Medically CitedIn This Article
Benefits Of Dandelion Root Extract
The dandelion plant is often considered to be just a pesky weed. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In folk medicine, as well as some cuisines, the dandelion plant is appreciated for its health benefits and slightly bitter taste. All parts of the plant can be used for making salads, teas, and tinctures, but most people today like to take dandelion root extract for convenience reason. If you’re thinking about taking dandelion root extract, here are 25 benefits of dandelion root extract you’ll enjoy.
1. Prevents UTI
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) often co-occur with water retention. Since dandelion roots act as a natural diuretic, you can both prevent and treat UTIs. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine even confirmed the diuretic effects of dandelion. [1]
2. Improves Liver Health
A preliminary study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology found that the extract of dandelion root protected the liver against oxidative stress caused by alcohol. The study was conducted because dandelion has traditionally been used as a liver detox herb among other things. [2]
3. Reduces Water Weight
If you are prone to water retention, then sipping on some dandelion root tea can help. Dandelion is traditionally used as a diuretic in folk medicine, and the root part of the plant seems to be especially efficient in helping rid excess water weight.
Reduces Water Weight
4. Provides Important Nutrients
Including all parts of the plant into your daily diet will provide you with plenty of vitamin B6, vitamin K, vitamin A, calcium, and iron. Dandelion is also a rich source of vitamin D, dietary fiber, and riboflavin.
5. Prevents Certain Cancers
A study published in a 2011 issue of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that certain antioxidants found in dandelion root extract prevented drug-resistant melanoma cells from proliferating. [3]
6. It Can Wean You Off Of Coffee
If you are a coffee addict, then you can make dandelion coffee from a special preparation of the dandelion root. This popular coffee substitute is made by roasting young dandelion roots. You can either make your own or purchase at a health food store.
7. Promotes Weight Loss
One Korean study found that dandelion could possibly inhibit a process called pancreatic lipase. This, in turn, can lead to greater weight loss. Pancreatic lipase is when the pancreas releases an enzyme during digestion that helps break down fat. [4]
8. Better Digestion
Dandelion root tea was also traditionally used to help with digestive disorders. It can help with a poor appetite, chronic constipation, and minor stomach upset. However, there are no studies yet to prove if this is true.
9. Can Help With Leukemia
Leukemia is a dangerous type of blood cancer that is often difficult to treat. A promising study published in the journal Blood mentions three cases where elderly patients completely recovered from leukemia just by drinking dandelion root tea. [5]
10. Diabetes Prevention
The antioxidants found in dandelion root can help with diseases that are strongly linked to inflammation such as diabetes. However, there are not enough relevant studies to confirm this and the treatment is limited to folk medicine.
11. Stronger Bones
The antioxidants in dandelion root can prevent age-related bone damage. In addition to this, dandelion root is a rich source of calcium and vitamin D which are both important for healthy bones.
12. Appetite Control
Appetite Control
Dandelion roots are a rich source of a special dietary fiber called insulin which can help make you feel fuller for longer. However, you’d get this benefit only if you drank dandelion root coffee substitute or when taking dandelion root as an extract.
13. Reduce PMS Symptoms
Dandelion root can also help with menstrual disorders according to some claims. The benefit may actually come from the diuretic effect of dandelion root as PMS symptoms are often associated with water retention.
14. Treat Anemia
Anemia is blood disorder commonly caused by low levels of iron in our diet. Dandelion root is a rich source of iron and vitamin C which is important for iron absorption.
15. Lower Bad Cholesterol
Taking dandelion root extract may even lower bad cholesterol according to some animal studies. This effect is believed to be a result of dandelion root preventing the breakdown of fat as well as due to the antioxidants found in the herb. [6]
16. Improves Blood Health
Improves Blood Health
Dandelion root is considered to be a natural tonic, alleviating blood acidity. The optimal sodium content of dandelion root can also improve blood health by improving mineral absorption.
17. Antioxidant Protection
Being a rich source of potent antioxidant, dandelion root can also provide protection against free radical damage. Free radicals can cause oxidative stress in the body which is associated with many diseases.
18. Lowers Blood Pressure
Those with high blood pressure can benefit greatly from taking dandelion root extract or dandelion root in any other form. The diuretic effect of dandelion root has a direct effect on blood pressure. Other than that, dandelion root is rich in potassium which is important for cardiovascular health.
19. Better Gallbladder Health
Dandelion root boosts bile production and also reduces whole-body inflammation which can improve overall gallbladder functioning and reduce your risk of gallstones.
20. Natural Pain Relief
Foods that are antioxidants and contain fatty acids, like dandelion root extract, can also be said to reduce inflammation in the body, which, in turn, can provide significant pain relief after consistent use.
21. Stronger Immune System
Some also believe that dandelion root can boost immune system functioning. This is also likely to be due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action of dandelion root.
22. Depression Treatment
Depression is a complex disease that may be partially a result of nutritional deficiencies and inflammation. Dandelion root is a rich source of mood-enhancing B vitamins, and its anti-inflammatory effect can also provide depression relief.
23. Protection Against Microbes
A study published in Journal of University of South China found that dandelion helps kill bacteria that was resistant to antibiotic treatment. [7]
24. Healthy Skin
Because dandelion root is so high in antioxidants, consuming the extract of this healing herb will also show on the skin. Dandelion root extract can be especially helpful for acne, rosacea, and eczema.
25. Sexual Health
Because dandelion root extract is said to improve cardiovascular health as well as boost the mood, the effects may show on sexual functioning as well. Dandelion root can be said to treat erectile dysfunction and low libido when taken on a regular basis.
Final Verdict
Dandelion root extract is a convenient way to get the many dandelion health benefits associated with dandelion root consumption. Studies have confirmed that this herb works wonders, mostly on liver, gallbladder, and kidney health. Additionally, alternative medicine has recognized that this potent herb provides a range of other benefits that research has yet to confirm.
7 Sources
We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.
[1] Clare BA, Conroy RS, Spelman K. The diuretic effect in human subjects of an extract of Taraxacum officinale folium over a single day. J Altern Complement Med. 2009;15(8):929-934. doi:10.1089/acm.2008.0152[2] You Y, Yoo S, Yoon HG, Park J, Lee YH, Kim S, Oh KT, Lee J, Cho HY, Jun W. In vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective effects of the aqueous extract from Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) root against alcohol-induced oxidative stress. Food Chem Toxicol. 2010 Jun;48(6):1632-7. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2010.03.037. Epub 2010 Mar 27. PMID: 20347918.
[3] Chatterjee SJ, Ovadje P, Mousa M, Hamm C, Pandey S. The efficacy of dandelion root extract in inducing apoptosis in drug-resistant human melanoma cells. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:129045. doi:10.1155/2011/129045
[4] Zhang J, Kang MJ, Kim MJ, et al. Pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity of taraxacum officinale in vitro and in vivo. Nutr Res Pract. 2008;2(4):200-203. doi:10.4162/nrp.2008.2.4.200
[5] Dandelion Root and Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.V122.21.5216.5216
[6] Choi UK, Lee OH, Yim JH, Cho CW, Rhee YK, Lim SI, Kim YC. Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root and leaf on cholesterol-fed rabbits. Int J Mol Sci. 2010 Jan 6;11(1):67-78. doi: 10.3390/ijms11010067. PMID: 20162002; PMCID: PMC2820990.
[7] He W, Han H, Wang W, Gao B. Anti-influenza virus effect of aqueous extracts from dandelion. Virol J. 2011;8:538. Published 2011 Dec 14. doi:10.1186/1743-422X-8-538
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