Evidence supporting the use of: Dandelion
For the health condition: Overacidity

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Synopsis

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

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has a long tradition of use in herbal medicine, particularly in European and Asian systems, for supporting digestive health, including conditions related to "overacidity" or dyspepsia. Traditional herbalists have recommended dandelion root and leaves for their ability to stimulate appetite and promote the flow of digestive juices, which can help balance stomach acid levels. In folk medicine, dandelion is often described as a "stomachic"—an agent that tones and supports the stomach. The bitter compounds found in dandelion, such as taraxacin and sesquiterpene lactones, are thought to trigger reflexes that increase saliva and digestive secretions, potentially aiding in the breakdown of food and alleviating symptoms of overacidity.

However, scientific research directly evaluating dandelion's effect on stomach acidity or overacidity is limited. Some animal studies suggest that dandelion extracts may have mild protective effects on the gastric mucosa and promote bile flow, which could indirectly benefit digestive comfort. Human clinical trials, however, are scarce, and none robustly demonstrate a clear benefit for overacidity specifically. Most evidence for dandelion's use in this context remains anecdotal or based on traditional knowledge rather than rigorous scientific validation. Thus, while traditional use is strong, scientific evidence is weak, warranting a moderate-low rating for this indication.

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