If dandelions are taking over your lawn, one way to exact revenge might be to uproot the pesky plants and devour them. Yes, dandelions are edible. Their leaves are added to gourmet salad mixes, and can be dried to make tea. The roots are also brewed as a tea or coffee substitute, and oenophiles sometimes wax poetic about the joys of dandelion flower wine. Dandelion tea has a long history of medicinal use by Native American, Chinese and European herbalists, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Safety
Dandelion tea is recognized as being safe for consumption, provided you're not harvesting it from an area treated by pesticides. According to Drugs.com, dandelion tea has no known contraindications. However, MedlinePlus espouses caution in consuming dandelion if you're also taking antibiotics, lithium, potassium-paring diuretics or medications that are altered by the liver.
As with any substance, some people may have allergic sensitivities to dandelion products. Skin rashes may result from contact with the plant. Dandelion's high mineral content includes potassium and magnesium in high concentrations.
Liver and Gall Bladder
Some evidence suggests that dandelion tea may help relieve ailments of the gall bladder and liver. Your liver creates bile, a digestive substance that helps break down food in the stomach. Excess bile is stored in the gall bladder, a small pouch below the liver. When bile solidifies within the gall bladder, gallstones result. According to Drugs.com, dandelion tea may help to dissolve gallstones, but it should only be used for this purpose after consultation with your physician.
Nutrients
Dandelion is one of the richest sources of beta-carotene found in green vegetables, according to Drugs.com. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant, a class of substances that neutralize damaging free radical molecules in the body. The humble lawn weed also contains high quantities of fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, thiamine, phosphorus and riboflavin.
Diuretic Properties
If you're trying to lose excess water weight, dandelion tea could help. Dandelion increases urine excretion by stimulating the kidneys to release salts and water. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the diuretic properties of dandelion make it helpful in treating poor digestion, liver problems and hypertension. As a bonus, dandelion's high potassium content helps stem the loss of this nutrient, which can be depleted through the use of synthetic diuretics.
Member Comments