Evidence supporting the use of: Dandelion
For the body system: Bladder

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Synopsis

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

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has a longstanding history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European, Native American, and traditional Chinese medicine systems. It has been commonly employed as a natural diuretic, sometimes referred to as "pissenlit" in French, alluding to its purported ability to increase urine output. This diuretic action is the primary reason dandelion has been traditionally used to support the bladder and urinary tract, as increased urination may help flush the bladder and maintain its function. The leaves, rather than the roots, are most often cited in relation to bladder health.

Scientific evidence supporting dandelion’s diuretic effect is limited but does exist. Some small human studies and animal research have suggested that dandelion leaf extract can increase urinary frequency and volume. However, high-quality, large-scale clinical trials specifically investigating its effects on bladder health or urinary tract infections are lacking. Therefore, while the traditional use for supporting the bladder system is well documented, scientific validation remains preliminary and not robust.

In summary, dandelion’s use for bladder support is primarily justified by tradition, with some suggestive but insufficient scientific evidence. More research is needed to clarify its efficacy and safety for this specific application.

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