Evidence supporting the use of: Dandelion
For the health condition: Poisoning (general)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe, Asia, and North America. Historically, dandelion has been used for its supposed "detoxifying" properties, acting primarily as a diuretic and a mild laxative. These effects led to its traditional use in supporting the body’s natural elimination processes, especially in cases of mild poisoning or when the body was believed to be overloaded with toxins. Folk medicine often recommended dandelion teas or extracts to "cleanse the blood" or support liver and kidney function, organs involved in detoxification and the elimination of various substances, including some toxins.

However, there is minimal scientific evidence specifically validating dandelion’s effectiveness in treating or supporting recovery from general poisoning in humans. While animal and laboratory studies have shown that dandelion extracts may have antioxidant and hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) effects, these findings have not been robustly translated into clinical evidence for the treatment of poisoning. Modern medical treatment for poisoning relies on specific antidotes, supportive care, and activated charcoal, not on herbal remedies like dandelion. Therefore, its use for poisoning remains primarily traditional and is not recommended as a substitute for evidence-based medical care in actual poisoning cases.

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