Dandelion
Also called: Taraxacum officinale
A common plant whose bitter root and leaves are used for digestion. The leaf acts as a mild diuretic, and the root is traditionally used to support the liver and bile flow. Research in people is limited.
Supplements can interact with medications and aren't right for everyone, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with a chronic condition. Ask your provider before you start.
Studied for
- Digestion and appetite (as a bitter)
- Mild fluid retention (leaf)
- Liver and bile support (root, traditional use)
Found naturally in
- Dandelion greens
- Roasted dandelion root tea
Label red flags
- Doesn't say whether it's leaf or root (they're used for different things)
Check with a provider
- Allergy to ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or related plants
- Taking diuretics or lithium (its diuretic effect may change lithium levels)
- Kidney disease, or taking potassium-sparing diuretics (the leaf is high in potassium)
- Gallstones or a blocked bile duct
Usually found in liver and detox teas, digestive bitters, water retention formulas. Browse Dr. Lesher's dispensary
Parts of the body it affects
Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.
Liver
Your liver filters your blood, processes hormones and medicines, and makes bile to digest fat.
Kidneys
Your kidneys filter waste from your blood, balance fluids and minerals, and help control blood pressure.
Digestive tract
Your stomach and intestines absorb nutrients and hold most of your body's immune tissue, which makes the gut a common target in autoimmune disease.
Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0
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Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.