Dandelion is one of those common backyard “weeds” that also has many practical uses. While the leave is appreciated as a salad green and vegetable, the dried root is used to produce a hot beverage that offers a bitter flavor like coffee but without caffeine.

In addition to bitter compounds, dandelion root also contains numerous vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This herb has a long history of use as a tonic and restorative. In fact, due to the actions of some of its compounds, dandelion root may increase the effects of certain prescription medications. It may also speed the metabolism of synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotics.