The Dandelion Plant: Health Benefits

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The dandelion plant is an excellent diuretic and a component of many depurative cures for Spring, which many people are fond of in Saxon countries. Who has never blown those white, hairy spheres containing dandelion seeds? Their easy dispersion allowed the plant, native to northern Europe, to spread worldwide. Many people worldwide have taken advantage of its medicinal properties.

Healing Properties and Indications

The leaves and root of the dandelion plant contain a bitter component similar to that of chicory, to which the plant owes its stimulating and digestive properties and inulin. The leaves also contain flavonoids, coumarin substances, and vitamins B and C. The properties of the dandelion are as follows:

1. Appetizer, digestive, and stomachic invigorator. It increases the secretions of all digestive glands, promoting digestion and improving digestive ability. The dandelion increases the production of saliva and gastric, intestinal, and pancreatic juices, as well as bile. Moreover, it stimulates the muscles of the whole digestive system. Hence, it accelerates and stimulates all digestive processes, both physical and chemical.
2. Choleretic. (increases bile production) and cholagogue (promotes emptying of the gall bladder). Its action on the liver and the gall bladder is similar to that on other digestive organs, though more intense. It is one of the plants with the most active action on biliary functions, so it is especially recommended for people suffering from the following disorders:
        – Hepatic insufficiency, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. It can increase bile production up to three times, relieving liver congestion and easing its disintoxicating function.
        – Biliary dyskinesia. Gall bladder disorders.
        – Cholelithiasis (gall stones). Though the dandelion plant cannot dissolve the calculi, it promotes a better function of the gall bladder while definitive treatment is applied.
3. Diuretic and depurative. One of its most potent effects. The dandelion increases the production of urine and promotes the elimination of acid metabolic waste. It is recommended for people suffering from gout and arthritis. As the French saying goes, “Dandelion cleans the kidney filter and dries the liver sponge.”
4. Mild laxative, non-irritating. It is beneficial for intestinal atony. Its laxative properties and depurative effect make this plant a good remedy for eczema, rashes, furuncles, and cellulitis, often caused by internal toxicity due to constipation.

Dandelion is especially beneficial in forming and promoting bile and removing excess water from the body in situations like edema due to liver conditions. The root of this plant has an effect on every aspect of excretion and secretion from the body. It removes poisons from the body and acts as a stimulant and tonic. It helps in the cleaning of the blood and liver.

Dandelion works incredibly well for people with diabetes, dropsy, and eczema by helping to cleanse the blood. Thanks to its superior mineral content, it is utilized in treating anemia. It reduces uric acid and serum cholesterol levels. People suffering from insomnia, fevers, constipation, and dyspepsia can get relief by drinking lukewarm dandelion tea.

The herb is highly proficient in aiding the functioning of the stomach, spleen, kidneys, and pancreas. Using the fresh root as an infusion is good for liver problems, gallstones, and jaundice. Drink ½ cup of dandelion infusion every half hour for relief from stomachaches. The root is also helpful in treatments for hypoglycemia.

Drink a cup of dandelion tea twice daily, and keep a balanced diet. An optimal diet and dandelion root tea can stave off adult-onset diabetes. The root tea can also be helpful against high blood pressure, which helps protect the heart.

Dandelion is also known to relieve menopausal symptoms. It is effective against boils (when taken internally), rheumatism, low blood sugar, bronchitis, jaundice, hepatitis, fluid retention, liver and spleen enlargement, constipation, cirrhosis of the liver, and breast tumors. It may also help age spots on the skin.

Significant cases of hepatitis have been remedied using dandelion root tea within one or two weeks when on an adequately controlled and limited diet of easily digested foods. The plant’s fresh juice is effective, but the tea is also good. The plant leaves are healthy as salad greens, primarily in the spring. The roasted root can be employed as a coffee substitute.

In Germany, the dandelion leaf has been approved to treat dyspepsia and loss of appetite with a feeling of flatulence and fullness. Additionally, the root is approved as a treatment for bile flow disturbances and as a diuretic. Dried dandelion leaves smoked to treat asthma and coughs are one of Europe’s most popular cough remedies. It is believed that smoke leaves impede the impulse of parasympathetic nerve fibers and act as an antihistamine. According to research, leaf mucilage soothes inflamed tissues.

Dandelion Plant Scientific Facts

1. Other names: Blowball, cankerwort, lion’s tooth, priest’s crown, puffball, swine snout, white endive, wild endive.
2. French: Pissenlit, dent de lion.
3. Spanish: Diente de leon, achicoria amarga.
4. Environment: Common in meadows, fields, and roadsides all over Europe and America. Worldwide spread.
5. Description: This vibrant plant of the Compositae family grows up to 30 cm high. Its base has deeply toothed or lobular leaves. Flower stems also grow from this base, and at their tip, there is a bright yellow flower head.
6. Parts of the plant used medicinally: Leaves and roots.

How to use Dandelion

1. Salads. Its pleasant, gently sour flavor is good in Spring salads, in which dandelion can play an essential role. These salads will have appetizer and depurative properties. They can be dressed in lemon and oil.
2. Fresh juice. Press or grind its leaves and root. Take two or three spoonfuls before every meal. In spring, when a significant depurative effect is needed, the treatment must last one to one and a half months.
3. Infusion, with 60 g of leaves and root per liter of water. Drink one cup before every meal.
      

Decoction: Simmer the root for thirty minutes and take six ounces regularly or three to four times daily, hot or cold. Tincture: Take thirty to sixty drops (1/2 to one teaspoon) frequently. Powder (leaves): Take ten to twenty #0 capsules 30 to 60 grains often.

Coffee substitute: A substitute infusion for coffee is prepared with the toasted roots of the dandelion plant. The advantage is that this infusion lacks any harmful effects of coffee. It has a pleasant flavor and almost all the plant’s medicinal properties.

DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.

REFERENCES

1. George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. Vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 384, 385. Print. [dandelion plant]
2. Vance Ferrell Harold M. Cherne, M.D. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia [Book]. – Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2010. – Vol. Seventh Edition: 7: pp. 154, 155.
3. WebMD https://www.webmd.com/diet/benefits-of-dandelion-greens