advertises itself as a “Super concentrated Dandelion extract: dry material / menstruum ratio 1:3”. [10]

This product has a recommended dosage of 20-30 drops, taken three times a day or as directed by a medical practitioner.

According to the manufacturer, “The best way to use liquid herbal tinctures is to put the suggested amount in a glass of tea, water, or juice and drink the entire contents.” [10]

Use of liquid dandelion tinctures may not be appropriate for everyone. Some people may prefer to use non-alcohol based tinctures instead of solutions prepared with alcohol

These products should be kept out of reach of children and should not be used by pregnant or nursing mothers. It should not be taken by people with biliary tract (bile duct) obstruction or gallstones without first consulting with your physician.

Dandelion is general well tolerated and considered safe to use in medicinal amounts. Some people experience mild side effects including allergic reactions, development of mouth sores, stomach upset or heartburn.

Dandelion tinctures may increase the risk for bleeding and may interact with certain medications. Check with a doctor before taking this product if you have been diagnosed with any medical conditions or are used prescription drugs.

Rate This Article

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5, rated)