Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Photo: Dominicus Johannes Bergsma · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Digestive
- 1 condition
- Licensed photo
Overview
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a pervasive perennial weed growing to about 20 in (50 cm), with jagged basal leaves, hollow flower stalks, and bright gold blossoms. Its flowers, leaves and root have traditionally been used in Mexican and other North American medicine, and oral products are promoted for indigestion; NCCIH says there is no compelling scientific evidence for using dandelion for any health condition.
Safety & precautions
General Safety: NCCIH says dandelion in food amounts is likely safe but less is known about larger amounts, and that it might interact with diabetes, blood-thinning and water pill medicines.
Educational reference only - not medical advice. Herbs can interact with medications. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. Full disclaimer.
Drug interactions
NCCIH describes possible interactions with dandelion as theoretical. [1]
- Diabetes medicines
- Theoretical according to NCCIH. MSK cites laboratory and animal findings of blood-sugar lowering that could add to these drugs. [1, 2]
- Blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs
- Listed by NCCIH as a theoretical interaction. [1]
- Diuretics (water pills)
- NCCIH lists diuretics as a theoretical concern. MSK notes animal and human studies suggesting dandelion's own diuretic action could add to theirs. [1, 2]
- Immunosuppressants and medicines broken down by liver enzymes
- MSK describes a case of toxic immunosuppressant levels attributed to a tea that contained dandelion, along with laboratory and animal findings on CYP1A2, CYP3A4 and UGT enzymes. [2]
How to read this section: each entry is HerbMate's summary of what the cited sources report. Words such as "may", "theoretical" or "in laboratory or animal studies" mean the effect has not been confirmed in people, and "case report" means it was seen in one or a few patients. A medicine that is not listed here has not been shown to be safe with this herb. The numbers in brackets link to the sources at the foot of the page.
Habitat
Widespread across much of the world, dandelion grows wild in temperate regions and is cultivated in Germany and France. It is typically started from seed in spring. The leaves can be picked in early spring for fresh salads or dried for later medicinal use, while the roots of two-year-old plants are generally harvested in autumn.
Sources
The interaction notes and the statements on this page that name a source were written by HerbMate from these references, which were last checked in October 2026. They are summaries, not medical advice; ask a pharmacist about your own medicines.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What safety cautions apply to Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)?
General Safety: NCCIH says dandelion in food amounts is likely safe but less is known about larger amounts, and that it might interact with diabetes, blood-thinning and water pill medicines.
Related herbs
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