Dandelion

Borne of the Asteraceae family of plants, the Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis WEB.) grows wild throughout much of the world and is grown in parts of Europe for its medicinal uses. Related to chicory, dandelion is considered by many to be a common garden weed, yet the whole plant is valued for its healing properties, particularly its sweet roots and leaves which are found in supplements. The young leaves can often be found in salad dishes.

History of Use

Folk healers have long prescribed dandelion for liver and digestive problems.

Dandelion also has anti-inflammatory properties, and in Europe, it has traditionally been used for conditions such as rheumatism, fever, sore throat, jaundice and as laxative and tonic.

Today, dandelion is more commonly found combined with other herbs in herbal medicinal products and used as a mild diuretic to relieve water retention and the associated, uncomfortable symptoms such as a bloated feeling.

Since April 2014, all herbal medicines for sale in the UK must be approved by the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) having been rigorously checked for safety and quality. They must also display the Traditional Herbal Registration ‘THR’ logo on their pack.

Registered traditional herbal medicinal products containing dandelion are used to relieve the symptoms of mild water retention. It is also used in combination products to relieve indigestion associated with over-indulgence with food and drink. Based on traditional use only.

The following products contain Dandelion

• 
  Digestisan Oral Drops
  
  Digestisan is a traditional herbal medicinal product used to relieve indigestion and feelings of fullness and flatulence associated with over-indulgence in food or drink or both. Based on traditional use only.
  Read more
• 
  HRI Water Balance
  
  HRI Water Balance is a traditional herbal medicinal product used to relieve the symptoms of mild water retention. Based on traditional use only.
  Read more