College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

 

AYURVEDIC FOODS

Dandelion Leaves Benefits (According to Ayurveda)


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How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW




Dandelion arrives on the spring scene just when the herb is needed most. Many herbs have this amazing quality - proliferating just when their healthful properties can really make a difference. The inspiring yellow flowers of dandelion celebrate spring's full swing, and the promise of good health in this new cycle.

Maybe dandelion's charm does not strike you - are you pulling them from your garden, or cursing their appearance on your lawn? Then you are missing out on a prized medicinal herb that holds helpfulness in its leaves, roots, and blossoms. The plant is a perfect spring tonic that cleanses the liver and cools the hot nature of Pitta, which is beginning to ascend in springtime.

Spring Liver Tonic

Dandelion is a cholagogue, clearing the liver and gallbladder while removing cholesterol from the blood. It aids in digesting a fatty meal and improves fat metabolism.

The delightful dandelion holds your hand in the transition from winter to spring to summer, helping to eliminate the heaviness of winter's indulgences, making you light for spring, and also preventing the accumulation of summer heat. The so-called weed also helps to process the environmental toxins that burden our modern civilizations.

Reduces Blood Sugar, Replenishes Potassium

This herbal ally's attributes don't stop there. Dandelion root regulates blood sugar levels in diabetics. Dandelion leaf is comparable to the drug furosemide. Unlike the drug, which causes a loss of potassium, dandelion leaf is a natural source of potassium.

Reduces Water Retention

Dandelion is definitely drying; it makes the mouth dry and tingle. It dries the eyes and makes the frontal lobe alert. Its high potassium content makes it a strong diuretic (increases urination), relieving high blood pressure and the water retention that causes spring sluggishness.

Feeling puffed up in the April warmth? Try dandelion leaf tea, or dandelion leaves in your spring salad.

Cleansing Laxative

Dandelion is a mild laxative, but should be combined with ginger or cardamom to counteract its cold quality. Be careful and don't be too zealous with this potent food medicine; for instance, too many raw dandelion leaves makes the stomach cold, curbing the appetite.

Footnote: The information for this article was in part gathered from a 2022 study and survey of 18 students of Ayurveda who experimented with dandelion. During the study, students ate dandelion for 3 days and journaled the pharmacological effects. This study was sponsored by the Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda, and specifically the Mastering Ayurvedic Digestion & Nutrition certification course.

>About Dandelion Leaves When most people think of dandelion, they think of pulling this pesky weed out of their manicured lawn. It's the poster child for weeds. This is especially ironic because colonists brought the dandelion to the Americas as an important medicinal plant. Since then, we've lost the knowledge of our ancestors. The bitter spring greens devoured by our forefathers helped them tremendously, and have the potential to bring us all to better health.

Dandelions originally come from Eurasia, the country of Georgia, where they have been enjoyed by humans for at least 3,000 years. Many homeowners are challenged to treasure the furry yellow flowers, to give up weed killers for a season, and to enjoy the wild plants that are nature's plan for green spaces. The nutritional power of dandelions remind people that growing food instead of lawns brings us back to a personal intimacy with the environment and health. The medicine you need is growing right under your feet, the dandelion's sunny petals remind us.

Interestingly, each single petal of the bright yellow flower is actually a single rayed flower, and each one contains a copious amount of nectar that fills the ovary over halfway full, making it a staple for our vanishing honeybees. It also proves beneficial to bees and other pollinators because it can bloom late into the fall. The presence of Dandelions can mean that bee farmers do not need to offer nectar alternatives to their hives as the weather cools.

Buying & Preparation

The best things in life are free, and dandelions are no exception.

Healthfulness is a consumer impulse for some, but it is important to remember that our needs are fulfilled by the nature all around us. Medicine pops up all around us all of the time.

Dandelions grow on the back lawn, and that's the best place to find them. You can enjoy dandelion leaves as a salad green if you pluck the delicate spring foliage from the ground-hugging rosettes early in the season.

Like many weeds, they are prolific and full of hearty plant wisdom. All people are in danger of ignoring what is around us and shrugging off what seems merely common. When it comes to dandelion, it's important to remember the dignity of common weeds, and the miracle of the relationship between humans and plants.

Grocery store dandelions are great, and dandelion leaves from the farmer's market will work just fine, but go ahead and stalk the wild dandelions growing in your back yard. They pack a more vital punch.

Wild food has to contend with elements and compete with other plants while farmed food is coddled, often fed fertilizers, and may be treated with pesticides.

Frank Cook (the late herbalist from Asheville, NC) would say that the difference between grocery store food and wild food is the difference between a dog and a wolf. Find out how you can go wild!

Eating wild foods brings you closer to the land. When you eat a dandelion, you are communing with the natural world, taking in the strength of thriving plants. You become a part of the land.

Eating wild medicinal foods has a potent effect. If you ate 20 dandelion flowers for three days, a part of your brain would be vitalized; perhaps your life would change forever.

Who would have thought that these wild and under appreciated plants like dandelion have the vitality to keep us strong and healthy?

Cooking Dandelion Leaves

Be simple and organic: Find a lovely dandelion flower, get on your hands and knees, and eat it right off the stem. Or, take some leaves, chop them, steam lightly with mint for easy digestion, and eat like greens. Use dandelion leaves as you would use greens, in soups, or with eggs, or even pulsed raw into a verdant pesto with olive oil and pumpkin seeds. Immerse the dandelion leaves into hot water for a bitter tea.

Every part of the plant is edible, the flower, the leaves, the seeds, and the roots. However, it's important to separate seeds from the white fluff, also called papas, which can get stuck in your throat.

Once you eat a dandelion, there's no going back. Soon you'll be munching on many of natures delights, including lamb's quarters, nettles, purslane, and chickweed. Make your favorite dressing, bring a big salad bowl, an instructional manual on how to identify and forage for wild greens, and venture into wild land. Your enjoyment will connect you with your ancestors, who may have spent whole winters without fresh greens. Imagine the ecstasy, biting into those fresh leaves that trumpet the arrival of spring!

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Are Dandelion Leaves Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Dandelion Leaves' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT

Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances. With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you. Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature. By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health. See How it Works.

Metabolic Nature of Dandelion Leaves

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

METABOLIC NATURE

Metabolic Nature

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

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COLD

ABOUT COLD BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLD

LIQUEFIED

ABOUT LIQUEFIED BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIQUEFIED

MOBILE

ABOUT MOBILE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MOBILE

CLEAR

ABOUT CLEAR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAR

DRY

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRY

LIGHT

ABOUT LIGHT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Lightness is identified by reduced weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIGHT

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

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BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER

ASTRINGENT

ABOUT ASTRINGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ASTRINGENT

DOSHAS

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

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PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying Pitta pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Vata aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

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PACIFIES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Wet & cold. When out of balance becomes congested, stagnant, and overweight. Loving, trusting, and patient.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot & moist. Full-blooded, vigorous. Vivacious, social, and epicurean. Bullish.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

AGGRAVATES
MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry metabolic nature. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Dandelion Leaves
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Appetite Suppressant

APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT

Suppresses hunger without causing weight gain.

SEE ALL 'APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Stimulates Peristalsis

STIMULATES-PERISTALSIS

An herb that promotes involuntary smooth muscle contractions to facilitate the movement of food and waste through the digestive tract.

SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-PERISTALSIS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Digestive

DIGESTIVE

Herbs that encourage healthy digestion.

SEE ALL 'DIGESTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

General Laxative

STRONG GENERAL-LAXATIVE

Promotes a bowel movement. General laxative is an umbrella term that refers to several different types of laxatives.

SEE ALL 'GENERAL-LAXATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Breaks Up

BREAKS-UP

The Sanskrit word for breaking up congealed matter / clogs in the body. Often used for constipation. Be careful with herbs that have Bhedana action.

SEE ALL 'BREAKS-UP' FOODS / HERBS

,
Stimulant Laxative

STIMULANT-LAXATIVE

Stimulant laxatives induce bowel movements by stimulating peristaltic movement (the contraction of smooth muscle in the intestines). They are effective when used on a short-term basis. On a long-term basis, they can create dependency. Aka irritant laxativ

SEE ALL 'STIMULANT-LAXATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Internal Detoxicant

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system.

SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

Stimulates Energy

STIMULATES-ENERGY

This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.

SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-ENERGY' FOODS / HERBS

Antimicrobial

STRONG ANTIMICROBIAL

An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.

SEE ALL 'ANTIMICROBIAL' FOODS / HERBS

,
Anti Inflammatory

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

,
Immune Calming

IMMUNE-CALMING

Herbs that interrupt an allergic reaction or calm the immune system, useful in allergies and autoimmune conditions.

SEE ALL 'IMMUNE-CALMING' FOODS / HERBS

Alterative

STRONG ALTERATIVE

Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.

SEE ALL 'ALTERATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antioxidant

ANTIOXIDANT

An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals that lead to a chain reaction causing damage or death to cells. Antioxidants terminate these oxidation reactions.

SEE ALL 'ANTIOXIDANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Blood Thinner

BLOOD-THINNER

Herbs that thin the blood. Helpful for people with heart disease or clogged circulation.

SEE ALL 'BLOOD-THINNER' FOODS / HERBS

Diuretic

STRONG DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Irritates Kidney

IRRITATES-KIDNEY

Tight, sharp pain just below ribs in the back.

SEE ALL 'IRRITATES-KIDNEY' FOODS / HERBS

,
Lithagogue

LITHAGOGUE

An herb used to expel stones such as kidney stones or gallstones.

SEE ALL 'LITHAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

Cholagogue

STRONG CHOLAGOGUE

Cholagogues stimulate the production & release of bile from the liver & gallbladder. This refreshes and cleanses these organs, as well as increases bile in the small intestines.

SEE ALL 'CHOLAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Hepatoprotective

HEPATOPROTECTIVE

An herb that is capable of preventing liver damage. Many hepatoprotectives work via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

SEE ALL 'HEPATOPROTECTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Livotonic

LIVOTONIC

An herb that strengthens the liver. It is helpful for people with a history of substance abuse, chronic liver issues from hepatitis and hemolytic anemias. Generally, liver tonics are oily, cool, sweet, mildly sour, or contain beta-carotene.

SEE ALL 'LIVOTONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Hypolipidemic

HYPOLIPIDEMIC

Scrapes fats / cleanses blood vessels by 1) purging bile, 2) strengthening the liver's ability to metabolize fats, 3) by increasing uptake of cholesterol in the liver, and 4) by inhibiting fat cells.

SEE ALL 'HYPOLIPIDEMIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Lowers Blood Sugar

LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR

An herb that lowers blood sugar.

SEE ALL 'LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR' FOODS / HERBS

Anti Estrogenic

ANTI-ESTROGENIC

Reduces estrogen, which reduces thickness of the uterus endometrium, pelvic congestive disorders like fibroids, and frequently dysmenorrhea as well.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-ESTROGENIC' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:
Inositol

INOSITOL

Inositol is an alcohol sugar made naturally in the human body from glucose. It is lipotropic (aiding fat metabilism in the liver). It affects a variety of hormones, neurotransmitters, steroid, growth factors and water.

SEE ALL 'INOSITOL' FOODS / HERBS

,
Iron

IRON

Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen in red blood cells.

SEE ALL 'IRON' FOODS / HERBS

, Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C

Foods with a Similar Nature to Dandelion Leaves

  • Turmeric

    Turmeric has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Hypolipidemic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Alterative, Antioxidant, Digestive, Immune-calming, Anti-inflammatory, Blood-thinner, Hepatoprotective, Internal-detoxicant, Antimicrobial

    LEARN MORE

  • Burdock Root (Gobo)

    Burdock Root (Gobo) has these Actions in Common

    Livotonic, Anti-estrogenic, Cholagogue, Hypolipidemic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Antimicrobial, General-laxative

    LEARN MORE

  • Aloe Vera Juice / Gel

    Aloe Vera Juice / Gel has these Actions in Common

    Blood-thinner, Hypolipidemic, Stimulant-laxative, Antimicrobial, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Appetite-suppressant, General-laxative, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-inflammatory

    LEARN MORE

  • Beets

    Beets has these Actions in Common

    Blood-thinner, Hepatoprotective, Livotonic, Alterative, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulant-laxative, Anti-inflammatory, General-laxative, Irritates-kidney, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE

  • Turmeric Root (Fresh)

    Turmeric Root (Fresh) has these Actions in Common

    Hepatoprotective, Internal-detoxicant, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Hypolipidemic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Antimicrobial, Digestive, Immune-calming, Alterative, Antioxidant

    LEARN MORE

  • Kale

    Kale has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Appetite-suppressant, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulates-peristalsis, Anti-estrogenic, Cholagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE

  • Cilantro

    Cilantro has these Actions in Common

    Blood-thinner, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Cholagogue, Hypolipidemic, Stimulates-energy, Anti-inflammatory, Digestive, Immune-calming

    LEARN MORE

  • Red Leaf Lettuce

    Red Leaf Lettuce has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Cholagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar, Antioxidant, General-laxative, Stimulates-energy, Blood-thinner, Hypolipidemic, Stimulates-peristalsis

    LEARN MORE

  • White Vinegar

    White Vinegar has these Actions in Common

    Appetite-suppressant, Hepatoprotective, Lowers-blood-sugar, Alterative, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Antioxidant, General-laxative, Livotonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Red Wine Vinegar

    Red Wine Vinegar has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Antioxidant, General-laxative, Livotonic, Appetite-suppressant, Hepatoprotective, Lowers-blood-sugar

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Dandelion Leaves

  • Dandelion Root

    Dandelion Root has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Digestive, Diuretic, Hepatoprotective, Alterative, Hypolipidemic, Anti-estrogenic, Internal-detoxicant, Anti-inflammatory, Livotonic, Antimicrobial, Lowers-blood-sugar

    LEARN MORE

  • Bhumyamalaki

    Bhumyamalaki has these Actions in Common

    General-laxative, Hepatoprotective, Hypolipidemic, Alterative, Internal-detoxicant, Anti-inflammatory, Lithagogue, Cholagogue, Livotonic, Digestive, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Neem Leaf

    Neem Leaf has these Actions in Common

    Hypolipidemic, Alterative, Immune-calming, Anti-estrogenic, Internal-detoxicant, Anti-inflammatory, Lowers-blood-sugar, Antimicrobial, Blood-thinner, Cholagogue, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Punarnava

    Punarnava has these Actions in Common

    Digestive, Diuretic, Hypolipidemic, Alterative, Internal-detoxicant, Anti-inflammatory, Lowers-blood-sugar, Antimicrobial, Stimulates-energy, Antioxidant, Cholagogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Yarrow

    Yarrow has these Actions in Common

    Blood-thinner, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Immune-calming, Alterative, Internal-detoxicant, Anti-estrogenic, Livotonic, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial

    LEARN MORE

  • Ginkgo

    Ginkgo has these Actions in Common

    Blood-thinner, Diuretic, Hepatoprotective, Hypolipidemic, Alterative, Immune-calming, Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant

    LEARN MORE

  • Milk Thistle

    Milk Thistle has these Actions in Common

    Hepatoprotective, Hypolipidemic, Immune-calming, Alterative, Livotonic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Cholagogue, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Bhringaraj

    Bhringaraj has these Actions in Common

    Livotonic, Anti-inflammatory, Lowers-blood-sugar, Antimicrobial, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Hepatoprotective, Hypolipidemic, Immune-calming

    LEARN MORE

  • Amalaki

    Amalaki has these Actions in Common

    Hepatoprotective, Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Alterative, Stimulates-energy, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Digestive, General-laxative

    LEARN MORE

  • Dong Quai

    Dong Quai has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Stimulates-energy, Antioxidant, Blood-thinner, Digestive, Hepatoprotective, Hypolipidemic, Immune-calming, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Guduchi

    Guduchi has these Actions in Common

    Immune-calming, Internal-detoxicant, Livotonic, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Hepatoprotective

    LEARN MORE

Dandelion Leaves Research & Clinical Trials

In each clinical research trial below, students from the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda ate the selected food for 3 days and reported the pharmacological effects. See other clinical research trials for diet & herbs at Joyful Belly.

TEMPERATURE/CIRCULATION

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your temperature?

30
24
18
12
6
0
1
23
26
5
1
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your ear temperature?

52
42
32
22
12
2
3
46
7
HotterNo ChangeCooler
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

SweatHow did Dandelion Leaves affect your sweat quantity?

55
44
33
22
11
0
0
1
48
7
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

SkinHow did Dandelion Leaves affect the tones / color of your skin?

50
40
30
20
10
0
0
7
5
0
44
Yellower/GreenerPalerRedderGrayerNo Change
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the color of your tongue body? *This question refers to the tongue itself, not the coating.

35
28
21
14
7
0
11
15
0
30
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the swelling or size of your tongue body?

48
39
30
21
12
3
4
11
41
More Swelling (larger/fatter)Less Swelling (smaller/thinner)No Change
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

DigestionFor help analyzing your digestion, see overview of Digestive Health How did Dandelion Leaves

30
24
18
12
6
0
4
15
24
12
1
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your digestion speed? *This can be gauged by how quickly you feel hungry after eating and how quickly you eliminate your meal.

30
24
18
12
6
0
2
23
26
5
0
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

TOXINS

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the amount of your gas & bloating?

40
32
24
16
8
0
4
13
35
4
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the intensity of your stool smell?

45
36
27
18
9
0
1
4
38
13
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the thickness & size (surface area) of your tongue coating?

30
24
18
12
6
0
11
15
23
7
0
Much smaller/thinner coatingSlightly less coatingSameSlightly larger/thicker coatingMuch larger coating
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the color of your tongue coating?

42
34
26
18
10
2
4
3
7
6
36
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your throat soreness?

61
49
37
25
13
1
2
52
2
More soreNo ChangeLess sore
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the intensity of your urine smell?

55
44
33
22
11
0
0
3
46
7
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

55
44
33
22
11
0
1
2
48
5
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the intensity of your sweat smell?

60
48
36
24
12
0
0
2
50
4
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your acne?

60
48
36
24
12
0
0
53
3
More acneNo ChangeLess acne
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the shade of your freckles/moles?

60
48
36
24
12
0
0
53
3
DarkerNo ChangeLighter
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

50
40
30
20
10
0
2
1
1
0
8
Redder/BloodshotYellowerGrayerBrownerWhiter
44
No Change
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the shade / color of your lower eyelid?

60
48
36
24
12
0
0
2
52
2
More green/dark greenMore purpleNo ChangeLess green/purple
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

HYDRATION

UrineHow did Dandelion Leaves affect your urine frequency/quantity?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
2
22
26
6
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the dryness of your skin?

55
44
33
22
11
0
10
0
46
DrierOilierNo Change
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the puffiness of your lower eyelid?

50
40
30
20
10
0
0
44
12
PuffierNo ChangeLess Puffy
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the cracks on your tongue?

41
33
25
17
9
1
2
8
37
6
3
Much more/larger/longer cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly lessMuch less/smaller/shorter cracks
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

FLUID-THICKNESS

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your ear pressure?

55
44
33
22
11
0
1
49
6
More pressureNo ChangeLess pressure
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

RespiratoryHow did Dandelion Leaves affect your level of sinus congestion?

41
33
25
17
9
1
2
37
17
More congestionNo ChangeLess congestion
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

41
33
25
17
9
1
2
37
17
More thickNo ChangeLess thick
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

NERVOUS-SYSTEM

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your energy levels?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
3
26
23
4
Much less energySlightly less energySameSlightly more energyMuch more energy
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your muscle tension?

50
40
30
20
10
0
2
6
42
6
0
Much less tensionSlightly less tensionSameSlightly more tensionMuch more tension
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your anxiety levels?

50
40
30
20
10
0
2
9
41
4
0
Much less anxietySlightly less anxietySameSlightly more anxietyMuch more anxiety
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the movement or stillness of your tongue as you hold it out?

60
48
36
24
12
0
1
51
4
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

DIGESTION

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your digestion speed? *This can be gauged by how quickly you feel hungry after eating and how quickly you eliminate your meal.

30
24
18
12
6
0
2
23
26
5
0
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the amount of your gas & bloating?

40
32
24
16
8
0
4
13
35
4
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

DigestionFor help analyzing your digestion, see overview of Digestive Health How did Dandelion Leaves

30
24
18
12
6
0
4
15
24
12
1
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect burning sensations in your digestive tract (do not include acid reflux)?

40
32
24
16
8
0
2
12
36
6
0
Much reliefSlight reliefSameSlightly more burningMuch more burning
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

TONGUE

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the color of your tongue body? *This question refers to the tongue itself, not the coating.

35
28
21
14
7
0
11
15
0
30
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the swelling or size of your tongue body?

48
39
30
21
12
3
4
11
41
More Swelling (larger/fatter)Less Swelling (smaller/thinner)No Change
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the thickness & size (surface area) of your tongue coating?

30
24
18
12
6
0
11
15
23
7
0
Much smaller/thinner coatingSlightly less coatingSameSlightly larger/thicker coatingMuch larger coating
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the color of your tongue coating?

42
34
26
18
10
2
4
3
7
6
36
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the movement or stillness of your tongue as you hold it out?

60
48
36
24
12
0
1
51
4
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the cracks on your tongue?

41
33
25
17
9
1
2
8
37
6
3
Much more/larger/longer cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly lessMuch less/smaller/shorter cracks
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

STOOL

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your stool frequency/quantity?

35
28
21
14
7
0
0
6
28
19
3
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your stool color?

50
40
30
20
10
0
6
0
5
2
43
More yellowMore grayMore greenMore orangeSame
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the intensity of your stool smell?

45
36
27
18
9
0
1
4
38
13
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your stool lightness?

45
36
27
18
9
0
0
7
38
10
1
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly darkerMuch darker
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your stool consistency?

30
24
18
12
6
0
1
13
27
14
1
Much softerSlightly softerSameSlightly harderMuch harder
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

URINE

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

55
44
33
22
11
0
1
2
48
5
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

UrineHow did Dandelion Leaves affect your urine frequency/quantity?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
2
22
26
6
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the shade of your urine?

40
32
24
16
8
0
2
15
33
6
0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly DarkerMuch Darker
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your urine clarity?

46
37
28
19
10
1
2
38
16
More cloudySameMore clear
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the intensity of your urine smell?

55
44
33
22
11
0
0
3
46
7
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

SWEAT

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the intensity of your sweat smell?

60
48
36
24
12
0
0
2
50
4
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

SweatHow did Dandelion Leaves affect your sweat quantity?

55
44
33
22
11
0
0
1
48
7
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

SKIN

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the dryness of your skin?

55
44
33
22
11
0
10
0
46
DrierOilierNo Change
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the shade of your freckles/moles?

60
48
36
24
12
0
0
53
3
DarkerNo ChangeLighter
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your acne?

60
48
36
24
12
0
0
53
3
More acneNo ChangeLess acne
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

SkinHow did Dandelion Leaves affect the tones / color of your skin?

50
40
30
20
10
0
0
7
5
0
44
Yellower/GreenerPalerRedderGrayerNo Change
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

EYE

VisionHow did Dandelion Leaves affect your vision clarity?

35
28
21
14
7
0
0
1
31
4
0
Much less clearSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more clear
Total Responses: 36 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the shade / color of your lower eyelid?

60
48
36
24
12
0
0
2
52
2
More green/dark greenMore purpleNo ChangeLess green/purple
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the puffiness of your lower eyelid?

50
40
30
20
10
0
0
44
12
PuffierNo ChangeLess Puffy
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

50
40
30
20
10
0
2
1
1
0
8
Redder/BloodshotYellowerGrayerBrownerWhiter
44
No Change
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

ENT

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your throat soreness?

61
49
37
25
13
1
2
52
2
More soreNo ChangeLess sore
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

41
33
25
17
9
1
2
37
17
More thickNo ChangeLess thick
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your ear temperature?

52
42
32
22
12
2
3
46
7
HotterNo ChangeCooler
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your ear pressure?

55
44
33
22
11
0
1
49
6
More pressureNo ChangeLess pressure
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

RespiratoryHow did Dandelion Leaves affect your level of sinus congestion?

41
33
25
17
9
1
2
37
17
More congestionNo ChangeLess congestion
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

HEART

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your heart rate?

50
40
30
20
10
0
0
7
45
4
0
Much slowerSlightly slowerSameSlightly fasterMuch faster
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your heart rhythm?

60
48
36
24
12
0
0
52
4
More palpitationsSameLess palpitations
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your heart pain/pressure/cramping?

65
52
39
26
13
0
0
1
55
0
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

SYSTEMIC

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your anxiety levels?

50
40
30
20
10
0
2
9
41
4
0
Much less anxietySlightly less anxietySameSlightly more anxietyMuch more anxiety
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your muscle tension?

50
40
30
20
10
0
2
6
42
6
0
Much less tensionSlightly less tensionSameSlightly more tensionMuch more tension
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your temperature?

30
24
18
12
6
0
1
23
26
5
1
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

How did Dandelion Leaves affect your energy levels?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
3
26
23
4
Much less energySlightly less energySameSlightly more energyMuch more energy
Total Responses: 56 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

PRIOR

What is your level of experience with Dandelion Leaves?

29
25
21
17
13
9
26
10
I studied / have knowledge of <I do not have knowledge of <>
Total Responses: 36 Study ID:149 (2022-03-05 - 2024-03-18)

Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Dandelion Leaves may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Dandelion Leaves may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Dandelion Leaves. Please see your health care provider for more information.
  • Alterative: Anything that strengthens or cleanses the liver can clear drugs mroe quickly, requiring a higher dose.
  • Blood-thinner: Patients on warfarin (coumadin) and other anticoagulants, or who have clotting difficulties, should take special caution to only use blood thinners under the supervision of a medical doctor.
  • Cholagogue: Anything that strengthens or cleanses the liver can clear drugs mroe quickly, requiring a higher dose.
  • Diuretic: Diuretics may clear pharmaceutical drugs more quickly, lowering the effect.
  • Hepatoprotective: Anything that strengthens or cleanses the liver can clear drugs mroe quickly, requiring a higher dose.
  • Hypolipidemic: May magnify the effect of cholesterol lowering drugs.
  • Livotonic: Anything that strengthens or cleanses the liver can clear drugs mroe quickly, requiring a higher dose.

View other ingredients
for Spring

Dandelion Leaves is recommended for Spring. Check out these other Spring foods here.
VIEW ALL SPRING FOODS MORE FOODS FOR PITTA / KAPHA MAIN INGREDIENT PAGE

HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.
CONTINUE READING

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. His wife and family of 7 kids live in Asheville, NC.

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Comments & Impressions of 'Dandelion Leaves'

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Kim McFadden Wilmington, DE
2013-04-24
“I would exercise caution eating things from your lawn. Our neighbors use ChemLawn and I am sure that the chemical lawn "cocktail" ends up on our law too (runoff)."
“Sad but true modern reality that your lawn may not be safe for your children, your bare feet, or to grow a simple garden. There are also many permaculture remedies for this if you want."
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.