American Scientist

Dandelions' Medicinal Uses

The French name for dandelion is pissenlit (“wet the bed”), which refers to the plant’s use in traditional medicine as a diuretic. Dandelions do contain several diuretic compounds, and limited studies in humans have confirmed their therapeutic efficacy. The plant’s high potassium content also helps replace potassium lost through urination.

Dandelion extracts and compounds have anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and antioxidative properties. These effects are mostly due to polyphenols and sesquiterpenes, phytochemicals that are also responsible for the leaves’ bitter flavor.

Rubber From Dandelions

The sticky white liquid that seeps from dandelion stems when they’re picked contains natural latex, which can be turned into rubber. The roots of Russian dandelions (Taraxacum kok-saghyz) contain a particularly high percentage of latex, making them ideal for rubber production.

In the past decade, tire manufacturers have developed dandelion-rubber tires. Bike tires made from this rubber are now commercially available, and manufacturers estimate that dandelion-rubber tires will be available for cars and trucks within the next 10 years.