Does dandelion lower cholesterol? (2023)

Who should avoid taking dandelion?

Do not use dandelion if you are taking a blood thinner, such as warfarin. You should also avoid dandelion if you have gallbladder problems, have diabetes or are taking medicine to control blood sugar levels, or are taking a diuretic.

In some people, dandelion can cause increased stomach acid and heartburn. It may also irritate the skin. People with kidney problems, gallbladder problems, or gallstones should consult their doctors before eating dandelion.

The polysaccharides in dandelion are known to reduce stress on the liver and support its ability to produce bile. They also help your liver filter potentially harmful chemicals out of your food.

When you are discussing with your doctor whether or not dandelion tea will counteract with any medications or health issues you may experience, it is recommended you also discuss a safe dosage with your doctor. According to Keene, many people drink dandelion tea daily (with some drinking it up to four times per day).

Dandelion leaf is a safe and gentle herb for stimulating the kidneys and helping them to function efficiently. It contains bitter glycosides, carotenoids, potassium, iron and other minerals, and is regularly used by herbalists to treat fluid retention which often causes swollen ankles and generally puffy skin.

It Could Promote Liver Health

Preliminary studies suggest this is due, in part, to its ability to increase the flow of bile. Naturopaths believe it means that dandelion root tea could help detoxify the liver, help with skin and eye problems, and relieve symptoms of liver disease.

Dandelion leaves are also believed to have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system due to their high potassium content (397 mg potassium/100 g) [19,23]; indeed, increased potassium intake with food (about 3500 mg/day for an adult) has been found to lower blood pressure [23].

Dandelion tea contributes to weight loss due to its diuretic qualities. It helps to remove excess fluid from the body, which when overweight often lingers in the cells, interfering with healthy metabolic processes.

Dandelion has a diuretic effect, due to which unwanted fluid is eliminated from the body. This helps to reduce blood volume, which reduces the load on the heart. Due to this property, dandelion lowers blood pressure, therefore, decoctions and infusions based on it are recommended for use in hypertension.

A detox like this can be done anywhere from three to ten days, with the average being seven. There is no increased benefit from going on a detox lasting longer than ten days. A dandelion root liver cleanse may cause a few unpleasant side effects. Some people experience a mild laxative effect.

Can dandelion be harmful?

When taken by mouth: Dandelion is likely safe for most people when consumed in the amounts commonly found in food. It is possibly safe when taken in larger amounts. Dandelion might cause allergic reactions, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or heartburn in some people.

The dandelion root increases liver function, which flushes toxins and excess water from the belly area and in turn gives you a flatter tummy. Just 2-4 cups a day does the trick.

Dandelion leaf is a diuretic, meaning it promotes urination thereby helping weight loss without side effects. It also removes toxic substances from the kidneys and entire urinary system. Plus, its disinfectant properties inhibit bacterial growth, preventing future UTIs.

Since of the benefits of dandelion tea is that it acts like a natural diuretic, it's best to drink it in the morning. However, research did show that the third cup did not have as much effect as the first two cups.

It has several beneficial properties; it is anti-diabetic, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory. In some studies, dandelion components were shown to act by inhibiting oxidative stress in liver injury, reducing high cholesterol, and reversing streptozotocin-induced diabetes [127].

Dandelion tea is high in vitamin A and vitamin C, both of which boost the immune system and encourages healthy cell growth. It also helps our eyesight and reduces the signs of premature aging. Dandelions are also brightened with vitamin K which helps bone health and is essential to blood clotting.

Some compounds in dandelion may decrease triglyceride and cholesterol levels, both of which are key risk factors for heart disease. In one test-tube study, dandelion leaf and root extract decreased triglyceride accumulation in fat cells ( 10 ).

Taraxacum official (dandelion) leaf extract alleviates high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver.

While dandelion is not traditionally known as a sleep-inducing food, we have found using the liver-cleansing properties of dandelion to be a valuable aid in helping sleep. A healthy liver will balance blood sugar. Blood sugar fluctuations and drops are a major factor in insomnia and waking at night.

Does dandelion boost metabolism?

Dandelion root extract and tea may help promote fat metabolism ⁱ. and lower its absorption. They are diuretics and can reduce water retention in the body. Since dandelion tea has fewer calories, it can be a healthy alternative to sugar-laden sodas.

It can help flush false fat.

Dandelion root contains diuretic compounds that spur the kidneys to release excess water weight, according to research in The Journal of Complementary Medicine. The payoff: Women who sip the tea can flush up to five pounds and two belly inches in 48 hours.

P2. A typical dosage of dandelion root is 2 to 8 g, 3 times daily of dried root; 250 mg, 3 to 4 times daily of a 5:1 extract; or 5 to 10 ml, 3 times daily of a 1:5 tincture in 45% alcohol. The leaves may be eaten in salad or cooked.

Dandelion greens are also edible. The best time to harvest the leaves is when they are still young and tender, before the plant begins to flower. Tender leaves taste great when chopped fresh into salad. As the leaves grow older they become increasingly bitter.