dandelion Health Article

Generic name(s):

dandelion

Brand name(s):

What is the most important information I should know about dandelion?

Do not take dandelion without first talking to your doctor if you

• have gallbladder problems,

• have diabetes or if you take medicine to control blood sugar levels,

• take a diuretic (water pill), or

• take an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin).

You may not be able to take dandelion, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Dandelion has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of dandelion may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

What is dandelion?

The use of dandelion in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

Dandelion is also known as Taraxacum officinale, lion's tooth, blowball, cankerwort, priest's crown, swine snout, and wild endive.

Dandelion has been used for its nutritional value as well as for water retention, regulation of blood glucose, upset stomach, urinary tract infections, kidney and bladder stones, liver and gallbladder complaints, and loss of appetite.

Dandelion has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of dandelion may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Dandelion may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discusss with my health care provider before using dandelion?

Do not take dandelion without first talking to your doctor if you

• have gallbladder problems,

• have diabetes or if you take medicine to control blood sugar levels,

• take a diuretic (water pill), or

• take an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin).

You may not be able to take dandelion, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Also, before taking dandelion, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants) or if you have any other medical conditions or take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Dandelion may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take dandelion without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether dandelion will harm an unborn baby. Do not take dandelion without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether dandelion will harm a nursing infant. There is no information available regarding the use of dandelion by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.