Gardeners despise the lowly dandelion, thinking only about how to rid their flower bed of the noxious weed. But this plant, which grows nearly anywhere, actually has several health benefits when incorporated into the diet or used as a supplement.
Medicinal Benefits of Dandelions
The leaves of the dandelion act as a natural diuretic. It encourages the body to expel urine, which can be helpful for certain conditions, such as PMS, menstrual discomforts, swollen feet, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. What makes the dandelion unique is its high levels of potassium. Most diuretics deplete the body of potassium, an important substance. However, because the dandelion is naturally rich in potassium, it balances any potassium loss.
The dandelion root is helpful for the liver and gall bladder. It works with the liver to detoxify the body and it also may prevent gallstones. (Although if gallstones are already present, dandelion may cause pressure against the stones, increasing the pain.) Preliminary research has shown that the dandelion root could be a valuable agent against cancer.
Dandelion leaves act as a natural digestive aid, have been shown to reduce high blood pressure (probably because of the diuretic qualities), and may help vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections when used in a bath. Dandelion leaves are also nutrient rich. The high levels of potassium can help alleviate muscle spasms and nighttime leg cramps. Dandelion leaves contain more vitamin A than an equivalent amount of carrots. One cup of raw dandelion leaves contains 7,000 international units of vitamin A.
How to Use Dandelions, Dandelion Supplements & Dandelion Extract
Take up to three capsules of dandelion supplement daily, or use 10 to 30 drops of dandelion extract in juice or water daily.
Take care if you wish to cultivate dandelions, as most neighbors would not appreciate dandelion seeds drifting into their yard. Harvest young leaves as they develop. Add fresh dandelion leaves to a salad. Dried leaves may be made into tea or used in a bath. Harvest the root at the end of the second growing season.
Do not take dandelion if you are using other diuretic medicine. Dandelion use should be discontinued when using antibiotics, because dandelion may diminish the effectiveness of the medication.
Sources
Balch, Phyllis, Prescription for Herbal Healing, Avery, 2002.
Castleman, Michael, The Healing Herbs. The Ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature’s Medicines, Rodale Press, 1991.
Chevallier, Andrew, Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, Dorling Kindersley Limited, 2000.
Foster, Steven and Johnson, Rebecca L., Desk Reference to Nature’s Medicine, National Geographic.
Mindell, Earl, Earl Mindell’s New Herb Bible, Simon and Schuster, 2000.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
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