Has anyone ever used dandelion (extract) for improving the gut function? I've read some articles and it could be, amongst others, beneficial for the fat digestion in my intestines by improving gallbladder function. Since I'm currently waiting for my next appointment with a consultant to discuss treating possible (chronic, longstanding) bacterial overgrowth, I'm willing to try dandelion extract in the meantime to find out if it's somewhat beneficial in my situation.
I have the David Hoffman herbal book here, and it says: "...As a cholagogue it may be used in inflammation and congestion of the liver and gall bladder. It is a specific in cases of congestive jaundice..." "...This herb is a most valuable general tonic and perhaps the most widely applicable diuretic* and liver tonic."
[*potassium-sparing diuretic.]
Dandelion root also has laxative properties though, so bear that in mind.
The bitter action is important too, so the best way to take a herbal bitter is a form in which you actually taste the bitterness.
It might be very helpful. I'd be interested to see how you go on it.
I'm curious too what kind of effect it will have on my digestion/gut/bile and the rest of my body. Did order dandelion root extract from Solgar because it's a well known and 'reliable' brand. Ordered a different brand in first instance but because the information on the label of this product isn't so informative on the amount of root powder / root powder extract for one capsule I thought it would be safer to go for Solgar instead. Now I need to remind myself (again) to start low and go slow. If all goes well, when no adverse effects, I can try to take 1 capsule twice a day in a weeks time and than, one week later, another capsule, at mealtime as is suggested. To be continued and 🤞🏻
You will miss the bitter principle if you take capsules, which apparently is very quickly stimulating to the system, as soon as the bitter flavour is registered by the mouth. But, I am sure the capsules will do a good job anyway. Yes, I trust Solgar too. Other places (herbal stores.suppliers online, health food shops, etc) might have tinctures and extracts which are liquid.
I am lucky where I live. There is a first class herbal supply shop in the town a few miles away. And there are many herbs I can wild gather if I want them. Winter is the best time to wild gather roots.
Stopped taking dandelion root (temporarily?). No noticeable adverse effects but also no noticeable positive effects till now, only took it for a short while.
Hopefully I can start with a course of a systemic antibiotic next week, to treat a suspected chronic bacterial overgrowth / dysbiosis in my small intestine, that caused all my health problems in first instance, including the functional gastrointestinal disorder.
Since the test in a tertiary hospital was negative for SIBO the gastroenterologist is reluctant to prescribe an empirical course of antibiotics, amoxicillin clavulanic acid. I do understand his point of view. Hopefully with the help of a specialised dietician I will be able to somewhat alleviate my chronic symptoms.
Currently I use the following medication and supplements for my symptoms, functional bowel problems amongst others:
Venlafaxine 187,5mg (since a long time)
bisacodyl 5mg multiple times during the day
macrogol with electrolytes, two or three times daily
propionate, butyrate, berberine, allicin and a new trial with an artichoke supplement, instead of ginger because ginger seems to be used for stomach related issues and I have (small) intestines related issues and therefore it seems that artichoke is a better option to try instead of ginger. However ginger also has other beneficial effects so maybe I will end up using both or even combine it with dandelion root. Still so much to learn on the healing effects of plants and other sources from mother nature on my health.
Multivitamin, extra vitamin C, omega 3, 5-htp and cod liver oil.
I'll continu with a low dosage of dandelion root and will add a low dosage of artichoke too. Because of the effects these natural products could have in my intestines I might need to stop with taking the propionate and butyrate supplements. Besides I need to do some more reading on the possible effects of artichoke and dandelion in the intestines and as a consequence on my overall health. Not sure yet if I should be taking a low dosage of ginger too. To be continued.
Artichoke species is described as a medicinal plant used in gastric conditions due to its anti-dyspeptic action, which is promoted by its choleretic properties (Alves and Botsaris, 2007) (Table (Table1,1, Fig. . 1). Treatment with artichoke leaf extract, rich in phenolic compounds such asca-feoilquinic acid and flavonoids, contributed to a significant increase of the bile flow and cholesterol reduction in rats [128]. Artichoke displays a significant antispasmodic potential, due to the presence of sesquiterpene cinaropicrin. In another study, the phenolic metabolites such as flavonoids and caffeine derivatives were introduced responsible for treatment of digestive disorders, relieving loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal pain [95].
Many investigations have shown the benefits of artichoke polyphenols in IBS patients. The extract of C. scolymus was able to affect the intestinal microbiota and displayed significant antispasmodic effects [129] (Table (Table1).1). According to a clinical study involving 244 participants with dyspepsia, the volunteers which received 320 mg of the artichoke extract twice daily for 6 weeks, the symptoms of diarrhea/constipation were improved [77]. In another investigation with 208 IBS patients, the incidence of the disease was dropped significantly (26.8%), after the use of the artichoke leaf extract [101]. In agreement with these studies, it has been shown that following the administration of artichoke, the IBS symptoms and the QOL score were relieved in 96% of the IBS patients [130]. A 40% reduction in dyspepsia symptoms was recorded in individuals that received C. scolymus extract containing phenolic metabolites such as flavonoids and caffeine-like acids [131, 132]. Such findings confirm the articular use of the artichoke in gastrointestinal problems."
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