Dandelion Leaf

The invasive and pervasive dandelion is often thought of as a pesky weed that can take over even the most immaculately manicured lawn. The irony is that dandelions are one of the best medicines to help the body clear out toxins and pollutants, including chemical herbicides and fungicides that many lawns are laden with to destroy it. This gives credence to a herbalists’ saying: “the cure grows near the cause.”

The highly nutritious dandelion plant is loaded with vitamins, minerals and fibre and all parts can be used medicinally, including the flower, leaves and roots. Dandelion leaf is one of the most powerful, yet gentle, diuretics making it useful for oedema, hypertension and water retention from any cause. It acts as a simple and safe diuretic stimulating and enhancing kidney function. Pharmaceutical diuretics can negatively affect blood potassium levels however dandelion leaf is a source of potassium so it is nutritive, rather than depleting, because it balances the sodium-potassium exchange that happens in the kidneys. In The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine author, Simon Mills, explains: “…in work on the leaves researchers have found a pronounced diuretic effect, improved by the fact that the potassium content is so high (3 times that usual for plant tissues) that the normal potassium loss of diuresis is more than replaced, leading to a net increase in potassium levels after the use of dandelion for diuresis.” 

Dandelion leaf is also used to stimulate the appetite and assist digestion. It is known as a bitter and salty spring tonic and is an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K. It also contains vitamin E, folate and small amounts of other B vitamins. Along with potassium, dandelion leaf also provides a substantial amount of several minerals including iron, calcium and magnesium. While more research is needed in humans to confirm some emerging health benefits, preclinical results suggest dandelion leaf may improve bone health and reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Other studies suggest it may boost immune health through its antimicrobial, antiviral and antibacterial properties which may support the body’s ability to fight infection. Dandelion leaf may also be a useful skin care treatment. Animal and test-tube studies suggest that it may protect against skin damage caused by sun damage, aging and acne.

References

Maier K. Energetic Herbalism. Vermont: Chelsea Green Publishing. 2021. p. 243

Maier K. Energetic Herbalism. Vermont: Chelsea Green Publishing. 2021. p. 243-46

Mills S. The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Penguin:London. 1991. p.432

Link R, Hill A. 13 Emerging Health Benefits of Dandelion. Healthline Media. (updated Jan 4 2022; accessed Jun 14 2022).  Available from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dandelion-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_17