Anyone who has children or pets can quickly be frightened if their protégé suddenly comes across dandelion leaves or dandelion flowers. Is that justified? Are dandelions unhe althy or even poisonous?
Is dandelion poisonous?
Dandelion is harmless to humans and animals in small quantities, but the milky sap containing taraxacin contained in the stems can cause mild symptoms of poisoning if consumed in excess. Skin irritation is possible for sensitive people.
Taraxacin is slightly toxic
You shouldn't panic now, even if you read that dandelions sometimes contain fewer positive substances. Consumption has not yet resulted in death. Only for intolerances or mild symptoms of poisoning.
It's not just the high oxalic acid content in the leaves that you should pay attention to. The milky sap in the stems is also not exactly harmless. The latex contains a substance called taraxacin. If consumed in large quantities, it can have the following effects:
- Liver pain
- Diarrhea
- Stomachache
- Nausea
- rheumatic complaints
- Cardiac arrhythmias
External irritation may occur
The white milky sap contained in the stems can also cause symptoms when the plant is collected. Sensitive people often suffer from skin irritations. Itching and eczema may occur. However, this should not be a reason to completely remove the dandelions from the garden.
Contains lots of beneficial nutrients
Since dandelion contains lots of vitamin C, carotene and minerals such as iron and potassium, you shouldn't eliminate it from your diet once you get to know it and like it. Only the stems with the milky juice should be cut off and discarded. The bitter substances are harmless and even beneficial in small quantities.
Tip
Dandelion is absolutely not harmful in small quantities! You can safely eat a few leaves and several flowers every day without feeling any negative after-effects.
