1. Highly nutritious

From root to flower, dandelions are highly nutritious plants loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Dandelion greens can be eaten cooked or raw and are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain vitamin E, folate, and small amounts of other B vitamins. Dandelion greens provide several minerals, including iron, calcium, 

magnesium, and potassium

2. Contains potent antioxidants

Dandelion contains potent antioxidants, which may explain many of its medicinal properties.

Antioxidants

 are compounds that help neutralize 

free radicals — molecules that are a product of normal metabolism but contribute to chronic disease risk if levels get too high in your body. Therefore, antioxidants are crucial for your overall health (

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Dandelions contain high levels of the antioxidant 

beta-carotene, which may protect against cell damage and oxidative stress (

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3. May help fight inflammation

Dandelion may reduce inflammation thanks to compounds such as polyphenols.

Inflammation

 is a natural immune system response to injury or infection. However, 

long-term inflammation may permanently damage body tissues and 

DNA.

Some test-tube studies note significantly reduced markers of inflammation in cells treated with compounds extracted from dandelion (

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4. May aid in blood sugar management

Chicoric and chlorogenic acid are two bioactive compounds in dandelion that may help 

decrease blood sugar levels.

Test-tube and animal studies show that these compounds may improve the secretion of 

insulin — a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels — and the absorption of glucose (sugar) in your muscles.

This process 

improves insulin sensitivity and reduces blood sugar levels (

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Chicoric and chlorogenic acid may also limit the digestion of starchy, high carb foods, which may further contribute to dandelion’s ability to lower blood sugar levels (

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5. May reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Some compounds in dandelion may decrease triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which are key risk factors for heart disease.

Some of the polyphenols in dandelion, such as flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, may have cholesterol and triglyceride-lowering properties (

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6. May lower blood pressure

Although some claim that dandelion may reduce blood pressure, studies are limited.

In Western medicine, 

diuretic medications are used to rid the body of excess fluid, which may help decrease blood pressure levels (

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One older human study found dandelion to be an effective diuretic. However, this study was brief and involved only 17 people (

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Dandelion also contains potassium, a mineral associated with decreased blood pressure in those with previously elevated levels. Thus, this plant may indirectly affect blood pressure due to its potassium content (

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7. May promote liver health

Some animal studies suggest that dandelion extract may protect against 

liver damage and disease.

One animal study found that dandelion root extract helped prevent liver damage in rats with induced liver failure (

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Other animal studies have shown that dandelion extract may reduce 

excess fat stored in the liver and safeguard against oxidative stress (

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8. May aid weight loss

Some research indicates that dandelions and their compounds may support weight control, though the data isn’t conclusive.

Some researchers suggest that dandelion’s ability to improve carbohydrate metabolism and reduce fat absorption may lead to 

weight loss. However, this theory has yet to be scientifically proven (

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9. May have anticancer effects

Perhaps one of the most intriguing health claims about dandelion extract is its potential to prevent the growth of cancerous cells in various organ systems.

A 4-week study in rats showed that administering dandelion root extract modified specific pathways involved in suppressing the growth and spread of breast cancer cells (

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Other test-tube studies have found that dandelion root extract may 

slow the growth of cancer cells in liver, colon, prostate, and stomach tissue (

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10. May support healthy digestion and treat constipation

Dandelion is often used in traditional medicine to 

treat constipation and improve digestive health.

One older animal study found a significant increase in the rates of stomach contractions and stomach emptying in rats treated with dandelion extract (

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Dandelion root is also a rich source of the 

prebiotic fiber inulin, which has been shown to reduce constipation and promote the movement of food through the digestive system (

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11. May boost immune health

Some research indicates that dandelion may have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which may support your body’s ability to fight infection.

Several test-tube studies have found that dandelion extract significantly reduces viruses’ ability to replicate (

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12. May be a useful skin care treatment

Animal and test-tube research notes that dandelion extract may protect against skin damage caused by sunlight, aging, and acne.

In one study, a fermented broth of dandelion extract prevented 

skin damage when applied just before or immediately after exposure to UVB radiation, which is the radiation you get from sunlight (

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An older test-tube study showed that dandelion root extract increased the generation of new skin cells, which may support your skin’s appearance as you age (

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13. May support healthy bones

Very little research has been conducted on dandelion’s effect on bone health, though some of its nutrients contribute to maintaining strong, 

healthy bones.

Dandelion greens are a good source of 

calcium and vitamin K, which play a crucial role in bone health (

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One small study linked an increased intake of vitamin K-rich leafy green vegetables to lower blood levels of osteocalcin, a protein found in your bones. This suggests that eating more leafy greens, such as dandelion, may help prevent bone loss (

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Inulin, a fiber found in dandelion root, may also support healthy bones by improving digestion and gut health (

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Dosage and supplement forms

People often consume dandelion leaves, stems, and flowers in their natural state. You can eat them cooked or raw. The root is usually dried, ground, and used as a tea or 

coffee substitute.

Dandelion is also available as a supplement in capsule, extract, or tincture form.

Currently, there are no clear dosage guidelines, as very little human research has been conducted. However, available data suggests the following dosages for different forms of dandelion (

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Fresh leaves:

 4–10 grams daily

Dried leaves:

 4–10 grams daily

Leaf tincture:

 0.4–1 teaspoon (2–5 mL) three times per day

Fresh leaf juice:

 1 teaspoon (5 mL) twice daily

Fluid extract:

 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 mL) daily

Fresh roots:

 2–8 grams daily

Dried powder:

 250–1,000 mg four times per day