Grown in many parts of the world, dandelion is mostly known as a stubborn weed that never leaves your garden or lawn.

Dandelions are also known as Taraxacum spp. They are a family of flowering plants.

In traditional herbal medicine, these flowering plants are admired for their huge array of medicinal properties.

They have been used to treat numerous physical ailments, including digestive disorders, acne, cancer, and liver disease, for centuries.

In this article, we will give you 13 dandelion health benefits, as well as their dosage and supplement forms.

1. They may help fight inflammation

Dandelion contains various bioactive compounds like polyphenols, which may help fight inflammation caused by disease.

Inflammation is the natural response of your body to illness or injury, which can lead to permanent damage to your tissues and DNA over time.

Some test-tube studies have found that cells treated with dandelion compounds had significantly reduced inflammation markers.

In addition, one study in mice with artificially induced inflammatory lung disease found that those administered with dandelion showed a significant reduction of lung inflammation.

However, further human study is still necessary to fully elucidate dandelion’s role in reducing inflammation in humans.

2. They may promote blood sugar control

Dandelions contain two bioactive compounds, chicoric and chlorogenic acid, which may help reduce blood sugar.

These compounds have been found in test-tube and animal studies to improve insulin secretion from the pancreas while also improving glucose (sugar) absorption in muscle tissue.

This process causes reduced blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity.

Moreover, chicoric and chlorogenic acid have also been found in some animal studies to limit the digestion of starchy carbohydrate foods; this may be one of the contributors of dandelion’s potential ability to lower blood sugar.

Although early study results are encouraging, further human study is still necessary to confirm whether or not dandelions work the same way in humans.

3. They may help reduce cholesterol

Dandelion contains bioactive compounds that may lower cholesterol, which can reduce the risk for heart disease.

A study in mice treated with dandelion extract found dramatic reductions in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

A study in rabbits administered with dandelion examined the effect of adding dandelion leaves and roots to a high-cholesterol diet and found a reduction in cholesterol levels.

Although these results are stimulating, further human research is necessary to determine its potential effects on cholesterol in humans.

4. They may lower blood pressure

Dandelion has been believed to reduce blood pressure; however, supporting evidence is lacking.

In the traditional herbal medicine practices, dandelion have been used for their diuretic effect, as they are believed to detoxify certain organs.

Diuretic medications are used in Western medicine to eliminate the excess fluid in the body, leading to reduced blood pressure.

Dandelions have been found in one human study to be an effective diuretic; however, it was only a short-term, small human study, involving only 17 people.

Considering that dandelions contain potassium and that potassium is associated with reduced blood pressure in people with previously elevated levels, the plants may also have an indirect effect on blood pressure.

It is noteworthy that this effect applies to any potassium-rich foods—and not only to dandelion.

5. They may help fight cancer

Dandelions have also been claimed to help prevent the growth of cancerous cells in various organ systems.

A test-tube study revealed that dandelion leaf extract has reduced growth of cancerous cells. However, dandelion flower or root extract did not have the same result.

In addition, other test-tube studies have shown dandelion root extract to have the capacity to dramatically slow cancer cell growth in colon, liver, and pancreatic tissue.

Although findings are intriguing, further human research is fundamental to fully elucidate dandelion’s effect on treating or preventing cancer in humans.

6. They may treat constipation and support healthy digestion

Dandelions have been used in traditional herbal medicine to treat symptoms of impaired digestion, including constipation. This has been supported by some early research though.

An animal study found that rats administered with dandelion extract experienced a significant increase in the rates of stomach contractions and emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine.

What’s more, dandelion root holds a significant amount of the prebiotic fiber inulin, which has been found to have a strong capacity to increase intestinal movement and reduce constipation.

7. They may boost your immune system

Dandelion has been shown to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which could support your body’s immune system.

Dandelion extract has been shown in several test-tube studies to significantly reduce the ability of viruses to replicate.

In addition, some of dandelion’s active compounds have been demonstrated to protect against various harmful bacteria.

Ultimately, further human research is necessary before coming up with definitive conclusions about the plants’ ability to prevent viral and bacterial infection in humans.

8. They may be a good skincare treatment

Test-tube and animal research have indicated dandelion’s ability to help protect against skin damage from sunlight, acne, and aging.

In fact, dandelion leaf and flower extracts have been shown in one study to protect against skin damage when applied before or immediately after UVB radiation (sunlight) exposure. Interestingly, dandelion root was not as effective as dandelion leaf and flower extracts.

Aging skin involves reduced production of healthy, new skin cells.

Dandelion root extract has been shown in one test-tube study to increase the generation of new skin cells, which might slow the aging process.

In addition, it has been indicated in another research to reduce skin inflammation and irritation while also increasing collagen production and hydration, which may be helpful in treating and preventing certain types of acne.

To better understand how dandelion may support skin health, reliable human research is still necessary.

9. They may support healthy bones

Although some of dandelion’s individual nutritional components contribute to the maintenance of healthy bones, little research has been conducted on the effects of dandelion on bone health.

Dandelion greens are rich in vitamin K and calcium, which are linked to the prevention of bone loss.

A fiber found in dandelion root, inulin may help support healthy bones through the promotion of healthy gut bacteria and improved digestion.

10. They may promote a healthy liver

Dandelions have been found in animal studies to have a protective effect on liver tissue in the presence of toxic substances and stress.

A study in mice exposed to toxic levels acetaminophen (Tylenol) revealed significant protection of liver tissue. The finding has been attributed to dandelion’s antioxidant content.

Dandelion extract has been found in other animal studies to protect against oxidative stress in liver tissue and reduce levels of excess fat stored in the liver.

However, human and animal metabolism are different, so the same result should not be expected in humans. More human studies are necessary to determine how the plant impacts liver health in humans.

11. They may help you lose weight

Dandelion and their bioactive components have been found in some research to support weight loss and maintenance. The data is however not entirely conclusive.

Some researchers believed that dandelion’s ability to reduce fat absorption and improve carbohydrate metabolism may cause weight loss. However, it’s not yet scientifically proven.

A study in mice has linked weight loss to dandelion supplementation. However, it should be noted that it was not the main focus of the study; it was an accidental finding.

A compound found in dandelion called chlorogenic acid has also been found in another study in obese mice to reduce body weight and levels of some fat-storage hormones. Then again, it should be noted that the study did not specifically evaluate dandelion’s impact on obesity prevention and weight loss.

Further human study is necessary to determine a clear cause-and-effect relationship between weight management and dandelion.

12. They are highly nutritious

Dandelions are highly nutritious, from root to flower. In fact, they can join the rankings with the rest of your vegetable garden when it comes to nutritional content.

They are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Dandelion greens are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. They also hold folate, vitamin E, and small amounts of other B vitamins.

What’s more, they contain a substantial amount of several minerals, including magnesium, iron, calcium, and potassium.

Often dried and consumed as a tea, dandelion root is rich in the carbohydrate inulin—a type of soluble fiber present in plants that is important in the growth and maintenance of a healthy bacterial flora in your intestinal tract.

13. They hold potent antioxidants

Dandelions have such broad applications for health because they are full of potent antioxidants, which are molecules that help prevent the adverse effects of free radicals in the body.

Although they are a product of normal metabolism, free radicals can be very destructive. Too many free radicals could lead to disease development and accelerated aging. Therefore, antioxidants are vital to maintain a healthy body.

Containing high levels of the antioxidant beta-carotene, dandelion may provide strong protection against cellular damage and oxidative stress.

Dandelion dosage and supplement forms

Dandelion stems, flowers, and leaves can be eaten cooked or raw; the root is usually ground, dried, and consumed as a coffee substitute or tea.

Dandelion can also come in supplemental forms, such as extracts, capsules, and tinctures.

Since very little human research has been conducted on dandelion as a supplement, no clear dosage guidelines have been set.

Based on some data available, suggested daily dosages for different forms of dandelion are as follows:

• Fresh roots: 2–8 grams
• Fresh leaves: 4–10 grams
• Dried leaves: 4–10 grams
• Fluid extract: 5–10 ml (1–2 teaspoon)
• Fresh leaf juice: 5 ml (1 teaspoon), twice daily
• Dried powder: 250–1,000 mg, four times per day
• Leaf tincture: 2–5 ml (0.4–1 teaspoon), three times a day

Dandelion side effects

Having low toxicity, dandelions are likely safe for most people, especially when consumed in its whole form.

However, it should be noted that research available is still very limited. Its use is not 100% risk-free.

Dandelion can lead to allergic reactions, especially in people with plant-related allergies. It may also cause contact dermatitis in people with sensitive skin.

In addition, they may also unfavorably interact with some medications, including antibiotics and certain diuretics.

It is always best to consult your healthcare provider before taking dandelion, especially if you are taking any prescription medications.

Conclusion

Dandelion may be generally safe for people who are not allergic or taking certain medications.

Although they can be a unique, nutritious addition to your wellness routine, they should not be treated as a replacement for a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, especially when it comes to disease prevention and treatment.

Dandelions have the ability to provide some health benefits—but you should not rely on them. Although there are several dandelion uses listed above, very little research on specific applications for dandelion, especially in humans, has been conducted.

Should you decide to add a new herbal supplement to your diet, always consult your healthcare provider.