Dandelion root

Silver· human data

Also known as: Taraxacum officinale

A traditional liver and diuretic herb with little rigorous human evidence.

Dandelion is a common plant used traditionally as a mild diuretic and 'liver tonic', and appears in detox and digestive formulas.

There is a little human data (for example a small study on its diuretic effect) but rigorous outcome trials are lacking, so its uses rest largely on tradition. Generally safe as a food and tea; caution with certain diuretics or if allergic to related plants.

Sources

Related supplements

Written and reviewed by Mathew Beale, MSc Biotechnology, University of Reading.

Last reviewed: