Evidence supporting the use of: Taraxacum
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Taraxacum (commonly known as dandelion) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in European, Asian, and Native American herbal practices. Its use to support or treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) is primarily based on its reputation as a mild diuretic ("water pill"), which can increase urine production and theoretically help "flush out" the urinary tract. Traditional herbalists have used various parts of the dandelion plant to promote kidney and urinary health, but there is little direct historical evidence specifying its use for acute UTIs as opposed to general urinary health or water retention.
Scientifically, there is very limited direct evidence supporting dandelion's efficacy in treating or preventing UTIs. While some laboratory studies have confirmed its diuretic effect and observed mild antimicrobial properties in vitro, these findings have not been robustly translated into clinical trials for UTIs in humans. Comprehensive reviews generally conclude that evidence is insufficient to recommend dandelion for UTIs, though it may be included in some traditional herbal blends.
In summary, the use of Taraxacum for urinary tract infections is justified primarily by tradition, not by strong scientific validation. The evidence supporting its use for this condition is weak (rated 1/5), and it should not be relied upon as a primary or sole treatment for UTIs.
Other ingredients used for Urinary Tract Infections
AbrusAbuta
Achyranthes
Adzuki bean
Aerva lanata
Agave
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Akebia
Alchemilla
Alchornea
Alfalfa
Alisma
Allium tuberosum
Aloe vera
Amor seco
anamu
Angelica
anthocyanins
apple cider vinegar
arbutin
Aronia melanocarpa
asafoetida
asparagus
astragalus
aucubin
bacillus subtilis
bael
baicalin
baobab
barberry
Bauhinia
bearberry
berberine
Berberis (unspecified)
Bergenia
bergenin
big quaking grass
birch
black currant
black gram
bottle gourd
buchu
carambola
cardamom
carvacrol
cassia bark
celery
chanca piedra
Cistus
Clerodendrum phlomidis
cloudberry
Coconut Water
Coin-leaf desmodium
coix
coriander
corn
cornsilk
couch grass
cranberry
Crinum latifolium
cubeb
cucumber
Cucurbita
currant
Cynodon dactylon
D-mannose
dandelion
Desmodium
dong quai root
dwarf morning glory
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
Euryale seed
fennel
fenugreek
fleabane
fruit blend (proprietary)
fu ling
Galium
goji berry
gokhru
goldenrod
goldenseal
gravel root
Graviola
green tea
Guazuma ulmifolia
heather
hibiscus
honeysuckle
horse gram
Houttuynia
hydrangea
hydroxyquinoline
Indian gum arabic tree
Java tea
Job\'s tears
juniper berries
Kachnar
knotgrass
knotweed
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus crispatus
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus jensenii
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus pentosus
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lespedeza capitata
lime
lingonberry
Lomatium
Long Buchu
Longleaf buchu
lophatherum leaf
Lophira lanceolata
Loranthus
Lysimachia
mannose
manzanita
Marsh Tea
Melon
Methenamine
Methyl arbutin
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Mormon Tea
Mulberry
Mung bean
okra
Oldenlandia diffusa
ophiopogon root
Ovate Buchu
Palo Azul
Pareira
Pata de Vaca
pau d'arco
Pedalium
Pedra hume
Pelargonium
Pepper Bark Tree
Phragmites
Pipsissewa
pumpkin
purslane
pygeum
Pyrola
radish
Rhus coriaria
Rosa laevigata
rosthorn snake gourd
Rumex acetosa
sage
Sambucus nigra
saponins
sarsaparilla
Scirpus
Semecarpus anacardium
sheep's sorrel
shepherd's purse
Shilajit
smilax
Spiny Restharrow
Stachytarpheta cayennensis
Stone Root
Swertia
Tannins
Taraxacum
Taraxol
Tribuloside
Vasicine
vitamin C
Watercress
Watermelon
Withanolides
Other health conditions supported by Taraxacum
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Constipation (adults)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gastritis
Hepatitis
Inflammation
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Stones
Liver Detoxification
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Skin Care (general)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores
