Dandelion: all its benefits, uses and contraindications

Among the best valued depurative plants we have the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), a traditional herbal remedy with proven diuretic and detoxifying properties which provides great benefits to preserve and enhance kidney and liver health.

Dandelion is mainly used in the treatment of liver disorders and to combat the presence of gallstones and kidney stones, as well as to promote urine. In traditional uses, it was used to restore appetite and purifying cures.

For medicinal purposes, the root is used as well as the leaves, which have a mild flavor.

How is the plant, where it grows and how to collect it

The dandelion, specifically the variety Taraxacum officinale Weberis a well-known plant that grows in meadows, pastures and lawns; also on banks, orchards and open fields, in environments with a certain humidity.

This present throughout Europebut it is a cosmopolitan plant, and we can also find it in other continents, such as America and North Asia.

Their yellow flower heads they cover the meadows and, when they bear fruit, they become feathery spheres known as pappusa down that allows the plant to disperse its seeds far away with the help of the breeze or wind.

The basal leaves are highly segmented, either split or toothed. It blooms for almost the whole year.

We can harvest dandelions ourselves in the environments where it grows wild and take home a supply for our needs. But it is important avoid fields where pesticides have been used, roadsides or paths on which cars travel and the proximity of landfills.

You can also try to grow dandelions at homeknowing that it needs moderate humidity and abundant watering in summer.

Dandelion properties

The dandelion stands out for its diuretic, cleansing and detoxifying properties. And also, above all, for their hepatoprotective properties.

It also has antioxidant, choleretic (causes the liver to secrete bile), cholagogue (facilitating the expulsion of retained bile), vasodilator, digestive, laxative and appetite stimulant properties.

Many of these properties are endorsed by scientific studies and are due to its particular composition. Dandelion contains a carbohydrate –inulin–, bitter beginnings such as taraxicin, flavonoids, mucilages, sesquiterpene lactones, phenolic acids, phytosterols (beta-sitosterol), lipids, carotenoids and potassium salts galore.

It is also present in the leaves coumarins and vitamins A, C and group.

Benefits of dandelion for the liver

The dandelion, due to its hepatoprotective, choleretic and colagogue properties, is intended for natural treatment of different liver disorderssuch as inflammation or liver failure.

It is also used to prevent the formation of gallstones and in purifying and detoxifying curesafter periods of excesses, intoxications, binges or liver overload.

Other benefits of dandelion

The dandelion is also attributed benefits for women, for digestion, for the heart and for the skin and hair.

Benefits for women: Dandelion is incorporated into diuretic and antiseptic remedies for the cure of frequent urinary infections in women, such as cystitis. It is indicated to combat edema, fluid retention and overweight due to fluid accumulation.Skin Benefits: Due to its cleansing and detoxifying effect, as well as its antioxidant effect, dandelion fights deterioration and aging of the skin and is a good remedy to facilitate the removal of impuritiessuch as eczema, dermatitis, acne, boils, hives and herpes, in internal and external applications.Benefits for the heart: As a powerful diuretic and vasodilator, dandelion is a valid support to maintain the low blood pressure levels and to prevent the appearance of vascular disorders in the long run. It is also included in treatments for type 2 diabetes mellitus.Benefits for digestion: It behaves as a laxative and associated with other herbs with similar properties, it is used to relieve chronic constipation. Because of its bitter potential, dandelion has traditionally been used to stimulate the appetite.Hair Benefits: Due to its contribution of vitamins A and group B, dandelion is also used to strengthen the roots of the hair and as a natural remedy for prevent his fall prematurely.

Dandelion infusions

the dandelion it is mainly taken in the form of a decoction of the root and leaves, generally associated with other herbs, such as purifying herbal tea. It can be taken on an empty stomach or also after meals as a detoxifier. Here are three formulas:

1. Cleansing infusion of dandelion for the skin

This dandelion infusion is intended to facilitate the removal of impurities from the skin. It can be drunk during the day, even cold from the fridge.

Ingredients: Dandelion root, burdock root, hops, thyme, sarsaparilla, and star anise.

Preparation: Mix the plants in equal parts and separate two tablespoons of the mixture for every half liter of water that you are going to prepare. You put it to boil for two minutes, keep it infused for 10 more and strain it. You can add a little lemon juice.

2. Detoxifying infusion

This other infusion of dandelion is ideal to take after intoxication or food poisoning, as a liver tonic. A cup is taken after each main meal, until the feeling of intoxication disappears.

Ingredients: Dandelion, barberry, centaury, boldo and peppermint.

Preparation: You mix these plants well in equal parts on a flat surface (for example, 20 grams of each plant). Separate a tablespoon of the mixture per glass of water that you are going to prepare. You boil it for a minute, let it rest for 8 more minutes and strain. To mitigate the very bitter taste of the formula, you can add maple syrup or the taste corrector of your choice.

3. Infusion for fluid retention and cystitis

This infusion, with antiseptic and diuretic properties, is intended to treat urinary tract infections such as cystitis, and fluid retention. It is suitable for pregnant women.

Ingredients: Dandelion, elecampane, buchu, heather, olive leaves, plantain and green anise.

Preparation: The different plants are mixed in equal parts (for example, 20 grams of each) and a level tablespoon of the mixture is separated for each cup of water. Boil for two minutes, leave to rest for another ten and strain.

Two cups are taken a day, better on an empty stomach.

Other ways to take dandelion

In herbalists and some pharmacies you can easily get dandelion in other presentations, beyond the dried plant for decoction.

Is found in liquid extract, to take about 50 drops in three daily doses, with water or fruit juice. Also dandelion in preparations, in the form of tablets or capsules.

The decoction is applied as a wash or in compresses on irritated or inflamed skin, or to help make impurities disappear. Also the decoction to apply in friction on the scalp to strengthen the hair root.

Dandelion is part of the formulation of some shampoos, creams and some ointments, sometimes associated with rosemary, calendula or thyme.

Contraindications of dandelion

Very bitter plants, such as dandelions, can cause rejection or gastric irritation in some especially sensitive people, when taken internally. The ideal would be to combine it with mucilaginous plants such as mallow, plantain or marshmallow.

If you are hypertensive and follow a drug treatmentConsult your doctor before starting a supportive treatment for high blood pressure with diuretic remedies that contain dandelion and other highly diuretic plants.

In the kitchen

We can take advantage of fresh dandelion leaves in the salads or incorporate them into creams and soups vegetables.

Flowers can be used to decorate and give color to these recipes. They can also be preserved in vinegar, as if they were capers.