It provides vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin B complex, as well as zinc, iron and potassium.
The dandelion root and leaves contain vitamins A, C and D, as well as the B-complexes. They also contain iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, manganese, choline, boron, calcium and silicon. Choline has shown to improve memory function. Taking the dandelion in this form is good for health, as it is in its most natural, unprocessed state. Some use dandelion as a tea to help in the fight against fever, insomnia and jaundice. Dandelion tea can also aid those who have rheumatism, eczema, constipation and even skin diseases. You may consider dandelion as a type of weed, but its root has a long history of therapeutic use. Dandelion has been used since ancient times for its healthful properties and support for liver complaints. In Korean herbal medicine dandelion has been used to improve energy levels and health.  In fact, tea made from the dandelion's root or leaves has been used in traditional Chinese and Native American medicine for centuries; now, even Dr. Oz has jumped on board, recommending dandelion tea as part of his 48-hour cleanse to help your liver release toxins while you sleep. If you're feeling bloated and lethargic, you may have heard of drinking dandelion root tea to cure that puffy, overly full feeling. Dandelion is an herb. People use the above ground parts and root to make medicine. Dandelion is used for many conditions, but so far, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to determine whether or not it is effective for any of them. Dandelion is used for loss of appetite, upset stomach, intestinal gas, gallstones, joint pain, muscle aches, eczema, and bruises. Dandelion is also used to increase urine production and as a laxative to increase bowel movements. 1 A specific combination of dandelion root and leaf extracts of another herb called uva ursi taken by mouth seems to help reduce the number of UTIs in women. 2  In this combination, uva ursi is used because it seems to kill bacteria, and dandelion is used to increase urine flow. Dandelion root may have anti-cancer properties. To some, the common dandelion is just a bothersome weed. However, dandelion root has been used in traditional herbal medicine for hundreds of years. After examining the properties of dandelion in detail, modern science suggests that its root might have significant benefits that can keep you healthy and disease-free. Although generally considered quite safe, do not take dandelion if you have gall bladder disease or gallstones. It may also cause an allergic reaction or mild gastrointestinal problems in some people. Dandelion root may interact with certain medications, including diuretics, diabetes medicines or lithium. What Dandelion Root Does: Dandelion root provides vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin B complex, as well as zinc, iron and potassium. Because of its iron content, it is widely used as a remedy for liver ailments, and has a diuretic effect that can help rid the liver of toxins. - Dandelion root functions as a mild diuretic. Because potassium is often lost when using a diuretic, dandelion root is often a better choice for a diuretic than synthetic formulas. - Because of its high iron and zinc content, dandelion root is often used as a treatment for anemia. Dandelion coffee (also dandelion tea) is herbal tea often used as a coffee substitute, made from the root of the dandelion plant. The roasted dandelion root pieces and the beverage have some resemblance to coffee in appearance and taste.  Clinical research suggests that dandelion is an effective diuretic that increases urine output by the kidneys. In a study published in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2009, human subjects consumed dandelion extract for one day while their urine production was monitored every few hours. Although generally considered quite safe, do not take dandelion if you have gall bladder disease or gallstones. It may also cause an allergic reaction or mild gastrointestinal problems in some people. Dandelion root may interact with certain medications, including diuretics, diabetes medicines or lithium. Among other things, dandelion root and other plants of the dandelion have been used as a gentle laxative, a digestive aid, to treat liver and kidney problems and to relieve inflammation, boils, fever and diarrhea. Dandelion root is known to stimulate the appetite and promote digestion. - Dandelion root functions as a mild diuretic. Because potassium is often lost when using a diuretic, dandelion root is often a better choice for a diuretic than synthetic formulas. - Because of its high iron and zinc content, dandelion root is often used as a treatment for anemia.
http://vitanetonline.com/forums/1/Thread/1320 http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/health-benefits-of-dandelion-root/ http://www.shape.com/blogs/shape-your-life/should-you-detox-dandelion-root-tea http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-706-DANDELION.aspx?activeIngredientId=706&activeIngredientName=DANDELION http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-dandelion-root-7080.html http://nutritionalsupplementscenter.com/info/HerbalSupplement/dandelionroot.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandelion_coffee http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-dandelion-root-7080.html http://nutritionalsupplementscenter.com/info/HerbalSupplement/dandelionroot.html
what does dandelion root do