Dandelion
Dandelions (Taraxacum officinalis) are a common weed.
Uses:
- Dandelion leaf and roots are a food, not a lowly weed! The very bitter leaves can be sautéed in oil or boiled.
- One study in rats found that dandelion tea increased the ability of the body to remove toxins.
- Dandelion is a gentle diuretic that can help rid your body of excess fluid (if you make urine).
- Dandelion contains antioxidants, which can help the body repair cell damage.
- A component of dandelion called taraxinic acid may be useful for treating leukemia. More studies are needed to know for sure.
Forms: Leaves and roots, capsules
Cautions
- Wash leaves very well and make sure you know that they have not been sprayed with lawn pesticides.
- One half cup of boiled greens has 121 mg of potassium (one half cup of boiled spinach has 419 mg).
- It is possible to be allergic to dandelion—if so, you might notice a rash.
- If you take blood-thinning drugs like heparin, warfarin (Coumadin®), or aspirin, you may want to avoid dandelion, which may increase the risk of bleeding because it contains coumarin.
- Because of its high mineral content, dandelion may reduce blood levels of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin.
