Dandelion

© Steven Foster

This fact sheet provides basic information about dandelion—common 

names, what the science says, potential side effects and cautions, and 

resources for more information.

Common Names—dandelion, lion’s tooth, blowball

Latin Name—Taraxacum officinale

Dandelion greens are edible and are a rich source of vitamin A. 

Dandelion has been used in many traditional medical systems, 

including Native American and traditional Arabic medicine.

Historically, dandelion was most commonly used to treat liver diseases, 

kidney diseases, and spleen problems. Less commonly, dandelion was 

used to treat digestive problems and skin conditions. Today, traditional 

or folk uses of dandelion include use as a liver or kidney “tonic,” as a 

diuretic, and for minor digestive problems.

The leaves and roots of the dandelion, or the whole plant, are used 

fresh or dried in teas, capsules, or extracts. Dandelion leaves are 

used in salads or as a cooked green, and the flowers are used to 

make wine.

What the Science Says

There is no compelling scientific evidence for using dandelion as a 

treatment for any medical condition.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Dandelion use is generally considered safe. However, there have 

been rare reports of upset stomach and diarrhea, and some 

people are allergic to the plant.

• People with an inflamed or infected gallbladder, or blocked bile 

ducts, should avoid using dandelion.

• Tell all your health care providers about any complementary 

health practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do 

to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and 

safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers 

about complementary and alternative medicine, see NCCAM’s 

Time to Talk campaign at nccam.nih.gov/timetotalk/. 
Sources

Dandelion. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com on June 9, 2009.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturalstandard.com on

June 9, 2009.

Dandelion root with herb. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E 

Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:359-366.

For More Information

Visit the NCCAM Web site at nccam.nih.gov and view Using Dietary Supplements Wisely

(nccam.nih.gov/health/supplements/wiseuse.htm).

NCCAM Clearinghouse

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226

TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615

E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov

PubMed®

Web site: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

Web site: www.ods.od.nih.gov

NIH National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus

Dandelion Listing: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/706.html

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.

NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the 

medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to 

discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of 

any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.

National Institutes of Health

♦♦♦

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

D302

Created January 2006

Updated April 2012