Health Benefits of Dandelion

Dandelion is a precious botanical that has long been used as an herbal remedy in traditional herbalism throughout the world. For thousands of years, dandelions have been used in various herbalisms for improved health with few side effects, if any. Dandelion Root has a number of benefits, and herbalists call this nutrient-dense food a potent remedy that plays a particularly critical role in the health of women. In addition to its many other health benefits, dandelion root has antimicrobial properties, which may help to halt the growth of bacteria that causes illness.

Historial Significance and Lore

Dandelion has been used in traditional medical practices around the world for centuries, either as a rejuvenating tonic, an edible food, or brewed into herb-based beers and wines. Dandelion is also used in Arabian, Welsh, and European medicine, eaten raw or made into juices or tonics. Dandelion has been traditionally used in many systems of medicine for supporting digestive and gastrointestinal health.

 

 Dandelion grows almost anywhere, collected wild in different climates, including the Himalayas, which are about 12,000 feet high, where it is frequently collected for use in Ayurvedic medicine (the traditional Indian treatment system). Both Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine have accepted the use of dandelions as a detoxifying agent for the liver and for treating inflammation in the mammary glands. In both traditional Chinese medicine and Native American medicine, dandelion root has been used to treat conditions in the stomach lining and liver for some time. In the traditional herbal medicine practice, dandelion is revered because of the vast range of dandelions medicinal properties.

Native Americans cooked and drank dandelion extracts to aid in digestive problems, skin disorders, inflammation, liver damage, kidney disease, urinary tract infections,and heartburn. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners will prescribe dandelion tea to help detoxify the liver and put the body back in balance.

Medicinal Properties of Dandelion

Although most people think of dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) as an annoying common weed, this plant has long been used in herbalism for digestive relief and helping stimulate appetite. The plant dandelions has been used widely for centuries to treat ailments in traditional medicine. It is known for helping treat conditions like joint pain, loss of appetite, and bruising. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), humans have used dandelions for years in traditional medicine, believing that it could treat health problems related to the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. 

Dandelion As A Diuretic

Dandelions have a natural diuretic effect with many potential health benefits. Some scientists think that the roots powerful diuretic effects could have medicinal uses, including treating bloating and water retention during pregnancy. People taking some medications also might want to take it lightly when drinking dandelion tea because it may interact with certain medications, particularly diuretic medications, those taking kidney medications, and some antibiotics. Dandelion leaves are used as a diuretic by herbalists to help the body excrete excess water through the kidneys. Herbalists use the roots of the dandelion to support the liver and kidneys in removing waste products from the body, including dietary toxins, medications, synthetic hormones, and metabolic byproducts.

 

Dandelion For Inflammation 

As inflammation may play a large part in a number of ailments and diseases, drinking dandelion tea can lower those risks, as well as overall improve health. While there is no proven connection between drinking dandelion tea and decreasing inflammation-related diseases, it is possible that compounds found in dandelion tea may contribute to better overall health in the human body through reduced inflammation. Dandelion tea acts as a natural diuretic, meaning that it increases urine, which may help lower your bodys water weight and help remove any toxins that might cause inflammation in the first place. 

Dandelion For Diabetes Prevention

According to a paper published in the journal Diabetic Research, dandelion may help to moderate blood sugar levels, as well as improving insulin tolerance. Dandelion may help to combat inflammation, improve the immune system, work as a anti-aging agent in skincare products, and although more studies are needed -- according to some sources -- it may even cure Type-2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and HIV (1, 2, 3, 4). Modern studies are scarce, but they point to the potential medicinal uses of dandelions roots for inflammatory modulators, diuretics, digestive stimulants, insulin-stimulants, demulcents, prebiotics, immunomodulators, anti-angiogenics, and antineoplastics.

Dandelion for Detoxing

Because of the purifying effects of the dandelion plant, it is also called as blood purifier, a laxative, liver cleanser, and a fatigue reliever. Dandelion is packed with vitamins and minerals, and has been used for a long time in herbalism practices because of many purported health benefits, including supporting liver health and reducing the risk of cancer. 

Dandelions help steer clear from kidney problems, by helping the kidney in flushing out waste, salt, and excess water by increasing the frequency of urination. Initial studies suggest that use could stem from dandelions ability to boost a significant increase in the flow of bile, which can improve liver function. This helps detoxify the liver and ease symptoms of liver disease. It is know to support the detoxification and cleaning of the digestive tract, particularly against the effects of excessive consumption of fatty foods, coffee, and prescription medications.

 How To Incorporate Dandelion into Your Diet

Dandelion can actually be a helpful addition both to your medicine cabinets and your kitchen cabinets! Dandelion leaves are a source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin C, B, and A. Dietitians tout that dandelion root as great for to human health by supplementing the digestive system. It's rich in a compound called inulin, a fiber-rich, powerful prebiotic that helps healthy digestion by fueling our friendly gut bacteria and may help stabilise blood sugar levels. In fact, dandelion leaf, seeds, and even dandelion flowers can be used in all kinds of recipes, each bringing their own unique mix of nutrients and health-promoting properties. 

Both roots and leaves are packed with health-promoting properties, and can be used in making everything from a cup of dandelion tea to ultra-nutritious salads with dandelion greens. The roots can also be used in a wide variety of dandelion recipes, but many people think the best way is simply brewing dandelion root in hot water as a delicious herbal tea. It's also popular to make this "pesky weed" into a kind of dandelion coffee for a soothing coffee substitute.