Evidence supporting the use of: Dandelion
For the health condition: Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine to support the liver and gall bladder. In European folk medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion root and leaves have been used as a "cholagogue"—an agent that stimulates the flow of bile from the liver and gall bladder. This is believed to help with "sluggish" gall bladder function and to support digestion of fats. When the gall bladder has been removed (cholecystectomy), traditional herbalists sometimes recommend dandelion to aid bile flow directly from the liver into the intestines, potentially easing digestive discomfort. However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. Some animal studies and in vitro research suggest dandelion may stimulate bile production, but robust human clinical trials are lacking. The evidence is therefore primarily traditional, with a modest (2/5) rating because of some animal data but no high-quality human studies. Caution is advised, as dandelion may not be appropriate for those with bile duct obstruction or certain other conditions. While dandelion is widely used in herbal traditions for gall bladder support, its effectiveness in people with a removed gall bladder remains unproven by science, and more research is needed to confirm its benefits and safety in this context.

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