HEALTH BENEFITS OF DANDELION

                     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”

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.

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