Does Dandelion Affect the Thyroid?
Dandelion as an herbal remedy has several traditional and alternative medical uses, including one for the thyroid gland. However, research is lacking on this herb's effectiveness for treating any health condition, according to MedlinePlus. Consult a qualified health care provider before taking dandelion for medical purposes.
DANDELION
Dandelion leaves are dark-green, leafy vegetables. Dandelion supplements are available in stores that sell herbal remedies; the capsules, tablets and teas may contain leaves and roots, or parts of the entire plant. Some traditional and alternative medical practices use dandelion to treat liver and kidney disease, as a liver and kidney tonic, and to relieve minor digestive problems. Dandelion may have diuretic effects. One theoretical use for dandelion is treatment of goiter.
GOITER
Your thyroid gland is located beneath your Adam's apple. When the thyroid gland becomes abnormally large, this condition is called goiter. A goiter can make you cough and may cause difficult swallowing or even breathing. Sometimes a goiter is painful. Goiter may result from lack of iodine in the diet because the thyroid requires this substance to function properly. You can get enough iodine by using iodized salt or by eating seafood -- especially shellfish -- a couple times a week. Seaweed also contains iodine. If a lack of iodine isn't the problem, a goiter may be caused by low or high thyroid hormone levels.
DANDELION REMEDY
One proposed dandelion home remedy for goiter involves applying warmed ghee to dandelion leaves, then applying the mixture topically over the goiter. Although the warmth might provide some pain relief, there's no scientific evidence that this topical treatment works. Nor, despite the claims of proponents of this remedy, does the treatment have a basis in Ayurveda, the traditional medicinal system of India, which focuses on internal remedies for low thyroid hormone levels as a cure for goiter.
CONSIDERATIONS
Consuming dandelion or taking it as an herbal remedy doesn't cause any side effects involving the thyroid. Dandelion use is generally considered safe, although it may cause upset stomach or diarrhea on rare occasions. You could have an allergic reaction to dandelion; this is most likely if you're allergic to plants in the same family, such as ragweed and marigolds. Dandelion does have the potential to interact with numerous medications, so consult your doctor before combining it with any drugs.