Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) 2 oz (60ml)

This plant by many is considered a weed, grows almost in all parts of the world but its  amazing benefits almost always are overlooked. Fresh plant is highly nutritious, packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Here are some benefits of Dandelion secondary metabolites:

(Click here to get access to database of all scientific clinical and test tube studies on Taraxacum officinale)

1. Contain potent Antioxidants

Dandelion are a rich source of beta-carotene and polyphenolic compounds, both of which are known to have strong antioxidant capabilities that can prevent aging and certain diseases.

2. Effective in reducing Inflammation

Small animal and test-tube studies suggest that dandelion have a significant anti-inflammatory capacity, though more research is needed to better understand how dandelion affect inflammation in humans.

3. May control blood sugar levels

Chicoric and chlorogenic acid are two bioactive compounds in dandelion. They’re found in all parts of the plant and may help reduce blood sugar. Test-tube and animal studies show that these compounds can improve insulin secretion from the pancreas while simultaneously improving the absorption of glucose (sugar) in muscle tissue.

4. May reduce cholesterol level

Some animal studies have shown reduced cholesterol levels after consuming dandelion. More research is needed to understand how this plant affects levels in humans.

5. May lower blood pressure

Traditional herbal medicine practices use dandelion for their diuretic effect based on the belief that this can detoxify certain organs. In Western medicine, diuretic medications are used to rid the body of excess fluid, which can lead to lowered blood pressure. One human study found dandelion to be an effective diuretic. However, this study was done over a short period and involved only 17 people.

6. May promote healthy liver function

Animal studies have found that dandelion have a protective effect on liver tissue in the presence of toxic substances and stress. One study revealed significant protection of liver tissue in mice exposed to toxic levels of acetaminophen (Tylenol). Researchers attributed this finding to dandelion’s antioxidant content. Other animal studies have shown that dandelion extract may reduce levels of excess fat stored in the liver and protect against oxidative stress in liver tissue. More studies are needed to confirm the same effect on human body.

7. May fight cancer

Several test-tube studies have found that dandelion is effective in reducing the growth of cancer cells in various organ tissues. More research is needed to draw conclusions about its efficacy for preventing or treating cancer in humans.

8. May support healthy digestion and treat constipation

Research indicates that dandelion may increase contractions and movement of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, acting as a treatment for constipation and indigestion. This effect is likely due to the prebiotic fiber inulin.

9. May boost your immune system

Some research indicates that dandelion may have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which could support your body’s ability to fight infection. Several test-tube studies found that dandelion extract significantly reduced the ability of viruses to replicate. Research also indicates that some of the active compounds in dandelion protect against various harmful bacteria. Ultimately, more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions about dandelion’s ability to fight viral and bacterial infection in humans.

INTERACTIONS AND POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS!!!

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if dandelion is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Eczema: People with eczema seem to have a higher chance of having an allergic reaction to dandelion. If you have eczema, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking dandelion.

Bleeding Disorders: Dandelion might slow blood clotting. In theory, taking dandelion might increase the risk for bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Ragweed allergy: People who are allergic to ragweed and related plants (daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds) might be more likely to be allergic to dandelion. But conflicting data exists. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking dandelion.

Kidney failure: Dandelion might reduce how much oxalate is released through urine. In theory, this might increase the risk for complications in people with kidney problems.

• Antibiotics (Quinolone antibiotics) interacts with DANDELION

  Dandelion might decrease how much antibiotic the body absorbs. Taking dandelion along with antibiotics might decrease the effectiveness of some antibiotics.
  
  Some antibiotics that might interact with dandelion include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex), norfloxacin (Chibroxin, Noroxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), trovafloxacin (Trovan), and grepafloxacin (Raxar).

• Lithium interacts with DANDELION

  Dandelion might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking dandelion might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

• Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with DANDELION

  Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver.
  
  Dandelion might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking dandelion along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking dandelion, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
  
  Some medications that are changed by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), haloperidol (Haldol), ondansetron (Zofran), propranolol (Inderal), theophylline (Theo-Dur, others), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, others), and others.

• Medications changed by the liver (Glucuronidated Drugs) interacts with DANDELION

  The body breaks down some medications to get rid of them. The liver helps break down these medications. Dandelion might increase how quickly some medications are changed by the liver. This could decrease how well some of these medications work.
  
  Some of these medications changed by the liver include acetaminophen, atorvastatin (Lipitor), diazepam (Valium), digoxin, entacapone (Comtan), estrogen, irinotecan (Camptosar), lamotrigine (Lamictal), lorazepam (Ativan), lovastatin (Mevacor), meprobamate, morphine, oxazepam (Serax), and others.

• Water pills (Potassium-sparing diuretics) interacts with DANDELION

  Dandelion contains significant amounts of potassium. Some "water pills" can also increase potassium levels in the body. Taking some "water pills" along with dandelion might cause too much potassium to be in the body.
  
  Some "water pills" that increase potassium in the body include amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), and triamterene (Dyrenium).

*These Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA

*This product is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent  illnesses. Consult your physician before implementing herbal extracts into your diet. Herbal compounds and extracts are very powerful and may interact with medication and may not be recommended if pre-existing conditions are present.