logo for medical-weight-loss-guide.com
leftimage for medical-weight-loss-guide.com

Dandelion


Dandelion close-up in a fieldDandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) has diuretic properties. These are similar to the drug Lasix (furosemide). Acting as a "water pill" it should decrease water weight.

There are no studies looking specifically at weight loss and dandelion root.

Side effects include electrolyte imbalances and increased bleeding. It should be avoided in people on diuretics or blood thinners and who have diabetes or gallstones.

 
 


It is important you discuss any weight loss or exercise plan with your doctor. Only you and your physician can decide what is best for you. Some people have certain conditions that prevent them from doing all exercises, and goal body weights may be different for different people. You need to discuss all these things with your physician before starting any weight loss or exercise program.


This article was written by John Vickery, MD.


References

Am Fam Physician. 2004 Nov 1;70(9):1731-8.
Lexi-Comp database accessed on 4/30/08.