Is dandelion tea safe during pregnancy?

What does the evidence say about dandelion tea during pregnancy?

1. The use of dandelion in amounts commonly found in food is considered likely safe, but little is known about whether larger amounts are safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. 1
2. There is no compelling scientific evidence supporting the use of dandelion for any health condition. 1
3. Dandelion is generally recognized as safe as a food by the FDA, and use during lactation is unlikely to harm a breastfed infant, though it rarely causes allergic reactions, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal upset. 2
4. There are theoretical reasons to suspect dandelion might interact with antidiabetes, anticoagulant, antiplatelet, and water pill medicines, which makes your current medication list part of the question. 1
5. Dandelion is a purported milk-supply herb, but no scientifically valid clinical trials support that use. 2

Is dandelion tea safe in each trimester?

• First trimester. Dandelion is a common food plant, and the leaves turn up in salads, which is why food-level amounts are described as likely safe. A cup of tea is closer to that than to a supplement. What is missing is any evidence about larger or concentrated amounts in early pregnancy, so this is not the trimester to start a dandelion root capsule.
• Second trimester. People often reach for dandelion tea for bloating or fluid retention, both of which pick up in the middle months. Its reputation there rests on tradition, not trials. If swelling is your reason for drinking it, that symptom is worth describing to your provider directly, since sudden swelling can matter clinically.
• Third trimester. Dandelion has theoretical interactions with blood sugar medicines, blood thinners, and water pills, which is a more realistic concern late in pregnancy when more people are on something. Bring your full drink list, teas included, to third-trimester visits rather than assuming a tea is too minor to mention.