Dandelion Leaf
(Taraxacum officinale)

General Info

Active Forms

Absorption

Dietary Sources

Dosage Info

Dosage Range
Capsule: 250-500mg, 2 to 3 times a day taken with food.

Liquid extract: (1:1w/v fresh leaf, 1:4w/v dried leaf) 1-2 teaspoonfuls (5-10ml) mixed with a favorite beverage, 2 to 3 times a day taken with food.

Tea: The dried leaf of dandelion can also be prepared as a tea. Place 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls in a cup of boiling water. Allow this to steep or sit for at least 10 minutes; strain. Drink one cupful, 2 to 3 times a day as needed for excess fluid.

Most Common Dosage
Capsule: 500mg, 3 times a day taken with food.

Liquid extract: (1:1w/v fresh leaf, 1:4w/v dried leaf) 1 teaspoonful (5ml) mixed with a favorite beverage, 3 times a day taken with food.

Tea: The dried leaf of dandelion can also be prepared as a tea. Place 1 teaspoonful in a cup of boiling water. Allow this to steep or sit for at least 10 minutes; strain. Drink one cupful, 2 times a day as needed for excess fluid.

Dosage Forms

Adult RDI

Adult ODA

Overview

Interactions

Drug/Herb Interactions
•	Diuretic medications
•	digoxin
•	lithium

Dandelion has historically been used as a valuable food and medicinal agent. The leaf contains a high content of vitamins and minerals, including: vitamin A (14,000 IU/100gm fresh leaf) and potassium (297mg/100gm dried leaf).(1, 2) Dandelion leaf is reported to possess diuretic properties.(3)

The leaf is commonly used as a diuretic that has potassium sparing qualities. There have not been human clinical studies to support these uses, but many years of positive use by physicians around the world warrant further research.

Toxicities & Precautions

General
No toxicity is reported.(4)

Allergy
Some individuals may experience contact allergic reactions to dandelion.(5)

Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
Use with caution in pregnancy or nursing.

Age Limitations
Do not use in children under 2 years of age unless recommended by a physician.

Symptoms & Causes of Deficiency

Footnotes

¹ Bradley PR, ed. British Herbal Compendium. vol.1. Bournemouth: British Herbal Medicine Association; 1992:73-74.
² Popov AI, et al. Mineral Components of Dandelion Leaves. Vopr Pitan. 1993;3:57-58.
³ Newall CA, et al. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press;1996:96-97.
⁴ Bisset NG, ed. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Stuttgart: Scientific Publishers; 1994:213.
⁵ Davies MG, et al. Contact Allergy to Yarrow and Dandelion. Contact Dermatitis. April 1986;14(4):256-57.

Dandelion Leaf(Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion Leaf
(Taraxacum officinale)