Health Benefits of Dandelion

• Scientific name: Taraxacum officinale
• Origin: Europe
• Part used: leaf and root
• Medicinal Properties: Cholagogue, diuretic, hepatic, lithotriptic, stomachic, alternative, astringent, galactagogue.
• Organs it affect: liver, kidneys, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas, intestines, and blood.

Dandelion is a beautiful plant with a small bright yellow flower, the name dandelion means lion’s tooth, it is named like that because of the jagged edges of its leaves that resemble teeth. Dandelion is one of the prized herbal remedy because of the many ailments it can cure.

The green leaves and the roots of this plant are great for juicing. The bitter taste of dandelion leaves increases as the summer progresses and its taste is at its mildest in the spring, that is why dandelion based juice has come to be considered an excellent spring tonic capable of cleansing and strengthening the blood and bones.

Available forms: Dandelion can be found in several forms such as capsules, extract, or as herbal tea. Dandelion root is most often taken in the capsule form and tea form.

Health Benefits of Dandelion Tea:

• The tea has a natural diuretic effect – that is, they help remove excess water from the body.
• Help increase the flow of bile by 3 to 4 times! Bile is essential for digestion and liver detoxification.
• Rich in choline, this nutrient is important for preventing and treating a fatty liver and serious case of hepatitis.
• The tea and juice can help lower serum cholesterol and uric acid levels in the body by as much as half.
• Effective blood cleanser and it helps prevent age spots and other skin disorders.
• Effective mild laxative.
• Help relax your muscle and good stress reliever.
• Drinking dandelion tea, combined with a good diet and exercise can eliminate diabetes.
• Help relieves menopausal symptoms.

Other Benefits of Dandelion Plant:

• Useful in the treatment of warts. The milk from the cut end of dandelion should be put on the wart twice or thrice a day.

Nutrient Content of Dandelion Plant:

Vitamins: Rich in beta-carotene, Vitamin A (helps fight cancer), B vitamins (helps reduce stress), thiamine, riboflavin.

Minerals: Rich in potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus. Dandelion greens contains nearly as much iron as spinach.

Micronutrients: Copper, cobalt, zinc, boron, molybdenum

Warning: Although dandelion is generally safe if taken in a recommended dosage some people still experience negative reaction to it.

• Dandelion root should not be taken with pharmaceutical drugs that have a diuretic action.
• People who are taking medications for diabetes should use dandelion root with caution, as it may intensify the blood sugar lowering effects of those drugs.
• Some people are allergic to dandelion. Don’t take it if you get an inflammation – contact dermatitis – when the leaves touch your skin.
• Dandelion should not be used if you have bile duct obstruction, acute gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), or intestinal blockage.

“This post was originally published on January 4, 2012 @01:41”