Dandelions have a very long history of use by humans, far back into
prehistory. Traditionally they have been used by many cultures throughout
Europe, North America, Asia, North Africa and West Africa. It is scientifically known as Taraxacum officinal, meaning “the official remedy for disorders”
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| dandelions can grow up to 45 cms in height |
It is a
very hardy plant, it grows vigorously everywhere in the fields, lawns and
meadows. It features long stout taproots from which long-jagged
dark-green leaves rise directly from the ground surface in radiating
fashion. The fully-grown plant reaches about
45 cms in
height. Fresh dandelion greens have a mild, pleasant, slightly bitter flavor.
Revered since earlier times, Dandelion herb is one
of the most sought-after herbs to enliven our daily meals. Almost all
the parts of the plant, leaves, flower tops, and root, are being used
either for culinary purpose or as a curative remedy for certain medical
conditions. 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. The health benefits of dandelion includes 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.
Below, we will discuss the different
things that dandelion can do for us, besides decorating our gardens.
Fresh dandelion greens,
flower tops, and roots contain
valuable constituents that are known to have anti-oxidant, disease
preventing, and health promoting properties.
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| the leaves of dandelion |
- 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.
- Liver Disorders: 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.
- Acne: Dandelion juice is a good detoxifier, diuretic, stimulant and antioxidant. These four properties make it a great treatment for acne.
- 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.
- Cleanse your system, dissolve kidney stones, and otherwise improve gastro-intestinal health
- Lowers your serum cholesterol by as much as half.
- Improves your bowel function, working equally well to relieve both constipation and diarrhoea
Other 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.
Dandelions can grow almost everywhere. All it needs is a good soil with plenty of sunlight each day and water during the dry and winter seasons. The saying "fresh is always best" is true hence, having your own dandelion garden is one of the best decisions to make.
sources;http://www.leaflady.org/health_benefits_of_dandelions.htm
learn more; http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/d/dandel08.html
Natural Healing with Herbs for a Healthier You
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Garlic belongs to the onion genus Allium, and is closely related to the onion, chive, leek, and shallot. It has been used by humans for thousands of years and was used in Ancient Egypt for both culinary purposes and its therapeutic benefits.
Garlic has been used all over the world for thousands of years. Records indicate that garlic was in use when the Giza pyramids were built, about five thousand years ago.
Richard S. Rivlin wrote in the Journal of Nutrition that the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (circa. 460-370 BC), known today as "the father of Western medicine", prescribed garlic for a wide range of conditions and illnesses. Hippocrates promoted the use of garlic for treating respiratory problems, parasites, poor digestion and fatigue.
