Dandelion

What are other names for this remedy?

Type of medicine: natural remedy

Scientific and common names: Taraxacum officinale, dandelion, blowball, cankerwort, lion's tooth, priest's crown, swine snout, wild endive

What is dandelion?

The dandelion plant is an herb. Dandelion is a hardy plant that can grow to a height of nearly 12 inches. Dandelions have deeply notched, shiny, spatulalike leaves and bright yellow flowers. The dark brown roots are fleshy and brittle and are filled with a bitter white milky substance. The entire plant is used medicinally.

What is it used for?

Dandelion has been used to:

• relieve gas and constipation
• increase appetite
• increase urination and help decrease water retention (as a diuretic)
• prevent urinary tract infections (UTI)
• treat liver and gallbladder problems
• treat muscle and joint pain
• treat eczema.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.

How is it taken?

Dandelion may be taken by mouth as capsules, a tincture, or prepared as tea.

Dandelion leaves may be used to add flavor to salads, sandwiches, and teas.

What should I watch out for?

Do not take dandelion if you have:

• an allergy to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, chamomile, yarrow, or daisies
• gallbladder problems.

In some people, dandelion can cause increased stomach acid and heartburn. If put directly on the skin, it might irritate your skin.

Females of childbearing age: If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not take large doses of this remedy without your healthcare provider's approval. You may eat dandelion as a food in normal amounts.

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or considering. If your provider does not give you specific instructions, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:

• Natural remedies are not always safe.
• You should not take them if you are pregnant or breast-feeding without your healthcare provider's approval. They should not be taken by infants, children, or older adults without your provider's approval.
• They affect your body and may interact with prescription medicines that you take.
• Natural remedies are not standardized and may be contaminated. They may have different strengths and effects.

What are the side effects?

Along with its desirable effects, this herb may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the herb. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Other: Heartburn, mild rash.

What products might interact with this remedy?

When you take this remedy with other medicines, it can change the way this remedy or any of the medicines work. Vitamins and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Before taking this remedy, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• antacids and other medicines to lower stomach acid such as sucralfate (Carafate), ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet), lansoprazole (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium), omeprazole (Prilosec), rabeprazole (AcipHex), and pantoprazole (Protonix)
• digoxin (Lanoxin)
• diuretics (water pills) such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyazide, Maxzide), and spironolactone (Aldactone)
• diuretic herbs such as uva ursi, juniper, buchu, horsetail, and yarrow
• lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
• supplements (K-dur, K-lor, Kaon-CL, Klor-con).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.

This advisory includes select information only. The information was obtained from scientific journals, study reports, and other documents. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the information. The advisory may not include all side effects associated with a remedy or interactions with other medicines. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation for the use of any remedy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.