Dandelion Root
(Taraxacum officinale)

General Info

Active Forms

Absorption

Dietary Sources

Dosage Info

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

Liquid extract: (1:1w/v fresh root, 1:4w/v dried root) 1-2 teaspoonfuls (5-10ml) in orange juice or other beverage, 2-3 times a day.

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

Liquid extract: (1:1w/v fresh root, 1:4w/v dried root) 1 teaspoonful (5ml) in orange juice or other beverage, 3 times a day.

Dosage Forms

Adult RDI

Adult ODA

Overview

Dandelion has historically been used as a food source and medicinal agent. Dandelion is reported to possess diuretic, laxative, cholagogue, and antirheumatic properties.(1) The root has been used for cholecystitis, gallstones, jaundice, atonic dyspepsia with constipation, muscular rheumatism, and oliguria, but the main uses have been for dyspepsia and cholecystitis.(2)

Dandelion root products are commonly used in Europe, especially Germany, for disorders of bile secretion (choleretic), appetite stimulation, and dyspeptic complaints. There have not been human clinical studies to support these uses.

Toxicities & Precautions

General
No toxicity is reported in recommended dosages.(3)

Allergy
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to dandelion.(4)

Health Conditions
Based on pharmacology, use with caution if biliary obstruction or gallstones are present.(5)

Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
If pregnant or nursing, consult a physician before use.

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

Symptoms & Causes of Deficiency

Footnotes

¹ Newall CA, et al. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press;1996:96-97.
² Newall CA, et al. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press;1996:96-97.
³ Bisset NG, ed. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Stuttgart: Scientific Publishers; 1994:213.
⁴ Davies MG, et al. Contact Allergy to Yarrow and Dandelion. Contact Dermatitis. Apr1986;14(4):256-57.
⁵ McGuffin M, et al. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press;1997:114.

Dandelion Root(Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion Root
(Taraxacum officinale)