You must have heard of many health benefits of dandelion root tea, especially for the liver. As you already know, it is essential to check the side effects of any herb before taking it; you must also understand what the possible side effects of dandelion root tea are.
Dandelion is commonly known with some common other names like common dandelion, dandelion extract, blowball, canker wort, dandelion herb, etc. It is a common herb that is available in Europe found in mild climates throughout the Northern hemisphere.
People use dandelion as an intake for acute and chronic diseases, muscle pains, eczema, and bruises, improve bile flow, tonsillitis, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, stomach upset, gallstones, Arthritis pain, etc. Dandelion root tea is also used as a laxative to increase bowel movements, increase urine production, and as a digestive tonic, blood tonic, and circulation tonic. Beauty experts say that it can also be used as a skin toner.
Some people consume dandelion to treat early stages of cancer, infections, especially viral infections, and urinary tract infections, commonly known as UTI. Dandelion contains chemical compounds that may increase urine production, which will reduce the effect of urinary tract infection or any viral infection. It also decreases pain and swelling in the joints.
In exotic foods, dandelion is used as salad greens, wines, and soups. The roasted dandelion root is also used as a coffee substitute.
Health Benefits of Dandelion Root Tea
Before knowing the side effects of dandelion root tea, contraindications, and interactions, let’s see the benefits. Certain health conditions can be treated using this herb:
● Joint pains- arthritis pains
● Skin diseases - eczema and bruises
● Constipation and stomach upset
● Tonsillitis
● Loss of appetite
● Intestinal gas
● Urinary Tract Infections or UTIs
Safety Concerns And Side Effects of Dandelion Root tea
Dandelion root tea is possibly safe to consume in smaller portions or suggested by health care providers along with the food. Some side effects of dandelion root tea, such as allergic reactions, heartburn, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, are seen in some people.
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Allergic Reactions
Dandelion root tea can cause allergic reactions when consumed or applied on the skin. People who are allergic to marigold chrysanthemums, which come under ragweeds-related plants, are likely to be allergic to dandelion root tea. If any of the symptoms such as rashes, itchy throat, are found, then stop drinking, check if you are allergic to any ragweed plant. Try to consult your health care provider before taking dandelion root tea.
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Kidney Failure
Due to dandelion root tea consumption, a compound called oxalate releases and comes out of the body through urine as intake of dandelion root tea increases urine flow. So complications might increase in the case of people with kidney problems.
Interactions of Dandelion Root Tea With With Certain Drugs
- Dandelion absorbs certain antibiotics, such as Quinolone antibiotics. These react upon the consumption of this herb. It also reduces the effectiveness of the medication explicitly taken for any other health issues. Take the healthcare provider's advice before consuming dandelion root tea if you are on antibiotics such as Norfloxacin and Cipro.
- People who are already facing kidney-related health issues should consult the doctor and nutritionist before consuming dandelion in any form.
- Medications changed by the liver like Cytochrome -substrates too interact with dandelion root tea. It has an effect on diuretic medicines; the vital compound to watch out for is potassium. Diuretic medicine contains potassium, which interacts with dandelion root tea. The potassium levels increase in the body, which is healthy for the human body. But, consult your doctor if you are taking any medications. You cannot estimate how much lithium is in the body, resulting in serious side effects. Consult your doctor as your lithium dose might need to be changed through treatment or medication.
- Medications changed by the liver include Glucuronidated drugs. An increase in the dandelion root tea’s consumption may interfere with the medicines related to liver issues and, thus, decrease the medicines' effectiveness. Consuming dandelion root tea and medicines that are broken down by the liver can increase the side effects of some medicines. Decrease dandelion root tea consumption and cross-check with the doctor if the medicine is interacting with dandelion root tea.
- This herb also reacts with the antidiabetic drug. Consumption of the dandelion root tea reduces blood sugar. Diabetic medicines are also used to lower blood sugar. This might increase the risk of blood sugar levels going too low; monitor your blood sugar regularly, and check if the medicines' dosage needs to be changed to regulate your blood sugar. Also, check the dandelion root tea dosage with your nutritionist, an herbalist, or a healthcare provider.
- Dandelion root tea may react with the drugs related to the clotting of the blood. It lowers blood clotting reactions with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, so be careful while consuming dandelion root tea as it might increase blood clotting time. In case of any significant injuries, it might increase the chances of bleeding and bruising.
Dosage of Dandelion Root Tea
The appropriate dose of dandelion root tea depends on many factors like the user's age, health, and other factors. At this point, there's not enough scientific information to work out an appropriate range of doses for dandelion root tea. Confine your mind that natural products aren't always necessarily safe, and dosages are often necessary. Follow relevant directions on the dandelion root tea product's label and consult your pharmacist or herbalist before using it.
However, it is suggested to start with one cup of dandelion root tea a day and gradually increase the number up to 3 cups a day while observing for any dandelion side effects. If there persists any, either resolve it or stop drinking dandelion root tea based on what the dandelion root side effects are.
