Dandelion  digestive health, urinary health and liver health properties

Dandelion root and leaf are used for gastrointestinal ailments. The European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recommends dandelion root for "restoration of hepatic and biliary function, dyspepsia [indigestion], and loss of appetite." The German Commission E authorizes the use of combination products containing dandelion root and leaf for biliary abnormalities, appetite loss, dyspepsia, and for stimulation of urine flow (diuresis). Naturopathic practitioners also prescribe dandelion to detoxify the liver and gallbladder, reduce side effects of medications metabolised by the liver, and relieve symptoms associated with liver disease

While research supports the health benefits of dandelion in the above areas it may have an effect on increasing bile production and secretion, so people with gallstones or other related diseases should avoid using dandelion leaf and root

Research linking Dandelion to Digestive Health

Bisset NG, Wichtl M (Editors), "Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals", second edition, 2001, medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, Stuttgart, Germany

Herbal Remedies/ Heilpflanzen, Version 5, 2003, medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, Stuttgart,  Germany

Blumenthal M, "The Complete German Commission E Monographs", 1998, American Botanical Council, Austin, Texas, USA

Research linking Dandelion to Urinary Health

Monographs

ESCOP Monographs. 2003, 2nd Edition; p499-501 (leaf).UMM.

Herb-monograph DandelionTaraxacum officinale. Monograph. Alt MedRev 1999; 4(2):112-4.

Authoritative body

National Institute of Health, Herbs and Supplements Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Textbooks

Bisset NG. Herbal drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Medpharm Scientific Publishers, Stuttgart. 1994; p486.

British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. 1996; p68-9.

Research linking Dandelion to Liver Health

Authoritative body

National Institute of Health. Herbs and Supplements Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).

Monographs

ESCOP Monographs. 2003, 2nd Edition; p502-3 (root).

UMM. Herb-monograph Dandelion Taraxacum officinale. Monograph. Alt Med Rev 1999; 4(2):112-4.

Textbooks

Bisset NG. Herbal drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Medpharm Scientific Publishers, Stuttgart. 1994; p486.

British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. 1996; p68-9

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