Benefits of dandelion are varied & many. Widely available & inexpensive or free, the leaves of dandelion & root benefits provide hope for aging populations.
Dandelion herb is really just a weed, an annoyance to many gardeners. Its leaves were seen as being shaped like lion’s teeth by the French, who called it dente de lion which has been rendered dandelion in the English language.
Dandelion has been used by Chinese & Indian herbalists for thousands of years. They understood the benefits of dandelion herb for boils, bronchitis, colds, hepatitis, obesity, pneumonia, ulcers & more.
A thousand years ago Arabs recognized that dandelion root benefits include increasing urine production which is very useful in treating several conditions.
American colonists introduced dandelion to Native Americans who adopted the herb as a beneficial tonic.
Currently herbalists recognize dandelion as benefiting various conditions regardless of the U.S.’s designation of dandelion as nothing but a useless weed.
Specific benefits of dandelion herb
Dandelion could help prevent gallstones. That is because it stimulates bile which is needed to digest fats. Dandelion’s ability to stimulate bile and relieve constipation & stomach ache make it ideal for alleviating hangover. This also suggests that dandelion is helpful against liver disease including cirrhosis, hepatitis & toxicity.
One of the general benefits of dandelion herb includes its diuretic (rids body of water) effects has several benefits. It helps relieve bloating associated with PMS. It relieves hypertension similar to the effects of many prescription medications.
Its diuretic effects also improves congestive heart failure. Helping to eliminate water also reduces weight but those effects may be short-lived.
Dandelion herb contains a generous store of antioxidants & so may help prevent cancers which require an oxidized environment.
Dandelion is also chock full of lecithin & choline. These two nutrients improve brain functioning & may prevent Alzheimer’s.
Another of the general benefits of dandelion include its action against bacterial infections. Dandelion may also help prevent such infections including yeast infections. Its dis-infective properties also work against pneumonia, bronchitis & other bronchial infections. Its diuretic properties also help the body get rid of infections via urine explaining why dandelion may help with bladder/ urinary tract infections.
Consuming dandelion herb or supplements may also help your body fight bacteria that are associated with acne. Dandelion’s infection fighting abilities also work against infections linked to eczema.
Dandelion has also shown promise as being anti-inflammatory, especially good for arthritis. It may also reduce blood sugar levels making it a helpful adjunctive diabetic treatment.
Breastfeeding can lead to inflammation of the nipples, a painful problem termed mastitis. Boiling an ounce of dandelion root in 2 cups of water until only 1 cup remains & compressing the liquid on the nipples relieves mastitis.
Applying the milky dandelion substance that comes out of leaves & stems to warts may banish them. Apply daily for one week.
Using dandelion root, leaves, supplements
Dandelion leaves can be eaten fresh, in salads or lightly cooked in stir frys. If eating leaves, choose only young leaves a solder ones are very bitter.
For more serious disorders such as PMS, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, take dandelion as a tea or tincture. As a tea, steep for 10 minutes & drink 2 - 3 cups a day.
Dandelion root benefits can be realized by simmering 2 tsps of powdered root per cup. Strain & enjoy.
As a tincture, take 3 - 6 tsps daily in divided doses.
For yeast infections, simply add a bunch of dried leaves & flowers to bath water.
For commercial preparations, follow manufacturer’s directions.
Safety of dandelion
The only real hazard from consuming dandelion is that long term use of any diuretic can deplete needed stores of potassium. If taking dandelion, make sure to eat foods with high potassium content like bananas & vegetables.
Luckily dandelion contains some potassium making its use somewhat self-corrective.
If you liked our page on benefits of dandelion herb & want to get our helpful info every month, subscribe to our free monthly newsletter: HEALTHY WORLD DIGEST
You'll receive anywhere from 5 - 10 healthy “nuggets” of information to get you feeling & looking your best.
Just fill in our brief eZine subscription form & start to take charge of your life easily, today, right now. We promise.