Medicinal Ingredients (per dose unit):
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale, Root) …500 Milligrams (10:1, QCE 5 Grams)

Non-Medicinal Ingredients:
Hypromellose (Capsule shell)

Duration of Use:
If symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks, consult a health care practitione.

Recommended Dose:
Adults : 2 Capsule(s) 2 time(s) per day

Cautions and Warnings:
If you have liver or gall bladder diseases, and/or intestinal obstruction, consult a health care practitioner prior to use.
If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a health care practitioner.

Contraindications:
If you have heart disease, high or low blood pressure, kidney or liver disorder, diabetes or edema (swelling of hands, face and feet) or are taking products containing diuretics, do not use this product

Q: What is dandelion root and how is it different from dandelion leaf?
A: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a flowering plant with a long history of use in European, North American Indigenous, and traditional Chinese medicine. The root and the leaf are used differently in herbal medicine and have distinct phytonutrient profiles. The root is the primary part used as a liver tonic, digestive tonic, and mild diuretic, and contains bitter sesquiterpene lactones (taraxacin and taraxacerin), inulin, polyphenols, and flavonoids. The leaf is more commonly used as a nutritive food source and mild diuretic. This product uses dandelion root specifically, in a 10:1 concentrated extract delivering 5000mg QCE per capsule.

Q: What are the Health Canada approved uses for this product?
A: This product is approved by Health Canada (NPN 80046763) for the following uses: liver tonic to support liver function and bile production; digestive tonic to support healthy digestion; mild diuretic to support natural fluid balance; and source of antioxidants. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Q: What does the 10:1 extract ratio mean and what is QCE?
A: A 10:1 extract ratio means that 10 parts of raw dandelion root are used to produce 1 part of the concentrated extract. Each 500mg capsule therefore represents the concentrated phytonutrient content of 5000mg (5g) of raw dandelion root. QCE stands for Quantity Crude Equivalent, the standardized term used in Health Canada natural health product labelling to express the equivalent amount of raw plant material represented by a concentrated extract. The 10:1 format allows a meaningful and potent dose of dandelion root phytonutrients to be delivered in a single standard-sized capsule.

Q: How does dandelion root support liver function?
A: Dandelion root is classified as a liver tonic and cholagogue in traditional herbal medicine. A cholagogue is an herb that supports the production and flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder. Bile is essential for the digestion and absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins. The bitter sesquiterpene lactones in dandelion root (taraxacin and taraxacerin) are the primary compounds associated with its liver tonic properties. Dandelion root has been used in European herbal tradition for centuries as one of the primary herbs for supporting liver function and bile production.

Q: How does dandelion root support digestion?
A: Dandelion root is classified as a bitter digestive tonic in traditional herbal medicine. Bitter compounds stimulate digestive secretions including saliva, stomach acid, and digestive enzymes, supporting the overall digestive process. By supporting bile production, dandelion root also supports the digestion and emulsification of dietary fats. Additionally, dandelion root is a natural source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This combination of bitter tonic action, bile support, and prebiotic fiber makes dandelion root a multi-faceted digestive support herb.

Q: What is inulin and why is it significant in dandelion root?
A: Inulin is a naturally occurring prebiotic fiber found in dandelion root. Prebiotic fibers are not digested by the human body but are fermented by beneficial bacteria in the gut, supporting a healthy gut microbiome environment. Dandelion root is one of the richest natural sources of inulin among commonly used herbs, making it relevant not only as a liver and digestive tonic but also as a source of prebiotic fiber for gut health support.

Q: How does dandelion root work as a mild diuretic?
A: Dandelion root has a well-established traditional use as a mild diuretic, supporting the body's natural fluid balance and kidney function. It supports the kidneys in excreting excess fluid, which may contribute to a feeling of reduced bloating associated with fluid retention. One notable characteristic of dandelion as a diuretic is that it is naturally rich in potassium. Many pharmaceutical diuretics deplete potassium as a side effect. Dandelion's natural potassium content is a traditional distinguishing feature, though this is a traditional observation rather than a clinical claim.

Q: What antioxidant compounds are naturally present in dandelion root?
A: Dandelion root contains a diverse range of naturally occurring antioxidant compounds. Polyphenols including hydroxycinnamic acids and hydroxybenzoic acids contribute to its antioxidant capacity. Flavonoids including luteolin and apigenin are present in dandelion root. Beta-carotene, a carotenoid antioxidant and precursor to vitamin A, is also naturally present. Together these compounds contribute to dandelion root's role as a source of antioxidants alongside its liver tonic, digestive tonic, and diuretic properties.

Q: What are the bitter compounds in dandelion root and why do they matter?
A: The primary bitter compounds in dandelion root are sesquiterpene lactones called taraxacin and taraxacerin. These compounds are responsible for the characteristic bitter taste of dandelion root and are the primary bioactive compounds associated with its liver tonic and digestive properties. In traditional herbal medicine, bitter herbs have a long history of use for supporting liver and digestive function. The bitter taste itself is considered therapeutically significant, as it stimulates digestive secretions through a reflex response in the digestive system.

Q: Is this product suitable for vegans and vegetarians?
A: Yes, this dandelion root supplement is 100% vegan and suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. The extract is derived entirely from dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale). The capsules are made from hypromellose (vegetable cellulose), not gelatin. The product is also non-GMO and free from gluten, dairy, and soy.

Q: Are there any safety considerations or interactions I should know about?
A: Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Specific considerations include: individuals taking diuretic medications should use caution as dandelion root has additive diuretic effects; individuals taking lithium should consult a healthcare provider as dandelion's diuretic effect can affect lithium excretion and blood levels; individuals taking medications processed by the liver should consult a healthcare provider; individuals with gallstones or bile duct obstruction should not use dandelion root without medical supervision, as it stimulates bile flow; individuals with kidney disease should consult a healthcare provider before use. Do not use if you have a known allergy to dandelion or other plants in the Asteraceae family (ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies), as cross-reactivity may occur within this plant family.

Q: Why is this product Health Canada approved?
A: This product holds NPN 80046763 from Health Canada, meaning it has been reviewed and approved for safety, efficacy, and quality as a natural health product. The NPN designation confirms that the approved uses (liver tonic, digestive tonic, mild diuretic, and source of antioxidants) are backed by evidence reviewed by Health Canada, and that the product meets Canadian regulatory standards for ingredient quality, dosage, and labelling. This regulatory approval provides additional confidence when choosing a dandelion root supplement.