Evidence supporting the use of: Dandelion
For the health condition: Kidney Infection

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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 as a diuretic and support for urinary tract health, including the kidneys. Folk medicine in Europe, Asia, and North America has used dandelion root and leaves to promote urination, which was believed to help "flush out" the kidneys and support their function. This traditional use is based on the plant's mild diuretic properties, which can increase urine output and, in theory, assist in clearing the urinary system of irritants or pathogens. However, there is very limited scientific evidence directly supporting the use of dandelion for treating kidney infections (pyelonephritis). Kidney infections are serious bacterial infections that generally require antibiotic treatment, and using dandelion alone is not supported by modern clinical research for this purpose. Some laboratory studies have documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in dandelion extracts, but these findings have not been translated into proven clinical benefits for kidney infections in humans. Thus, while the traditional use is well documented, the quality and relevance of evidence for treating kidney infections specifically is very low, and dandelion should not be considered a substitute for standard medical care in these cases.

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