Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is most commonly thought of as a weed but don't pull or mow it down because, in fact, dandelion is an herb that can be very beneficial to our health. Many people don't know how useful dandelion is or how extensive a history dandelion it has in herbal medicine. This herb is packed with vitamins including A, C, D, and many of the Bs. It also has minerals such as zinc, iron and potassium. This herb contains carotenoids, fatty acids, phytosterols and flavonoids, which all have health benefits.
Liver
Researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center suggest that dandelion root can help cleanse the liver. The liver often works overtime from eating unhealthy foods, drinking alcohol and introducing other toxins into blood stream. Dandelion root can help encourage bile flow from the liver, thus helping to detoxify the liver.
Diuretic
Dandelion root is considered an excellent diuretic because of its high potassium levels, according to Dr. John Cammarata, author of Physicians Guide to Herbs. This herb has the ability to help increase urine flow thus ridding the body of excess water, which, in turn, can help the body not feel so bloated and uncomfortable. As a diuretic, this herbal treatment is helpful for people who experience fluid retention, bladder infections and high blood pressure.
Skin Conditions
Our skin can exhibit various conditions that arise because of toxins, and dandelion root can help alleviate many of these skin disorders. Mark Pedersen, author of Nutritional Herbology, suggests that this powerful herb can help eliminate toxins from the skin, helping relieve conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. He also suggests that it can help with sun-damaged skin. It is recommended to drink a tea made with this herb several times a day to heal skin conditions.
Other Health Benefits
In 2004, at the University of British Columbia, a study suggested that dandelion flowers contained properties that had anticancer benefits and was an excellent antioxidant. In 2007, Japanese researchers at Osaka City University of Medicine discovered that dandelion appeared to increase female hormones in mice. Many Asian women use this herb to treat PMS symptoms and cramps. Additionally, dandelion is high in inulin, which helps blood sugar regulation and this can be good news for diabetics. Dandelion can be used as a tea or tincture, or taken in capsule form.
References
- Global healing Center
- Nutritional Herbology : A Reference Guide to Herbs; Mark Pedersen; 1998
- Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine; Andrew Chevallier and Gillian Emerson-Roberts; 2000
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