Juicing For Health - Dandelion
Name
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), also known as lion’s tooth and wild endive.
Parts Used
Flowers, Leaves, Roots, Tops.
Information
Dandelion is considered to most as a pesky weed, but to herb enthusiasts this herb has many medicinal properties.
Dandelion is a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc.
Dandelions, flowers, roots and leaves, have been used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine in the treatment of mild digestive disorders, liver problems, kidney disease, to purify blood, swelling, skin problems, appendicitis, breast problems, fever, boils, eye problems, natural diuretic, diabetes, and diarrhea. Like other herbs with bitter properties they are used to stimulate appetite, digestion and cleanse the liver/gallbladder.
Benefits
- Anemia
- Digestion
- Diuretic
- Liver/Gallbladder
Herbalists have used dandelion root to treat anemia for centuries, the herb is a rich source of iron aswell as other vitamins and minerals which help restores and balances the blood caused by deficiencies.
Dandelion has been used to treat poor digestion and other mild intestinal disorders. Bitter tasting herbs stimulate the bitter receptors on the back of the tongue which inturn stimulates the vagus nerve helping release stomach acid, pancreatic enzymes and bile secretion to aid proper digestion. Also has mild laxative and anti-inflammatory properties which make it useful for inflammatory bowel disorders.
Dandelion is a natural diuretic that increases urine production by promoting the excretion of salts and water from the kidney. Unlike other diuretics dandelion leaves are a rich source of potassium, a mineral that is often lost during increased urination.
As with other bitter herbs they help to increase bile secretion and in turn cleanse the liver and gallbladder. This makes it useful for people with sluggish liver function and poor digestion. It is restorative to the liver and helps reduce the risk of developing gallstones, but you should avoid it if you already have existing gallstones.
Side Effects/Precautions
Dandelion is considered a safe herb to use, although some may have allergic reactions if they are prone to allergys from the Asteraceae/Compositae family.
Dandelion is thought to stimulate bile secretion so its generally not recommended for those with liver or gallbladder disease.
People who are on pharmaceutical diuretics or drugs that have a diuretic action should not take dandelion root or other dandelion variations. Those on diabetes medication should exercise caution as dandelion is thought to lower blood sugar.
Buying Information
Good product sources can be purchased from the links below.
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