Dandelion Root/Extract???

[umcanesfan]

Lately I have been reading up on ways to rid excess water weight and ran across Dandelion Root. Looks like it has a number of benefits to overall health. My question is would it be safe to take a all natural herbal dandelion extract on a daily basis or is it something that should only be taken for a certain amount of time...

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Dandelion & Dandelion Root: Benefits and Side Effects
Dandelion is a common weed that grows widely throughout the northern hemisphere in pastures, meadows and lawns, mostly in temperate climates. The name dandelion means lion?s tooth, and the plant is named for the jagged edges of its leaves that resemble teeth.

Though dandelion is considered a weed, its roots and tops are valuable for medicinal purposes. Dandelion root contains an abundance of nutritive salts that make it useful as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments. The medicinal use of dandelion root dates back to at least tenth century Arabia, where it was used to treat liver conditions. The plant has a bitter, endive-like quality, and it is unusually rich in a variety of nutrients. Dandelion grows wildly in abundance, but it is also cultivated for medicinal use. The leaves can be cooked or used raw in salads, and they are also used to make wine or ground for use as a coffee substitute.


Dandelion root contains a bitter, milky juice that is thought to be capable of energizing the body. It also has properties that can detoxify the body and purify the blood.

In India, dandelion root is used as a remedy for liver disorders. It is considered an excellent diuretic, largely because of it high potassium content. While pharmaceutical diuretics tend to deplete the system of potassium, the mineral?s abundance in dandelion root ensures that the body will not suffer the side effect of potassium loss from the use of dandelion as a diuretic. In addition to potassium, dandelion root also contains high levels of sodium that help to balance electrolytes in the blood. This quality makes the plant useful in restoring balance after severe vomiting. Dandelion root can also help neutralize acids in the blood, and it is widely used as a mild laxative as well.

People with liver ailments, such as jaundice and cirrhosis, can take dandelion root to help induce the flow of bile from the liver, helping to detoxify the body. Dandelion root also aids digestion, and it is an excellent tonic for the endocrine system. In addition, dandelion is used to lower cholesterol and uric acid levels in the body, and its rich iron content makes it useful for treating anemia. The juice in the stem and root of dandelion can be used as an astringent to dry up warts, blisters, corns and acne.

Dandelion root is available as a freeze-dried herb, in capsules, in liquid extracts and tinctures, and as a tea. Because of its bitter taste, dandelion is often combined with other herbs, such as licorice, sassafras or ginger to make a tea that has a flavor similar to root beer. Typical dosages of dandelion root are 2 to 8 grams three times per day of dried root, 250 mg three or four times per day in capsule form, and 5 to 10 ml three times per day of tinctures of dandelion root.

What about dandelion side effects?
Though dandelion is generally safe and gentle, some people may have an allergic reaction to the milky latex in the stem and leaves. Dandelion root should not be taken with pharmaceutical diuretics or drugs that have a diuretic action. People who are taking medications for diabetes should use dandelion root with caution, as it may intensify the blood sugar lowering effects of those drugs.

[CONTROLLED LABS]

not something that should be taken chronically in higher doses imo

[umcanesfan]

This is the label of a bottle I was looking at yesterday at GNC for $8. I tried to ask the rep working about it but she was a young chick who admitted she knew nothing about anything in the store.

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As a dietary supplement, take one capsule daily.





Serving Size 1 Capsules
Servings Per Container 100



Amount Per Serving % DV




Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale) 550.00 mg **




** Daily Value (DV) not established




Other Ingredients: Gelatin, Maltodextrin

No Sugar, No Artificial Color, No Artificial Flavors, Sodium Free, No Wheat, No Gluten, No Soy, No Dairy, Yeast Free

Storage Instructions: Store in a cool dry place.

Warning: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing or taking medication, or have a medical condition. Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

[foxbody351w]

There are many natural herbal diuretics that are "safe" for longer periods of time at a natural health food store NOT GNC..They usually have a natropath on staff or books with herbal guidelines on what to take, how much, and when to take...

I like to drink dandelion tea or juniper tea for diuretic effects..also you could incorporate asparagus into your diet which has some diuretic properties.

[dvsness]

There is no reason to use diuretics chronically, no matter how mild or natural. If you think you are holding too much water, drink more, lower sodium intake and eat some asparagus. Fwiw, most people who think they are retaining water are just fatter than they anticipated.

[LionDo]

There is no reason to use diuretics chronically, no matter how mild or natural. If you think you are holding too much water, drink more, lower sodium intake and eat some asparagus. Fwiw, most people who think they are retaining water are just fatter than they anticipated.

I have seen a lot of wrestlers who will take dandelion root the few days before a competition to rid the body of those last few pounds of water before weigh-ins. You don't want to take any diuretic for an extended period of time. My fighters will use Albolene its a cream type material that is packaged as a make-up remover, but when you rub it lightly on your skin it opens the pores and makes you sweat more. Boxers have been using it for years.

[dvsness]

I have seen a lot of wrestlers who will take dandelion root the few days before a competition to rid the body of those last few pounds of water before weigh-ins. You don't want to take any diuretic for an extended period of time. My fighters will use Albolene its a cream type material that is packaged as a make-up remover, but when you rub it lightly on your skin it opens the pores and makes you sweat more. Boxers have been using it for years.

We is diuretics in bodybuilding as well, to peak for the stage. These are both instances of achieving something for a brief time.