Wild Endive
Scientific Name: Dandelion
Other Names: Blowball, Canker Wort, Irish Daisy, Leotodon taraxacum, Lion's Tooth, Puffball, Taraxacum officinale
Should I take it?
The familiar dandelion features a bright yellow flower at the end of a hollow central stalk that sprouts from a low cluster of long, sharply-toothed leaves. Usually regarded as a nuisance in the United States, dandelion species grow profusely throughout Asia, Europe, and North America. In some parts of Europe, the plants are grown commercially on farms and marketed as a good vegetable source for several vitamins and minerals that include vitamin A, potassium, and iron. Young dandelion leaves are often added to spring salads and both the leaves and the roots of young plants can be stewed and served as a vegetable or cooked in soup. Dandelion wine is sometimes made from the flowers in parts of the American Midwest. Dandelion roots are dried, roasted, and ground into coffee-like beverages in many parts of the world. Medically, the roots of dandelion are used most, but its leaves also contain chemicals that may have medical properties.
Dosage and Administration
Usually, dandelion is available as dried flowers and leaves or as a liquid extract made from the whole dandelion plant. Extracts are concentrated liquid preparations made by soaking chopped or mashed plant parts in a liquid such as alcohol, and then straining out the solid parts. The remaining liquid may then be dried and made into tablets or capsules. Dried dandelion is brewed into a tea by soaking one or 2 teaspoons of dried dandelion in about 8 ounces of hot water. Due to its bitter taste, dandelion tea is usually sweetened or flavored before drinking. One teaspoon or 2 teaspoons of dandelion extract can be taken orally, instead-either in water or alone. Capsules containing dandelion are available commercially. Dandelion is frequently taken three times a day.
Unsweetened dandelion tea may be cooled and applied as a skin wash for minor ailments such as bruises or rashes. Dandelion juice may be made by chopping or crushing the tops of the plants and then squeezing the juice into a clean container. Either dandelion tea or juice may be applied as often as needed.
Summary
When taken orally, dandelion may have mild diuretic and laxative properties. It is also being tested in animal studies for possible lowering effects on blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Risks
Because it may increase the flow of bile from the gallbladder, dandelion should not be used by individuals with gallstones, gallbladder disease, or bile duct obstruction. If individuals with diabetes use it orally, they should also check their blood sugar levels carefully to make sure they do not develop hypoglycemia.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth, dandelion can cause upset stomach. When handled or applied to the skin, dandelion has caused contact allergic responses in a few individuals who are especially sensitive to it or to members of the daisy family of plants.
Interactions
Dandelion may affect the way that insulin, oral antidiabetic drugs and "water pills" work. It could also counteract the effects of antacids and other drugs that reduce stomach acid production.
Last Revised October 10, 2007
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Should I take it? 
