Potential health benefits of dandelions include providing antioxidants, lowering blood pressure, regulating blood sugar, and managing weight.

Dandelion is a plant with yellow flowers. Taraxacum officinale is the most common variety of this plant, and it grows in many parts of the world.

Botanists consider dandelions to be herbs. People use different parts of dandelions for medicinal purposes, including the:

  • leaves
  • stems
  • flowers
  • roots

Dandelions may benefit human health in a number of ways as part of a balanced diet and supplement regimen. However, as with all dietary or supplement changes, people should speak with a doctor before incorporating it into their diet.

This article discusses the possible health benefits of dandelion, how to use it, and its possible side effects.

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Antioxidants work to neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals. The human body produces free radicals naturally, but they cause harm by accelerating aging or the progression of certain diseases.

Dandelions contain beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. ResearchTrusted Source shows that carotenoids such as beta-carotene play a vital role in reducing cell damage.

The flower of the dandelion is also full ofTrusted Source antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols.

Learn about the best antioxidant foods.

Dandelions contain bioactive compounds that may help lower a person’s cholesterol.

Research conducted in animals and test tubes has shown that dandelion may be able to help reduce blood lipids. This can include cholesterol and triglycerides.

It may be possible that people can use dandelion to help treat high cholesterol, but more research in humans is still necessary.

There is some evidence to suggest that dandelions contain compounds that may help with regulating blood sugar.

Some studies in animals suggest that dandelion’s hypoglycemic properties and ability to lower both insulin resistance and fasting blood glucose levels may help manage type 2 diabetes.

However, further research is required to make any definitive claims.

Some studies indicate that dandelion extracts and compounds may help reduce inflammation in the body.

In a 2022 reviewTrusted Source, researchers noted that chemicals present in dandelions may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Another 2022 studyTrusted Source also identified the anti-inflammatory benefits of dandelion in mice and zebrafish larvae.

More research in humans is necessary to further assess whether dandelion can effectively reduce inflammation in the human body.

There is little research to support the use of dandelion for lowering blood pressure.

However, dandelion leaves are a good sourceTrusted Source of potassium. A diet rich in potassium may helpTrusted Source reduce blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.

Some animal research suggests that dandelion could help with weight loss.

Polyphenols, compounds in dandelion leaf and plant extracts, may be usefulTrusted Source in managing obesity.

Strong evidence to support this claim is lacking, however.

Some limited research has indicated that dandelion may help reduce the growth of certain types of cancer.

So far, studies have looked at dandelion’s impact on cancer growth in test tubes and found that it may help slow the growth of certain cancers.

One 2017 studyTrusted Source examining cancer growth in a test tube determined that dandelion extract may help reduce the growth of liver cancer. Other research has shown similar benefits for:

However, research in humans is necessary to determine whether consuming dandelion actually protects against cancer.

There is some evidence that suggests that dandelions can help boost the immune system.

A 2021 review notes that dandelions have both antiviral and antibacterial properties. For example, one 2020 studyTrusted Source found that dandelions help limit the growth of hepatitis B in cells in test tubes.

However, researchers need to do more studies to determine the impact of dandelions on the immune system.

Some people use dandelion as a traditional remedy for constipation and other digestion issues.

According to a 2022 reviewTrusted Source, dandelion-derived products may help protect against gastrointestinal disorders. This may be due in part to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

However, more studies are necessary as research into the possible benefits of dandelion for digestive health is currently limited.

Some research indicates that dandelion may help protect the skin from sun damage.

Ultraviolet (UV) light causes considerable damage to the skin and contributes to skin aging. A 2015 studyTrusted Source on skin cells in a test tube found that dandelion could reduce the impact of one type of damaging UV light.

Protecting the skin from UV damage can help prevent premature aging. However, researchers need to conduct studies on humans to verify these results.

Research shows that dandelion may be able to help prevent and treat some liver diseases. This includes:

Researchers conducted this research in animals and test tubes, so human studies are necessary to determine if dandelion can actually be used medicinally for these purposes.

Dandelion leaves are sometimes present in salads, but they aren’t found in all areas. Picking dandelions in a backyard is unsafe due to the potential presence of pesticides or animal excrement.

However, it is possible to obtain dandelion supplements or teas and coffees infused with dandelion root. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized dandelion as generally being safe to include in food products.

Data on safe doses of dandelion supplements is limited. Similar to other supplements, its potency and effectiveness can vary widely between manufacturers.

Dandelion supplements can causeTrusted Source allergic reactions in some people. People should not use dandelion supplements if they are sensitive to dandelions or certain other flowers or plants, such as ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, or marigolds.

People trying supplements should follow instructions on the bottle for recommended doses and always speak with a doctor before taking them.

Is it OK to eat a dandelion?

Dandelions are generally safe to eat. They may be eaten in soup or salad, or the flowers can be used to make wine. However, it is best to eat them in moderation, as there is currently no informationTrusted Source about the safety of consuming them in large quantities.

Can I eat dandelions from my yard?

It may be safe to eat dandelions growing in a person’s yard, but there are some safety rules that should be followed. A person should never harvest and eat plants in a yard that has been sprayed with pesticides or from a yard close to a road that spreads fuel emissions or dust that may cover the plant.

When following safe practices, a person can generally consume the dandelion petals, roots, and leaves.

Are all dandelions the same?

Taraxacum officinale is the most common variety of dandelion, but there are actually hundreds of different micro-species.

Who should avoid taking dandelion?

According to the Northern New England Poison Center, regularly consuming dandelions or taking dandelion supplements may not be suitable for people who are taking certain medications, such as lithium, diuretics, blood sugar-lowering medications, or blood thinners.

It is best to contact a doctor for advice before adding dandelion to the diet.

Dandelions have many potential health benefits. Some research suggests that they may provide a good source of antioxidants, help reduce cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, boost the immune system, and reduce inflammation.

Dandelion may also lower blood pressure, aid in digestion and weight loss, promote skin and liver health, and reduce the risk of cancer.

However, many of the claims need additional research to prove the effectiveness of dandelions on health in humans.

It is best to contact a doctor before adding dandelions to the diet. The doctor can discuss the possible benefits, risks, and interactions with any medications a person may be taking.