Roger-Luc Chayer (Photo : Learn.colincanhelp.com)
The web allows the spread of almost anything and everything on all topics, whether political, military, scientific, or medical. Some people hide behind often anonymous Facebook pages to spread misinformation and, above all, to generate clicks, since they are paid based on visits.
The best way to attract the most gullible in our society is to publish entirely false headlines and news that distort the overall perception of information for the average reader. And the most gullible eagerly share what they believe to be crucial information that only they possess, without any verification and regardless of the harmful effects these falsehoods can have on legitimate information.
This is exactly what has been happening over the past few days with a rumor circulating on social media, originating from several fake so-called medical-scientific sites, claiming that dandelion — yes, the common dandelion — cures cancer and AIDS in just five days. WOW!
That should be the end of the story, because it’s simply unbelievable that one of the most common flowers in the world could cure some of the deadliest diseases. But no, that’s where the disaster begins when you read the tens of thousands of comments following these posts, all thanking every god imaginable, attacking big pharma for hiding the source of eternal life from humanity, not to mention the attacks against the media — derisively called “merdias” — accused of being accomplices to big industries that supposedly don’t want people to heal easily. According to these conspiracy-fascists, it’s far more profitable to sell pills than to cure patients.
In reality, the stated goal of medicine and pharmaceutical research is indeed to treat, alleviate, and, whenever possible, cure. And many diseases are actually cured thanks to medical advances: bacterial infections with antibiotics, early-detected cancers, surgical interventions, vaccines eradicating certain diseases… So the idea that “they never want to cure” is absolutely false.
Public research, universities, health funding organizations, and even many companies innovate to develop vaccines, gene therapies, or treatments that truly cure. Numerous treatments have saved or prolonged lives sustainably, often thanks to massive investments and strict regulatory oversight.
So, does dandelion really cure cancer and HIV?
Fake Scientific Sites Spreading False Information
Despite the claims of these pseudo-scientific sites that constantly mention “research” without ever naming a credible scientist or institution, real research — the kind that genuinely explores treatment options for various medical conditions — does not consider dandelion a promising option. At best, it is recognized for a few properties or effects linked to its ingestion, but these can sometimes be harmful.
There is nothing mysterious about this: many plants affect human health, which is nothing new. Aspirin, as we know it today, originated from a natural active ingredient found in certain plants, notably the bark of the white willow (Salix alba) and meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria, formerly Spiraea ulmaria).
Since antiquity, several civilizations used willow bark decoctions to relieve pain and fever. Hippocrates, in the 5th century BCE, already recommended willow bark for treating some pains and fever.
In the 19th century, chemists identified the active ingredient: salicin, then salicylic acid. Although salicylic acid is effective against pain and inflammation, it caused severe gastric irritation. To make it more tolerable, in 1897, a German chemist, Felix Hoffmann, working for Bayer, succeeded in synthesizing a more stable and less stomach-aggressive form: acetylsalicylic acid.
Many mushrooms are highly toxic to humans, and just because they grow in nature does not mean they are natural medicines. Toxic mushrooms can cause sometimes fatal reactions, ranging from severe abdominal pain to irreversible damage to the liver, kidneys, or nervous system. Some cause hallucinations or serious cardiac disorders. Accidental or deliberate ingestion often leads to urgent hospitalization to limit internal damage.
What Does Research Say About Dandelion?
According to the fact-checker at Agence France-Presse, experts have dismissed social media posts promoting dandelion tea as a cancer cure, stating there is no proof of its effectiveness for treating the disease. They told AFP that patients should consult their doctors before taking any supplements or undergoing treatment.
“A dandelion is a plant that destroys cancer cells in just 48 hours! It is 100 times more effective than chemotherapy,” reads a Facebook post published in Urdu on March 25, 2025. This post, which has been shared more than 1,900 times, also tells a case where a man was allegedly cured in four months by drinking dandelion tea after years of ineffective cancer treatment.
Elizabeth Platz, a cancer epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told AFP on April 9 that she was unaware of any approved clinical use of dandelion flowers or roots for cancer prevention or treatment.
Marianne Baker, research information manager at Cancer Research UK, also told AFP in an April 10 email that “there is no scientific evidence that dandelion extract is an effective form of cancer treatment.”
Radio-Canada recently headlined: “How a Canadian doctor’s study on dandelion tea became fake news fodder.”
Dr. Caroline Hamm had no idea that a passing comment by a patient would pull her into an online avalanche of false testimonies about a so-called miracle cure for cancer.
“It really started with a little old lady I had in my clinic with a very high white blood cell count and an unusual diagnosis called myelomonocytic leukemia,” explained Dr. Hamm, oncologist and clinical director of the Windsor Cancer Research Group.
The diagnosis was difficult, but when Dr. Hamm delivered the bad news, her patient was oddly calm. “She said, ‘That’s okay sweetie, I’ll take care of myself.’” Three months later, the patient returned with a normal white blood cell count. She attributed the improvement to drinking dandelion root tea. The remission lasted about three months, after which the cancer returned and continued to progress.
What Are the Negative Effects of Dandelion or Its Root?
Although often considered a plant with many virtues, dandelion can have negative effects when consumed as an infusion, especially its root. In some people, this infusion can cause allergic reactions, particularly in those already sensitive to plants of the Asteraceae family. Digestive issues such as stomach aches, cramps, or diarrhea may also occur, especially with excessive consumption. Additionally, dandelion has diuretic properties, which can lead to excessive loss of water and electrolytes, disrupting the body’s water balance and potentially causing problems for people with certain heart or kidney conditions.
Regarding drug interactions, dandelion infusion can interfere with some treatments. For example, its diuretic effect can enhance medications prescribed to eliminate excess fluid, leading to electrolyte imbalance. It can also alter the absorption or metabolism of anticoagulant medications, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Its use alongside antidiabetic medications should be cautious, as it may influence blood glucose regulation. In short, dandelion infusion requires particular vigilance, especially for people taking medications or suffering from chronic illnesses. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before consuming it regularly.
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