Taraxacum officinale or Dandelion is a flowering plant which lives for more than two years. Though considered as a weed, it is used in food preparation and is known to possess medicinal qualities by people in North America and Europe. Dandelion is a perennial herb which can grow to a height of 12 inches. Dandelion supplement is a good remedy for various diseases. It is used as an effective treatment for diabetes.
Young leaves of dandelion are picked for tonic salads and also used as a medicine. Some of the active constituents of Dandelion are tannins, triterpenes, volatile oil, sterols, glycosides, asparagine and choline. It is also rich in various minerals such as silicon, iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium niacin, manganese and zinc with vitamins A, B, C and D. Dandelion has more beta carotenes as compared to carrots and potassium and greater than spinach or broccoli.
Scientific name: Taraxacum
Kingdom: Plantae
Classification: Daisy family
Dandelion is often considered as an intruding weed, which grows in your backyards, pavements, gardens and lawns. However, this invasive plant is an excellent medicine and food that can keep you free from several illnesses. The roots, flowers and leaves of this plant are edible.
This flowering plant is loaded with phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, fiber and vitamin C. It is also rich in Vitamin D, B complex vitamins, organic sodium, trace minerals and protein. Dandelion is used both as a medicine and as food for its ability to cure depression, anemia, blood related issues, scurvy and skin diseases.
Top Health Benefits Of Dandelion
Find below the list of top health benefits that dandelion has to offer.
1. Improves Digestion
The dandelion plant has mild laxative properties that help in improving your digestion, promotes your appetite and maintains the right balance of good bacteria in your intestines. It can also tackle digestive issues, improves the release of bile and stomach acid to hasten the process of digestion.
The tea prepared from dandelion root has beneficial effects on the digestive system, as it acts as an anecdote. This plant also helps in relieving constipation. It is a high fiber food that draws the unwanted body fluids to improve the stool quality.
2. Protects The Liver
Dandelion is a liver friendly plant, as it has Vitamin C and antioxidant like Luteolin to optimize the functions of your liver. The compounds of this plant prevent liver damage by keeping hemorrhages at bay. It stimulates the liver function by flushing the toxins away, maintains the electrolyte balance and prevents dehydration.
Dandelion regulates the internal functions of the liver that helps in quick metabolizing and synthesizing the cholesterol and fats. It also aids in the mineral absorption by preventing the occurrence of diseases and prevents inflammation.
3. Safeguards The Kidney
Dandelion is a diuretic that enables your kidney to clear out the waste matter quickly. It also improves the production of urine to keep your body free from excess water and unwanted salts. It maintains the health of your urinary system by restricting microbial growth. Plus, it can replace the amount of potassium that is lost during the urination process.
4. Promotes Bone Health
This flowering plant is an abundant source of calcium that helps in strengthening bones. It also aids in bone growth and its antioxidants prevent the bones from damage while you age. Free radicals are the culprit behind such age related damages and dandelions prevent issues, such as decreased bone density, weak and frail bones.
Dandelion has the fat soluble Vitamin K that plays a vital role in bone health that helps in preventing the deficiency of this vitamin. The plant also prevents blood clotting and bone mineralization problems. It is a perfect choice for post menopausal women who are facing the risks like osteoporosis and bone fractures.
5. Slows Down Cancerous Cells Growth
Dandelion is rich in antioxidants like Luteolin and Vitamin C that lowers the free radicals in your body to reduce the risk of cancer. The plant can detoxify your body and prevents the development of cancer of varied types and tumors associated with this medical condition.
The presence of Luteolin in the dandelion plant helps in poisoning the components of cancer cells by binding it and makes them ineffective to prevent reproduction. Dandelion plants are known to be very effective in fighting against prostate cancer, as its leaves are loaded with phytonutrients, which are capable of combating cancer cells.
6. Helps Diabetic Patients
The juice of the dandelion plant is helpful to diabetic people, as it can stimulate the insulin production in pancreas while keeping the levels of blood sugar very low. As the plant is diuretic in nature, it can improve the urination process in diabetics for removing the excess sugar from their body.
People suffering from diabetes are susceptible to renal damage and this flowering plant with diuretic properties removes the deposition of sugar in the kidney effectively. The dandelion plant with bitter taste helps in reducing the levels of sugar in the blood. It also regulates the insulin levels in the body by lowering the blood sugar level to resist plunges and spikes in the diabetic patients.
7. Cures Infections In Urinary Tract
Drinking tea made from dandelion prevents all kinds of infections in the urinary tract. It also cures formation of cysts in reproductive organs, bladder disorders and bladder issues. The mixture of dandelion root and other herb, uva ursi can combat bacterial infection. It also improves the urine flow and prevents infection.
8. Helps In Weight Loss
Dandelion tea has very low calories and is rich in nutrients that make it a best choice for weight loss. It is an effective medicine for weight loss, as it can initiate the breakdown of cholesterol and fat in the body. Have a cup of dandelion tea with your meals to help you lose weight quickly. The tea prepared from this plant will help you stay fuller for a long time to avoid snacking.
If you are facing overweight issues caused by water weight, then having dandelion tea would help you to lose both the water weight and the body fats. It is a diuretic that helps in flushing off the excess water in the body and helps you lose up to 3 pounds of water weight in a week’s time.
9. Cures Jaundice
Dandelion plant is an effective cure for patients suffering from jaundice, as it regulates the bile production in your liver and increases the frequency of urination for removing the excess bile. Its disinfectant and antioxidant properties help in fighting against the underlying viral infections in the liver. Jaundice patients can take dandelion tincture with sugarcane juice to improve the energy levels and to fight fatigue.
10. Keeps Skin Free From Infections
The sap or milk of dandelion can treat the fungal and microbial infections of the skin, as its sap is loaded with fungicidal, insecticidal and germicidal properties. The alkaline property of this plant also cures eczema, ringworm and itches on your skin. Its detoxifying property helps in treating acne by regulating the hormone levels in your body.
Dandelion Recipes and Other Benefits
- The leaves are used in soup and salads either in raw or cooked forms. They also go well with boiled eggs. These leaves have nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron and calcium
- Though spinach remains the well known source of iron and calcium in households, it is interesting to know that the presence of these nutrients in dandelion leaves is more than spinach
- The flower petals can be used to prepare wine. It is light and serves as a very refreshing drink in summer season. Some people add raisins, dates, apricots and figs in the wine to extract additional health benefits from the drink
- If sugar is not added in the preparation of this wine, it can be added with heavier salads, fish, fowl or pastas to enhance the nutritional value of the food
- The dried leaves and flowers can be powdered and used in the preparation of tea. It can be served 3 times a day along with honey. People with weak appetite, complaints of digestion, constipation, joint pains and skin problems can consume this tea as an herbal medicine
- The dried roots of this plant are baked and grounded to form powder. It is can be used as a substitute for coffee by the people addicted to it
- It can also be used for the production of urine in the body and as a natural laxative. In Canada, the plant is a registered drug. It can be used as an alternative medicine to treat jaundice, cholecystitis and cirrhosis. Warts can be treated by this plant as a folk medicine
- The extracts of the flowers can be used to prepare honey by adding lemon juice to it. The preparation is known to treat liver problems effectively
How to Choose And Use The Dandelion Plant?
If you don’t have any idea about selecting a dandelion plant and using it, the instructions given below will help you.
- Make sure that you pick the dandelions from any abandoned place, garden or meadows, as it will be free from toxic chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides.
- You can also find freeze dried dandelion leaves in organic stores.
- If you are picking a fresh plant, then make sure that you pick the tender and young plants, as they will have a less bitter taste.
- Wash it thoroughly to remove all the dirt and dust from the whole plant.
- For making tea, you can use the fresh and raw root or roast it to prepare coffee.
- You can store the remaining plants in the refrigerator for a week by wrapping it in a damp cloth.
- You can consume the dandelion greens by boiling it, sautéing it and add it in its raw form to your salads.
What are the findings in Research Studies on Dandelion?
According to a study carried out at the Pohang Center for Evaluation of Biomaterials, Pohang, Korea in 2010 and published in PubMed, the roots and leaves are known to reduce oxidative stress and narrowing of the pathways of the heart in experimental rabbits.
A 2011 research study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, proved that the components of this plant possess anti-influenza virus effects.
The latest research on the extracts of Dandelion has proved its efficacy in treating anemia and blood purification. The tests were carried out on experimental mice and at Department of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan Branch, Isfahan, Iran and the results were published in the July 2012 edition of PubMed.
What are the Top Caution to Follow while using Dandelion?
In spite of the mentioned health benefits of dandelion, it is advisable to observe discretion and caution in the usage of this plant as an herb. This is especially applicable to aged people, pregnant women and patients whose immune system is compromised by ailments like diabetes.
The family doctor should be aware of the usage of dandelion by the family members. This can prove beneficial in timely addressing of the possible adverse effects of this herb on the body like an allergy.
Dandelion plant has impressive healing properties that make it an effective treatment for several health conditions. Even though it is helpful to diabetic patients, they must consult their doctor before taking it, if they are taking blood sugar modulators.
Key Facts About the Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
- Pronunciation: /ˈdændɪˌlaɪən/
- Origin: Native to Eurasia, now common worldwide
- Family: Asteraceae family
- Plant Appearance: Short, hardy plant with a height of up to 30 cm
- Leaves: Deeply toothed, basal leaves that form a rosette
- Flowers: Bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that open with the sun
- Color: Vivid yellow flowers; green leaves
- Seeds: Carried by the wind on fluffy, white “puffs”
- Culinary Use: Leaves, roots, and flowers are used in salads, teas, and as a coffee substitute
- Nutrition: High in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium
- Medicinal Use: Traditionally used to support digestion, liver health, and as a diuretic
- Cultivation: Thrives in various soils, particularly disturbed grounds and lawns
- Propagation: Propagates through seeds; highly resilient
- Worldwide Presence: Found in temperate regions globally
Conclusion
The dandelion, often dismissed as a mere weed, is revealed to possess a wealth of health benefits, from improving digestion and liver health to promoting bone strength and aiding in weight management. Its nutritional profile is rich, with significant levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support various bodily functions and may even slow the growth of cancerous cells. Research and traditional use underscore its potential as a natural remedy for a range of ailments, suggesting a need for further exploration into its therapeutic applications. This plant’s versatility in culinary and medicinal contexts, coupled with ongoing scientific studies, highlights its potential as an accessible and effective component of holistic health and wellness strategies.
