Most people do not like dandelions. Dandelion is the easiest, nutritious edible weed that grows everywhere. Well, with the exception of Antarctica. It is a good source of magnesium, phosphorus, copper, organic sodium, choline, lecithin, biotin and inositol, vitamin C, D, E, zinc, manganese, B vitamins and eight amino acid that our body needs. It oxygenates and alkalizes the blood that results in the balance of electrolytes.

 

Research studies

Chinese medicine uses dandelion for breast cancer and mastitis as it stimulates the action of macrophages against tumor. A new study showed that it suppresses the growth of colon cancer cells and mouse melanoma cell lines. It is an approved use in stomach ailments, urinary tract infections, liver and gall bladder disorders and and loss of appetite by the Commission E, a German counterpart of the FDA.

 

You can use all parts of the plant

Flowers and stems

 

Flowers of the dandelion contain pollens that has vitamin B, proteins, and trace minerals. A source of magnesium, phosphorus, copper, sodium and choline. Flowers and stems are high in coumestrol, a plant estrogen that provides balance of hormone fluctuation in women, while still stimulating milk flow in nursing mothers. The stems of the dandelion plant has a milky sap that contains latex. You would notice your fingers being stained, though washable, after picking much dandelions. It can be applied directly to the skin for blemishes, warts, sunspots, moles, pimple canker sores and minor skin irritations.

 

Leaves

The leaves have bitter substances namely lutein, violaxanthin, other carotenoids and taraxacin tripertenes including ( taraxol and taraxasterol ) which helps tone our internal organs. Dandelion leaves contain sterols inulin, sugars, pectin ( a soluble fiber ), glycosides, iron, choline, phenolic acids, asparagine, beta carotene and vitamin C. This will serve as your daily dose of vitamins.

 

What the experts say

 

According to the American Nutraceutical Association, because the increase in bile secretion, this bitter green helps with sluggish liver issues due to poor diet or the beginning of cirrhosis.

Herbalpedia further adds that it stimulates appetite and digestive enzymes. Dandelion leaves serves as a digestive tonic, assisting in the breakdown of proteins and fats. Also promotes circulation to the spleen, kidney, liver and stomach. This may be the reason why salad greens, called bitter greens, are served before the main course, to aid in digestion.

Moreover…

 

Dandelion leaves are high in chlorophyll to reduce bad breath and help rebuild blood, increase calcium for strong teeth and bone density. Dandelion greens has higher vitamin A content than carrots. It also acts as a probiotic that supports friendly bacterial flora to thrive in the colon. It is rich in vitamin K to eliminate excess acidic build up that is known to cause gout.

Studies in diabetes show that dandelion is a source of levulin, same composition as insulin, that allows the conversion of fructose to glycogen by the liver thus creating less workload for the pancreas. It also contains inulin to aid in the control of blood sugar levels.

 

Dandelion is a potassium sparing diuretic, compared to a common drug Furosemide ( Lasix ). This attribute can help in fluid retention in PMS and bladder infection. Some use dandelion to help with weight loss due to this reason and the increase in bile flow promotes fat metabolism in the body. A study with mice that were given dandelion extract for 30 days showed a significant 30% loss of body mass.

 

Seeds

The Chinese use dandelion seed as an antibiotic against lung infection. It is rich in proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

 

Roots

Dandelion root is a liver tonic that increases bile flow and promotes bile production. It aids the body in cleaning metabolic wastes into the blood to be detoxified in the liver. Stimulating bile production promotes the transport of noxious compounds to be excreted in the stool and alleviate constipation. With a good functioning liver, it helps with hepatitis by relieving congestion.

The roots of the dandelion help purify the blood, helping the kidneys and liver in eliminating toxins, resulting to a clean skin and reduced age spots.

The root is an excellent source of soluble fiber and is dug up in the second year where the greatest concentration of complex carbohydrate, inulin, can be found. The root is a mild bitter that stimulates appetite and activates a reflex that stimulate digestive juices to be secreted by the lining of the stomach.

 

Conclusion

Dandelion regarded as a weed and not allowed to grow is not a just cause. Yes, growing ornamental flowers and weed free lawns are aesthetically beautiful but you can not eat or use it for anything. Dandelion is a plant that you can eat the leaves in the spring, flowers in the summer and roots in the fall. You can dry it, make wine, creams or roast the roots for tea in the winter.