
General Information
OTHER NAMES: Taraxacum officinale, butter flower, lion's tooth, pee-a-bed, and others.
HISTORY: The first documented use was in the 10th and 11th centuries in China and India, it was also used by the early Indigenous people in North America
PROPERTIES: Diuretic, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antiinflammatory
Considered Uses
Cardiovascular: Heart failure
Throat: Tonsillitis
Gastrointestinal: Loss of appetite, dyspepsia (indigestion) (German Commission E), intestinal gas, laxative, liver problems, gallstones
Genitourinary: Possibly helps prevent urinary tract infections
Musculoskeletal: Muscle aches, arthritis
Neurologic:
Skin: Skin toner, eczema
Glucose: May help to lower blood sugar
Cancer: Possibly anti-proliferative effects
Other: Diuretic (especially in swelling of extremities)(root tea), possibly deters blood clotting as an anticoagulant (NIH), weight loss (NIH-more studies needed)
* * *
SIDE EFFECTS: Heartburn, allergic reaction, diarrhea
CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: Gallbladder problems, ragweed and related plants), bleeding disorders, kidney failure. Lots of potential drug interactions to include lithium, some antibiotics, CYP450 1A2, may decrease the effects of medications metabolized by the liver, caution with antidiabetic medication, other diuretics or "water pills," antacids
FORMS: Tea, powder, tincture, fresh, capsules, extracts, tablets
Recommended Brands
No recommended brands available at this time.
Dosage
As directed on the product label.
Some clinical and consumer sources describe a wide range of herbal amounts, and many are not supported by strong evidence. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Traditional herbal practices describe various ways this plant has been prepared, including teas, roots, and tinctures. These traditional amounts vary widely and may not reflect the strength or formulation of modern commercial products.
The German Commission E has evaluated this herb and provides guidance on traditional preparation methods. Their specific dosing instructions are proprietary and cannot be reproduced here. Commercial teas and tinctures are typically pre‑measured to follow these traditional approaches.
For detailed drug dosing and interaction information, refer to herbal dosing on the Epocrates website.
Traditional Use (General Information Only)
This herb has been used traditionally in teas, root preparations, and liquid extracts. Traditional uses vary widely and are based on historical practices rather than modern clinical evidence.
These reflect traditional and consumer uses, not evidence‑based medical treatments. Product formulations vary, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions.
*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. You must investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.
