Most of us consider dandelion root to be a common weed, but its roots and tops are beneficial for healing purposes, and have been used medicinally since the 10th century.
It is a tonic that promotes liver function, and may prove useful for conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol and gout. It is considered an excellent diuretic, because it contains large amounts of potassium.
Nutrient Content
Dandelions are rich in nutrients, containing large amounts of vitamins A, B-complexes, C and D; plus many minerals such as boron, calcium, copper, choline, magnesium, manganese, potassium, silicon and zinc.
In India, dandelion root is used as a remedy for liver disorders.
This is because dandelions contain substances that are known collectively as taraxacin. It is this substance that gives dandelions their bitter taste.
Additionally, dandelions contain a type of chemical known as sesquiterpene lactones, which are active constituents of certain plants that are used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
They also have anticancer properties, but their ability to prevent or even cure cancer remains to be seen.
Dandelions Lower Cholesterol Levels
Preliminary research done on animals indicates that dandelion root may help to lower blood cholesterol levels in three ways. Here's how it works:
In the liver, dandelion stimulates the secretion of bile, and bile is made from cholesterol, which is stored in the liver, reducing the amount of cholesterol stored there.
The fiber in dandelion locks up bile in the digestive system, preventing cholesterol from being broken down, and thus it is eliminated as waste.
Since the fiber in dandelion removes bile from the body, it causes the body to break down cholesterol in the liver to produce more bile.
Dandelions May Normalize
Blood Sugar Levels
There have been studies indicating that dandelion root can help control blood sugar levels in diabetics.
This means that the liver doesn't have to work as hard filtering out excess sugar.
Dandelion stimulates the production of insulin from the pancreas, which helps to keep blood sugar levels low.
As it is a natural diuretic, it causes the diabetic patient to urinate frequently, eliminating extra sugar from the body
Dandelions Can Help With Gout
Dandelion root may also help individuals with gout. Gout is an arthritic condition that is caused when the body is unable to eliminate uric acid, and uric acid accumulates around certain joints, particularly the big toe.
Because dandelion is diuretic in nature, it will help to eliminate excess uric acid through the urine.
Other Uses
Here are some other uses of dandelion root:
Potassium-rich dandelion can promote healthy heart function.
Dandelions could lower blood pressure, because of its diuretic action.
Dandelions can help with conditions associated with the liver, such as hepatitis and jaundice.
Dandelions may prevent the formation of gallstones.
Dandelions can help with chronic arthritis.
Dandelions can help with skin problems, such as acne and psoriasis.
Women suffering from premenstrual syndrome may find that diuretic action may help to relieve symptoms of bloating and water weight gain.
As dandelion contains lecithin, a substance that helps to promote brain function, it may help to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
It may help inhibit the growth of candida albicans, the fungus that is responsible for vaginal yeast infections.
Dosage
Dandelion may be taken in a variety of different forms, including a dried leaf infusion: take 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls, three times a day.
Pour hot water onto the dried leaf and let steep for 10 minutes.
A dried root decoction: add 1/2-2 teaspoonfuls to a cup of boiling water. Boil for 5 to 10 minutes, strain and drink as needed.
Extract taken from the leaf, 500 mg, 1 to 3 times daily.
Extract taken from the root, 500 mg, 1 to 3 times daily.
To lower cholesterol levels, mix 15 g of the leaves with 20 g of roots bowl in 1 L water. You should let this mixture set for 24 hours before drinking it, one cup before each meal.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Although dandelion is generally safe to take, some people may experience an allergic reaction from taking this herb. Patients that are taking pharmaceutical diuretics, or drugs having a diuretic action should not use it.
Also, individuals taking medications for diabetes should be cautious when using dandelion. Talk to your physician before taking dandelion. Do not take this herb for extended periods.
Who would've thought that a common garden weed could be such a powerful and nutritious liver tonic? Dandelion root contains numerous nutrients, including potassium, thus making it a particularly useful herb for heart conditions, but it can treat many other conditions as well.
If you are wanting a way to keep information about all of your favorite herbs, then this free Filemaker Pro database is for you. Included in this database are records for some of the most popular herbs and includes the following information:
Photographs for over 90 herbs
A brief summary describing each herb
Herbal actions for 94 herbs so you can see at a glance how they work including a pop-up menu of all the herbal actions for each record so that you don't have to manually type them in for each new record you create
What conditions these herbs help to treat
The recommended dosage for each herb
Any side effects and contraindications for each herb including a pop-up menu of over 116 side effects so that you don't have to type in each side effect for each new record you create
Alternate names for each herb, in case you didn't know that dioscorea villosa is the same as wild yam
Google search capability - look up from within FMP any new herbs so that you can create new records, expanding your database
Multiple layouts makes navigation around your database much easier, just click a button to change layouts
Sort your records in ascending or descending order by just clicking a button
Completely customizable - Don't like what your layouts look like, change them. Not only can you change the database's look and feel, you can add or delete any fields should you desire.
Works with Macs and PCs
Find capability - Just click the find button at the top of each window, enter in what you're looking for, and Filemaker Pro instantly finds it for you
PLUS:
Healthy Living Spotlight - * A subscription to my newsletter which is filled with new articles regarding all things health not found on the website, plus lots of free goodies, periodically delivered directly to your email in box.
After completing the form below, you will receive an email asking you to confirm the address given just to be sure someone did not submit your email address without your knowledge. Upon confirmation, you will receive a link to download the database.
Most of us consider dandelion root to be a common weed, but its roots and tops are beneficial for healing purposes, and have been used medicinally since the 10th century.
