Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a herbaceous plant from the daisy family. It is considered to be a simple weed, but its roots, leaves, and flowers provide numerous health benefits. The dandelion plant has been used for its benefits in traditional Chinese, Mexican, and Nord-American medicine, and this article explains about dandelion plant benefits.
Dandelion Plant Benefits, Contraindications, and Precautions
Dandelion is a comestible plant, often used for making tea, soups, salads, and as a coffee alternative. The dandelion plant can be taken in the form of supplements in capsules, or liquid extracts. Keep reading about dandelion plant benefits.
Dandelion has a rich caffeic acid content, vitamins, terpenoids, minerals, and many other essential compounds. Its extract has been studied over the last years for its anti-inflammatory, and anti-depressive effects. Dandelion root is a good source of inulin.
Must-read: Top 10 Best Alkaline Foods
What Are The Benefits of Dandelion
Researchers studied the impact of dandelion on many health areas. However, you should not be taking dandelion without asking your healthcare provider.
1. Diuretic
Dandelion acts as a diuretic. Diuretics make you produce more urine, and flush out the excess liquid from your body. It stands at #1 in dandelion plant benefits.
2. It helps heal liver conditions
Dandelion contains lutein, antioxidants, and vitamin C, which aids your liver to detox your body more efficiently. #2 in dandelion plant benefits.
3. Good for diabetics
Dandelion juice is beneficial for diabetic people because it stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin and maintain blood sugar levels within normal limits. Its diuretic effect helps flush out the excess sugar through urine. #3 place in our top with dandelion plant benefits.
4. Helps with urinary conditions
Dandelion had disinfectant properties, which inhibits bacteria multiplication, therefore accelerating the healing of urinary tract disease. Occupies #4 place in dandelion plant benefits.
5. Strengthens the bones
This plant is rich in calcium, known to be vital for maintaining strong, and healthy bones. #5 dandelion plant benefits.
6. Dandelion for skin
The anti-microbian and antifungal effects may help treat certain skin problems. Dandelion can be used for eczema, irritations, and insect bites. The diuretic and antioxidant properties may also help treat acne. #6 benefits in dandelion plant benefits.
7. Regulates blood pressure
The diuretic properties of dandelion make this plant excellent for regulating blood pressure. The high content of fiber and potassium contributes to maintaining blood pressure within normal limits.
8. Lowers inflammation
Dandelion is a plant full of antioxidants, phytonutrients, and fatty acids, capable of lowering inflammation, pain, and swelling.
9. Good for anemia
Dandelion contains an impressive quantity of iron which helps treat iron deficiency. Raw dandelion is indicated to those suffering from anemia, especially during the spring season.
10. May prevent cancer
The antioxidant richness in dandelion may help your system fight free radicals, protect DNA, and prevent cancer risk. Vitamin C, and vitamin A content contribute significantly to preventing cancer. #10 place in top 11 dandelion plant benefits.
11. Strengthens immunity –the research showed that this plant can strengthen the immune system, and help our bodies fight against viruses, and microbes.
Also read: Goji berries health benefits
Can You Eat Dandelions? Dandelion Plant Benefits
The leaves, stems, roots, and flowers are comestible. It tastes bitter, but if it is picked at the beginning of spring, the bitter taste is much more subtle. The bitter taste disappears when dandelion is cooked, or blanched. It can be used for salads, soups, and tea.
To get the most benefits of dandelion, you should eat around 10 raw stems with leaves. This will provide your body with all the nutrients, and vitamins found in dandelion. When the dandelion plant is not in season, you can make dandelion tea using dried dandelion flowers, stems, roots, and leaves.
Also Read: Antioxidant-Rich Foods List
Dandelion Contraindications and Precautions
Dandelion is usually considered safe and well-tolerated by most adults when taken in moderation. Here are the possible side-effects of dandelion:
Common Side Effects
If you experiment one of these symptoms after taking dandelion, stop taking it and talk to your healthcare provider immediately.
- Upset stomach
- Skin irritations
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
Precautions
Do not consume dandelion if you are allergic to one of the following plants:
- Chrysanthemums
- Chamomile
- Marigold
- Ragweed
- Yarrow
- Feverfew
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers and children should not take dandelion due to insufficient research on the long-term. This article about dandelion plant benefits, contraindications, and precautions ends here. We hope this was useful to you. Read this post in Romanian language – (Papadia beneficii si contraindicatii)
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