Overview

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a plant that may be used in foods, as a tea, and in dietary supplements. Many parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, roots, and flowers, are used for various health reasons. However, research on dandelion is limited, and its benefits and risks are not well defined. Common side effects may include diarrhea, indigestion, or upset stomach. Before taking dandelion, make sure to tell your health care provider about any upcoming surgeries or health conditions you have and medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is dandelion used for?

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is used for various reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use dandelion include the following.

• Diabetes
• Indigestion (dyspepsia)
• Kidney or bladder problems
• Liver or gallbladder problems

Note: The FDA has not reviewed dandelion for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does dandelion work (mechanism of action)?

Dandelion is a flowering plant called Taraxacum officinale. The leaves and stems of dandelion are sometimes eaten in salads or used as a garnish. Dietary supplements and teas that contain dandelion are usually made from its root, but some products may be made from its flowers, leaves, and stems.

The leaves and stems of dandelion contain many nutrients, including potassium, carotenoids, and vitamins A, C, and D. The roots contain various chemicals, including triterpenes, that may have effects in the body. However, these effects are not well researched or understood. It is not clear if or how dandelion may work for any use.

Herbal products, such as dandelion, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific dandelion product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store dandelion?

You should store dandelion according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of dandelion?

The most common side effects of dandelion are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Upset stomach

There may be other side effects of dandelion that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of dandelion?

While less common, the most serious side effects of dandelion are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Dandelion may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using dandelion and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use dandelion?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use dandelion.

• Dandelion
• Lion’s tooth
• Taraxacum officinale
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific dandelion products they stock.

What should I know about dandelion before using it?

Dandelion is used as a food, tea, and dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep dandelions out of the reach of children.

Children may have a higher risk of developing an allergic reaction to dandelion, especially if they have a history of other allergic reactions (atopy) or a history of allergic conditions, such as asthma or eczema. Before giving teas or supplements that contain dandelion to a child, talk to your health care provider about this risk.

Herbal products, such as dandelion, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific dandelion product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year it was harvested, and the way it was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Dandelion is available in many different forms, which may be made from different parts of the plant. For example, dandelion products can come from the root, leaf, stem, or flower of the plant. Some of these parts may be used as foods or made into liquid extracts, teas, or dried ground powders. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant, and each plant part contains different chemicals that may have different effects in the body. It is important to read the label to confirm which part of the plant was used to make that product.

The FDA has not tested dandelion products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using dandelion?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if dandelion is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Allergic Conditions.People who have a history of allergic reactions (atopy) or those with allergic conditions such as asthma or eczema may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to dandelion. This risk may also be higher in children. Talk to your health care provider if you have any of these conditions before taking dandelion.

Allergies to Certain Plants.Dandelion is part of the Asteraceae(daisy) family of plants. People who have an allergy to other plants in this family may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to dandelion. Some examples of other common plants in the Asteraceae family include arnica, marigold, chamomile, yarrow, ragweed, aster, echinacea, and chrysanthemum. If you have an allergy to one of these plants, talk to your health care provider before taking dandelion.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
• Liver problems

Other Medicines and Supplements.Dandelion may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking dandelion, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how dandelion could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if dandelion passes into breast milk. Although there is interest in using dandelion to increase milk production, its benefits and risks for this use are not well defined. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does dandelion interact with foods or drinks?

There is not enough research to know if dandelion interacts with foods or drinks, including alcohol.

Does dandelion interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking dandelion.

• A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
• A medicine for diabetes

The interactions between dandelion and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with dandelion is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking dandelion with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much dandelion?

If you or someone else has used too much dandelion, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Dandelion is available in many different doses and forms. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take dandelion safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.