Dandelion

Dandelion is an herb that is also known by many names, including Blowball, Cankerwort, Cochet, Couronne de Moine, Délice Printanier, Dent-de-Lion, Diente de Leon, Dudal, Endive Sauvage, Fausse Chicorée, Florin d'Or, Florion d'Or, Herba Taraxaci, Laitue de Chien, Leontodon taraxacum, Lion's Tooth, Pisse au Lit, Pissenlit, Priest's Crown, Pu Gong Ying, Salade de Taupe, Swine Snout, Taraxaci Herba, Taraxacum, Tête de Moine, Wild Endive, and other names.

Dandelion has been used in alternative medicine to treat tonsillitis, bladder infections, upset stomach, constipation, arthritis pain, and other conditions. However, these uses have not been proven with research.

It is not certain whether dandelion is effective in treating any medical condition. The FDA has not approved the medicinal use of this product. Dandelion should not be used instead of medication prescribed by your doctor.

Dandelion is often sold as an herbal supplement. Many herbal compounds do not have regulated manufacturing standards, and some supplements that are marketed have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to reduce the risk of contamination.

Dandelion may also be used for purposes that are not listed in this product guide.

When thinking about using herbal supplements, talk to your doctor. You might also want to consult a practitioner who has experience with herbal/health supplements.

If you decide to use dandelion, follow the instructions on the package or those given by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than what is recommended on the label.

Contact your doctor if the condition you are treating with dandelion does not get better, or if it worsens while using this product.

Keep it stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Follow all directions on the product label and package.

Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

• allergies to plants such as ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, or marigolds.

It is not known if dandelion will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known if dandelion passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, dandelion is thought to be possibly safe for most people.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Skip the missed dose if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra dandelion to compensate for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding any restrictions on food, drinks, or activities.

Do not use dandelion with other herbal or health supplements that may also affect blood clotting. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, saw palmetto, turmeric, and willow.

Other drugs may interact with dandelion, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform all of your health care providers about all the medicines you currently use and any medicine you start or stop using.

Do not take dandelion without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• lithium;
• an antibiotic, such as Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox, Noroxin, and others;
• a blood thinner or medicine to treat or prevent blood clots;
• a diuretic or "water pill";
• heart or blood pressure medication; or
• a sedative such as Valium.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with dandelion, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.