8 Incredible Dandelion Root Benefits

Many consider dandelions a pesky yard weed—but did you know dandelions are incredibly nutritious and have powerful health benefits?

Dandelion root is an ancient herbal remedy used for centuries to promote a strong immune system, lower blood pressure, and support liver function.

Discover how dandelion can benefit your health and how to incorporate this nutrient-rich herb into your diet.

What is dandelion root?

Dandelions may look like a flower, but they’re perennial herbs that grow in lawns and grassy areas worldwide. Many consider them a weed, but dandelions are highly nutritious and linked to many health benefits.

Dandelion is a medicinal plant, and dandelion extracts have been used for centuries as a natural remedy to treat kidney disease, support liver function, promote digestive health, and stimulate bile flow. 

All parts of the dandelion plant are edible, including the dandelion leaves, greens, flowers, and roots. Dandelion roots are typically long, dark brown, and contain a white milky fluid with a slightly bitter taste. 

While dandelion root is edible, it has a somewhat tough and stringy texture. It’s typically roasted and dried and used to make teas, extracts, and tinctures, or it’s milled into a fine powder that’s often added to dietary supplements.  

Watch the video below to learn more about dandelion’s impressive health and nutrition benefits. 

Health benefits of dandelion root

Dandelions are incredibly resilient plants that thrive in even the most inhospitable environments. They’re rich in plant chemicals, including phytochemicals and polyphenols, that protect the plant from the harmful effects of insects, microbes, drought, and extreme temperatures. 

These plant compounds also profoundly impact human physiology, which explains why dandelions are so beneficial for your health.   

Here are eight potential health benefits of dandelion root. 

1. Nutritional powerhouse 

In addition to being rich sources of phytochemicals, including taraxasterol, taraxerol, and chlorogenic acid, dandelions also provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Dandelions are an excellent source of:

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin K

• Vitamin E

• Beta-carotene

• Folate

• Potassium

• Magnesium

2. Natural diuretic 

If you suffer from swollen ankles or are at risk of high blood pressure, dandelion may be an excellent choice for you.  

Electrolyte imbalances are a common reason for fluid retention, which is when your blood volume and pressure increase, causing fluid to accumulate in your feet and ankles.

Dandelions are rich in taxerol, a phytochemical with potent diuretic properties that can stimulate urine production and promote normal fluid balance.

In addition, dandelion root is rich in potassium, an essential electrolyte that regulates your body’s fluid volume, supports healthy blood pressure, and reduces fluid retention. 

3. Improve metabolic health 

Regularly consuming dandelion is linked to improved metabolic health and a lower risk of developing diabetes and fatty liver disease. 

This study suggests that dandelions contain more than 20 phytochemicals that are thought to improve carbohydrate metabolism and blood sugar regulation, support balanced insulin levels, and stimulate the clearance of fatty acids from the liver.

Chronic inflammation is a main contributor to many metabolic imbalances and significantly increases the risk of diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. 

Many dandelion phytochemicals have potent anti-inflammatory properties that help the body to combat the effects of proinflammatory compounds, naturally supporting metabolic health. 

4. Support healthy detoxification 

Drinking dandelion tea can support detoxification and liver function. 

Dandelions are choleretic, meaning they stimulate the production and flow of bile needed to digest and absorb dietary fats. Bile also is crucial for detoxification as it binds to fat-soluble toxins and metabolic by-products and carries them through the digestive system for excretion.

In addition, dandelion promotes urine production, which is needed to detoxify water-soluble waste products, including hormones, drugs, chemicals, and other toxins.   

5. Aid hormonal balance 

Dandelion has been found to support healthy hormone regulation and promotes estrogen balance.  

Estrogen is an important sex hormone, but elevated levels can result in weight gain, fatigue, low libido, and endometriosis and can increase the risk of breast cancer in both men and women.   

Evidence suggests that dandelion leaf extract directly inhibits the activity of aromatase, an enzyme that converts inactive estrogen into its bioactive form. This supports healthy estrogen levels and promotes hormonal balance. 

6. Lower cancer risk 

Dandelion's potential anticancer properties haven't gone unnoticed, and scientists conducted several studies investigating dandelion's effect on cancer growth.  

It's thought that phenolic compounds in dandelions stimulate the activity of caspases, a group of enzymes that regulate cell cycles and cellular survival. Caspases appear to detect cancerous cells and effectively inhibit growth and proliferation, and trigger the cell death of cancer cells. 

Research suggests that dandelion consumption lowers the risk of breast, prostate, liver, and colon cancer.

7. Support skin health 

Dandelions are known to have potential benefits for skin health and have traditionally been used as a natural remedy for skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. 

Skin cells are exposed to sunlight radiation and other environmental factors that can cause inflammation and oxidation linked to premature skin aging and wrinkles. Dandelions are rich in antioxidants, a group of plant chemicals that can protect cells from oxidation and combat inflammation, supporting healthy and radiant skin. 

Dandelions are also rich sources of skin health-promoting nutrients, including vitamins C and K and beta-carotene. 

8. Support immune function

Studies have shown that dandelion root extract may help increase the production of white blood cells, which are crucial for immune function and protection from infection and disease. 

Additionally, dandelion root has antimicrobial properties that appear to lower the risk of viral and bacterial infections. This study found that dandelion extract can inhibit the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which may lower disease severity and improve health outcomes. 

How to use dandelion root

Roasted dandelion roots are edible and make a nutritious addition to salads. However, their texture can be tough, and dandelion roots are typically dried and used to make dandelion tea or dandelion tinctures. 

Because of dandelion's impressive benefits, dandelion supplements have become increasingly popular, and you can find dandelion extract in capsule form and in a range of dietary supplements that promote liver health and support kidney function.   

Dandelion leaves and flowers are excellent salad ingredients, and dandelion greens can be braised, sauteed, and steamed. 

Dandelion root dosage

There aren’t any official dosage recommendations for dandelion root products, and how much you should take will depend on the form in which it’s taken and the intended use. 

Dandelion tea typically contains around five to eight grams of dandelion root, and it’s generally safe to consume one to two cups daily. 

If you choose to supplement with dandelion capsules, it’s important to follow the instructions on the product labels. Most dandelion supplements contain around 1000 milligrams of dandelion root extract.  

The potency of dandelion tinctures can vary, and it’s crucial to check the recommended dosage. However, taking 10 to 15 drops twice daily is a common recommendation for dandelion tinctures.  

Potential risks and side effects of dandelion root

Dandelion root is generally considered safe, and consuming dandelion root daily is unlikely to cause adverse health effects. 

However, dandelion root has a mild diuretic effect and stimulates urination which can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Some people can experience allergic reactions when consuming dandelion. Dandelions belong to the Asteraceae family, and it’s best to avoid them if you are allergic to sunflowers, daisies, or ragweed. 

Like most medicinal herbs, dandelion root can interact with certain medications. Discuss dandelion use with your doctor if you take blood-thinning medicines, diuretics, or lithium-based drugs. 

Key takeaways

Dandelion root has impressive health benefits and has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments and to promote a healthy body. 

It’s rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and health-promoting phytochemicals that support digestive health, stimulate detoxification, and may significantly lower the risk of prostate, breast, and colon cancer.

Dandelion root is edible and often used in the form of teas, extracts, and tinctures. Because of dandelion’s many health benefits, dandelion supplements are widely available at health food stores.

FAQ

1. Can you eat dandelions from your backyard?

Yes, it's safe to eat dandelions from your backyard if they haven't been exposed to pesticides or other chemicals. Also, if you have pets, ensure the plants weren't exposed to urine and wash dandelions thoroughly. 

2. Can I take dandelion root everyday?

Consuming moderate amounts of dandelion root daily is unlikely to cause adverse health effects. 

If you are taking a dandelion supplement, it's important to follow the instructions on the label to avoid excessive intake and potential side effects.

3. What are the side effects of taking dandelion root?

Dandelion root is generally considered safe. However, some people are sensitive to dandelions and may experience side effects, including stomach upset, diarrhea, and dehydration.

4. Who should avoid using dandelion root?

Like many other medicinal herbs, dandelions can interact with certain medications. If you are taking prescription medication, including diuretics, blood thinners, or lithium-based drugs, it's best to discuss dandelion use with your doctor.  

There is an increased risk of allergic reaction in response to dandelion intake in people allergic to Asteraceae, including sunflowers, daisies, or ragweed.

5. Does dandelion root detox the body?

Dandelion root stimulates bile flow, which is essential in supporting the liver's detoxification pathways and helps bind and excrete toxins, hormones, and metabolic by-products. 

In addition, dandelion root promotes urination, which helps to flush out water-soluble waste.

6. How can I use dandelion root? 

Although dandelion root is edible, it's typically roasted and dried and can be used to make teas, supplements, and tinctures. 

All parts of dandelions are edible, and dandelion greens and flowers are nutritious additions to salad.

7. What does dandelion root do to cancer cells?

Research suggests that dandelion root extract directly inhibits the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. 

It’s thought that dandelion stimulates the activity of caspases, a group of enzymes that regulate healthy cell cycles and trigger apoptosis, or cell death, of cancerous cells.