Dandelions Flowers Health Benefits
The health benefits of dandelion include relief from liver disorders, diabetes, urinary disorders, acne, jaundice, cancer and anemia. It also helps in maintaining bone health, skin care and is a benefit to weight loss programs. These and other health benefits are currently being studied for complete validation by a number of international institutions.
Despite the health benefits of dandelions, they are traditionally more popular as ornamental flowering plants than as medicine, because the flowers of dandelions look brilliant and are frequently seen in gardens and parks. There are many varieties of dandelion, but the common dandelion is scientifically known as Taraxacum Officinale. In terms of history, the plant is believed to have evolved about 30 million years ago in Eurasia.
Dandelion, which literally translates into “lion’s tooth” in French, is rich in vitamin-A, C, iron and calcium and detoxifiers which explains its common inclusion in medicines. Below, we will discuss the different things that benefit can do for us, besides decorating our gardens.
Health Benefits of Dandelions
The health benefits of dandelions include the following:
Bone Health: Dandelions are rich in calcium, which is essential for the growth and strength of bones, and they are rich in antioxidants like vitamin-C and Luteolin, which protect bones from age-related damage. This inevitable damage is often due to free radicals, and is frequently seen as bone frailty, weakness, and decreased density.
Liver Disorders: Dandelions can help the liver in many ways. While the antioxidants like vitamin-C and Luteolin keep the liver functioning in optimal gear and protect it from aging, other compounds in dandelions help treat hemorrhaging in the liver. Furthermore, dandelions aid in maintaining the proper flow of bile, while also stimulating the liver and promoting digestion. Proper digestion can reduce the chances of constipation, which in turn reduces the risk of more serious gastrointestinal issues.
Diabetes: Dandelion juice can help diabetic patients by stimulating the production of insulin from the pancreas, thereby keeping the blood sugar level low. Since dandelions are diuretic in nature, they increase urination in diabetic patients, which helps remove the excess sugar from the body. Diabetics are also prone to renal problems, so the diuretic properties of dandelion can help removing the sugar deposition in the kidneys through increased urination. Furthermore, dandelion juice is slightly bitter to taste, which effectively lowers the sugar level in the blood, as all bitter substances do. Consistently lower blood sugar and a more regulated system of insulin release prevents dangerous spikes and plunges for diabetic patients, so dandelion extracts can be a perfect solution!
Urinary Disorders: Dandelions are highly diuretic in nature, so they help eliminate deposits of toxic substances in the kidneys and the urinary tract. The disinfectant properties of dandelions also inhibit microbial growth in the urinary system. In fact, the diuretic properties of dandelions are so strong that in France, the flower is also called “pissenlit” which means “urinate in bed”.
Skin Care: Dandelion sap, also known as dandelion milk, is useful in treating skin diseases which are caused by microbial and fungal infections. This treatment stems from the fact that the sap is highly alkaline and has germicidal, insecticidal and fungicidal properties. You should be careful while using this sap, and avoid any contact with the eyes. This sap can be used on itches, ringworm, eczema, and other skin conditions without the risk of side effects or hormonal disturbances commonly caused by pharmaceutical skin treatments.
Acne: Dandelion juice is a good detoxifier, diuretic, stimulant and antioxidant. These four properties make it a great treatment for acne. Before we know how it treats acne, we must know what causes it. Acne typically arises during the teenage years, when the body undergoes many physiological and hormonal changes. The flood of new hormones that bring about the changes in the body must be regulated, but if they don’t remain at a healthy ratio, they tend to deposit somewhat toxic substances into the body. These toxins tend to come out along with sweat through the sweat glands or sebaceous glands on the skin.
During these hormonal changes, these glands secrete more oils which, when mixed with dead skin, block the pores and the secretion of toxins is obstructed. Therefore, the toxic substances cannot escape and eventually result in acne. This situation is exacerbated by the microbial infections on the effected places. Dandelion juice, being a stimulant, diuretic and detoxifier in nature, can help regulate proper secretion of hormones, increase sweating and widen the pores. All of these factors help to facilitate the removal of toxins through sweat and urine. Furthermore, dandelion sap, if externally applied to areas with acne, can inhibit microbial infection and reduce the frustrating signs of acne. Also, it can speed up healing due to its vitamin-C content, so the scars and ugly red inflammation that traditionally follows acne treatment will be less noticeable.
Weight Loss: Our urine consists of up to 4% fat, so the more we urinate, the more water and fats are lost from the body. Dandelions, being diuretic in nature, promotes urination and thereby helps lose the dreaded “water weight” without causing any side effects. Furthermore, dandelions are low in calories, like most leafy greens, but for the small expense of calories (~1oo cal./4 cups), you get a huge amount of beneficial side effects. This is also why dandelions are sometimes used as sweeteners, because they are not packed with unhealthy sugars.
Cancer: Dandelions are high in antioxidants, such as vitamin-C and Luteolin, which reduce the free radicals (major cancer-causing agents) in the body, thereby reducing the risk of cancer. It also detoxifies the body, which further helps protect from the development of tumors and various cancers. Luteolin actually poisons essential components of cancer cells when it binds to them, rendering them ineffective and unable to reproduce. This characteristic has been demonstrated most notably with prostate cancer, although there are other studies being done.
Jaundice: Jaundice is primarily a disorder of the liver in which the organ starts overproducing bile, which ultimately enters the bloodstream and wreaks havoc on the body’s metabolism. The excess bile is also reflected through color of the skin, and eyes, which typically develop a yellow tint. The treatment of jaundice includes three main steps. First, you need to curb the production of bile. Second, you must remove the excess bile from the body, and third, you have to fight the underlying viral infection.
Dandelions are very helpful in all of these steps. It promotes liver health and regulates bile production. Being diuretic in nature, it promotes urination, where the excess bile can be eliminated. Finally, as an antioxidant and disinfectant due to the presence of vitamin-C and Luteolin, it fights viral infections as well. It is most beneficial when taken with sugarcane juice, since it replaces the sugar in the body that is significantly lowered due to the impact of excess bile. A lack of sugar can cause extreme fatigue and weakness, so dandelions help boost your energy levels after infection!
Gall Bladder Disorders: Dandelions are very beneficial for the gall bladder and liver, because they improve their general functioning, protects them from ill effects of oxidants and infections, and regulates the various secretions from both organs.
Constipation: Certain components of dandelion, namely the high levels of dietary fiber, make it a beneficial aid for digestion and proper intestinal health. Dietary fiber stimulates healthy bowel movements by adding bulk to stool, and also reduces chances of constipation as well as diarrhea. It regulates bowel movements, which can prevent more serious gastrointestinal issues. It is commonly prescribed for children who are experiencing constipation, as it is relatively soothing on the stomach. It has also been used to stimulate the appetite, particularly following trauma or surgery.
Anemia: Dandelions have relatively good levels of iron, vitamins, and protein content. While iron is the integral part of hemoglobin in the blood, vitamins like vitamin-B and protein are essential for the formation of red blood cells and certain other components of the blood. This way dandelion can help anemic people keep their condition in check.
High Blood Pressure: Urination is an effective way of lowering blood pressure. In fact, most of the modern medicines for lowering blood pressure are based on this phenomenon. Dandelion juice, being diuretic in nature, increases urination, both in quantity and frequency. Therefore, it helps lower high blood pressure. The fiber in dandelion is also helpful in reducing cholesterol and thereby assists in lowering blood pressure, since cholesterol is one of the factors that increases blood pressure. Finally, there is the high potassium content of dandelions, which is very effective in lowering blood pressure by replacing sodium.
Other Health Benefits: Dandelions can also be used as a vegetable and is a good source of fiber. It promotes digestion, and in the past, it was used to treat scurvy, because of its high levels of vitamin-C. It also has healing effects on dyspepsia, infections in the stomach, intestines and urinary system.
A Few Words of Warning: Dandelions can be helpful to diabetics by lowering blood sugar, but for patients already taking blood-sugar modulators, this can result in hypoglycemia, an equally dangerous condition. Consult your doctor before adding dandelion supplements on top of your normal treatment. Also, the milk sap of dandelions has been known to cause itchiness, irritation, or allergic reactions on the skin, and should be kept away from the eyes. Finally, there is a rare type of fiber in dandelions called inulin, and some people have a predisposed sensitivity or allergy to it which can be quite severe. When first adding dandelion greens to your diet in any way, start small and closely monitor your body’s response.
If you’ve ever had a garden or a backyard, then you know how annoying it is to get rid of stubborn dandelions.
And while the sight of the yellow flower may make you sigh in aggravation, the stubborn plant actually has a long history of medicinal use throughout the globe.
Dandelion isn’t just used in tinctures and teas, the plant can also be used in everyday meals to compliment goat cheese, eggs, bacon and potatoes. Sometimes, you can even find the leaves at your local farmer’s market, health food store or even supermarket.02-dandelion-uses-fb-918×482
Dandelion Benefits
Although it may be considered to be a weed, dandelion is actually full of vitamin A, K and C, iron, potassium, zinc as well as eye-healthy beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin
Studies show that dandelion can kill leukemia cells, fight bacteria and boost immune function
Dandelion can be a little bitter and if you don’t know how to prepare it, it might not even be palatable. Here are few yummy recipes to get some of its health benefits into your diet, think of it as just another vegetable on your plate!
1. Greens And Garlic
Garlic’s sweet and strong flavor cuts the bitterness of dandelion. Just blanch the greens by dipping young leaves in boiling water for 20-30 seconds before sautéing in olive oil, garlic and
2. Dandelion Pumpkin Seed Pesto
While you may have heard avocado pesto or spinach pesto but have you ever heard of dandelion pesto? Use it on pasta, sandwiches and as a dip. You can also swap pine nuts for nutrient-packed pumpkin seeds.
3. Crispy Blossoms
Similar to squash blossoms, you can actually fry dandelion flowers for fun summer snack or party dish. Once cleaned, the flowers are actually sweet and delicious.
4. Flower Vinegar
Use this infused vinegar to flavor salads, soups and more. It’s quite refreshing and floral.
5. Summer Risotto
Enjoy the deep flavor of dandelion in this smooth and creamy vegetarian risotto.
6. Kimchi
Swap out cabbage for dandelion greens for a more medicinal spin on gut-healthy kimchi. Most of the ingredients can be purchased in Korean or Asian grocery stores or online.
7. Petal Sorbet
This may seem like an unusual combination, but the natural sweetness of dandelion flowersactually make them a great ingredient for homemade sorbet.
8. Light Jelly
This delicate dessert can be eaten strain or used as a jam to spread on toast or incorporate to your favorite dessert.
9. Root Coffee
Spike up your morning ritual by adding a few powered dandelion roots. Be careful, coffee and dandelion have both diuretic and laxative effects.
10. Pain Oil
Dandelion oil can be applied topically to relieve joint pain and muscle ache. To make, simply fill a small glass jar with fresh dandelion petals up to an inch below the rim. Cover with sweet almond oil and cover with a lid. Infuse in a warm place away from the sun for two weeks. Strain the oil and pour into a sterilized jar and store in your fridge.
11. Muscle Salve
For a portable salve, prepare dandelion oil above and use a double boiler to melt 1/4 ounce of beeswax. Add 1 3/4 ounces of infused oil to the wax and stir until melted and well incorporated. Remove from heat, let it cool slightly and pour into small containers with lids. Refrigerate until firm.
12. Wart Remover
Harvest dandelions from your yard and dissect them with your hands to extract their sticky juice. Apply the sap directly to your warts several times a day to help them disappear.
13. Yellow Dye
To dye warn or cloth naturally, add a few cups of yellow petals with equal amounts of water and boil for an hour. The quantity you prepare will depend on the size of the cloth you will dye. For a brighter hue, add a few spoonfuls of turmeric. After an hour, strain and return to your saucepan.
As it cooks, simmer cloth or yarn in 2 quarts water and 2 cups white vinegar for about an hour to help it hold onto your dye. Remove from vinegar solution, drain and add to dandelion mixture. Cook just below a simmer for another hour. remove from heat and let it soak overnight.
Rinse the fabric under cool water until the water runs clear. Let it dry and use.
14. Homemade Fertilizer
To feed your garden, collect dandelion and other weeds you’ve removed from your lawn and let them sit in a large container with 8 cups of water. Cover with a lid and let it sit for 2-4 weeks, stirring once a week. Beware, it will smell very strong! When ready, strain the mixture through cheesecloth and compost the weeds. To use, dilute 1 part tea to 10 parts water to water your plants.
Bonus: Feed the bees!
Dandelions and other weeds are important food sources for bees! Rather than removing them all for personal use or obliterating them with pesticides, leave them for the bees to enjoy.
