Dandelions are perennial plants that develop bright yellow flowers with fringed petals. They grow throughout North America and Europe. The flowers and young leaves are used for herbal teas and tonics and their roots are dried and ground into a powder for use in herbal medicine. Milk thistle is a perennial plant that produces purple flowers. The dried root is used for a number of disorders.
Dandelion Uses
Dandelion has been used in herbal medication for centuries. It has a stimulating and diuretic effect which makes it a useful tonic for anyone recovering from surgery or prolonged illness. It has antioxidant effects and is beneficial for flushing out toxins from the liver and preventing them from building up in the cells and tissues. It is often combined with milk thistle for this purpose.
Milk Thistle Uses
Milk Thistle is one of the most researched plants in herbal medicine. It helps remove toxins from the liver and prevents them from building up in the cells. It also has the ability to help the liver regenerate dead and damaged cells and can reduce the symptoms of diseases such as hepatitis. It may also lessen the withdrawal symptoms of drug dependence.
Side Effects of Dandelion
Reports of side effects from taking a dandelion herbal supplement are uncommon though may include nausea, vomiting, allergic skin reaction, breathing difficulties and headaches. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should stop taking the supplement immediately and seek medical advice.
Side Effects of Milk Thistle
Reports of side effects from taking milk thistle supplements are rare but may include vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, nausea and allergic skin reaction. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should stop taking the supplement immediately and seek medical advice.
Contraindications
Neither milk thistle nor dandelion have been evaluated or standardized by the FDA, so health risks may not be currently known.
You should not take either a dandelion supplement or a milk thistle supplement or a combination of the two if you suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, gallbladder problems or plant allergies.
You should not take either a dandelion supplement or a milk thistle supplement or a combination of the two if you are already taking blood thinners such as Coumadin, diuretics or insulin.
Milk thistle may have effects similar to estrogen. Women who suffer from ovarian, breast or uterine cancers, endometriosis or fibroid tumors should not take milk thistle.
Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should not take milk thistle.