Evidence supporting the use of: Dandelion
For the health condition: Lungs (fluid in)

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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, particularly in Europe, Asia, and North America. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), dandelion is sometimes used to "clear heat" and "resolve dampness," which can be interpreted in part as addressing excess fluids or phlegm in the lungs or body. Western herbalists have also valued dandelion primarily as a diuretic and liver-supporting herb, but some traditions describe its mild expectorant qualities and its use for supporting the respiratory system, especially where fluid congestion is present.

However, scientific validation for dandelion's effectiveness specifically in treating "fluid in the lungs" (such as pulmonary edema or pleural effusion) is lacking. The plant contains compounds (such as taraxasterol and chlorogenic acid) with diuretic and anti-inflammatory activities, but these effects are primarily systemic and not targeted specifically to lung fluid. No high-quality clinical trials or experimental studies demonstrate that dandelion can directly treat or resolve pathological lung fluid accumulation in humans.

In summary, dandelion’s reputation for supporting "fluid in the lungs" comes mostly from traditional uses and interpretations, rather than from modern scientific evidence. Its main documented actions are as a mild diuretic and as a general anti-inflammatory agent, and any impact on lung fluid would be indirect at best. Therefore, while dandelion has traditional uses for supporting the lungs where fluid is an issue, robust scientific validation for this application is currently insufficient.

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