Guest guest Posted March 21, 2002 Report Share Posted March 21, 2002 Good Morning! Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) The common dandelion is an unusually nutritious food. Its leaves contain substantial levels of vitamins A, C, D, and B complex as well as iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, manganese, copper, choline, calcium, boron, and silicon. Worldwide, the root of the dandelion has been used for the treatment of a variety of liver and gallbladder problems. Other historical uses of the root and leaves include the treatment of breast diseases, water retention, digestive problems, joint pain, fever, and skin diseases. The most active constituents in dandelion appear to be eudesmanolide and germacranolide, substances unique to this herb. Other ingredients include taraxol, taraxerol, and taraxasterol, along with stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, and p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid. Safety: Dandelion root and leaves are believed to be quite safe, with no side effects or likely risks other than rare allergic reactions. It is on the FDA's GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list and approved for use as a food flavoring by the Council of Europe. However, based on dandelion root's effect on bile secretion, Germany's Commission E has recommended that it not be used at all by individuals with obstruction of the bile ducts or other serious diseases of the gallbladder, and only under physician supervision by those with gallstones. Some references state that dandelion root can cause hyperacidity and thereby increase ulcer pain, but this concern has been disputed. Because the leaves contain so much potassium, they probably resupply any potassium lost due to dandelion's mild diuretic effect, although this has not been proven. People with known allergies to related plants, such as chamomile and yarrow, should use dandelion with caution. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established. Dosage: A typical dosage of dandelion root is 2 to 8 g ~ 3 times daily of dried root; 250 mg 3 to 4 times daily of a 5:1 extract; or 5 to 10 ml 3 times daily of a 1:5 tincture in 45% alcohol. The leaves may be eaten in salad or cooked. Contraindications: There are no known drug interactions with dandelion. However, based on what we know about dandelion root's effects, there might be some risk when combining it with pharmaceutical diuretics or drugs that reduce blood sugar levels. If you are taking diuretic drugs or insulin and oral medications that reduce blood sugar levels, use dandelion only under doctor's supervision. Andrew " Guruji " LMT, MT-BC, CA Peacefulmind.com Alternative medicine and therapies for healing mind, body & spirit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2002 Report Share Posted March 21, 2002 Hi, Thanks for the info on dandilions. I had no idea that they were so good for you even though some of there benefits are still in dispute. What about the pesticide that is normally sprayed on them? Will normal washing prevent that? What are your recommendations. > " yogiguruji " <yogiguruji > > > Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) >Thu, 21 Mar 2002 13:15:38 -0000 > >Good Morning! > >Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) > >The common dandelion is an unusually nutritious food. Its leaves >contain substantial levels of vitamins A, C, D, and B complex as well >as iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, manganese, copper, choline, >calcium, boron, and silicon. Worldwide, the root of the dandelion has >been used for the treatment of a variety of liver and gallbladder >problems. Other historical uses of the root and leaves include the >treatment of breast diseases, water retention, digestive problems, >joint pain, fever, and skin diseases. The most active constituents in >dandelion appear to be eudesmanolide and germacranolide, substances >unique to this herb. Other ingredients include taraxol, taraxerol, >and taraxasterol, along with stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, caffeic >acid, and p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid. > >Safety: Dandelion root and leaves are believed to be quite safe, with >no side effects or likely risks other than rare allergic reactions. >It is on the FDA's GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list and >approved for use as a food flavoring by the Council of Europe. >However, based on dandelion root's effect on bile secretion, >Germany's Commission E has recommended that it not be used at all by >individuals with obstruction of the bile ducts or other serious >diseases of the gallbladder, and only under physician supervision by >those with gallstones. Some references state that dandelion root can >cause hyperacidity and thereby increase ulcer pain, but this concern >has been disputed. >Because the leaves contain so much potassium, they probably resupply >any potassium lost due to dandelion's mild diuretic effect, although >this has not been proven. People with known allergies to related >plants, such as chamomile and yarrow, should use dandelion with >caution. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or >those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established. > >Dosage: A typical dosage of dandelion root is 2 to 8 g ~ 3 times >daily of dried root; 250 mg 3 to 4 times daily of a 5:1 extract; or 5 >to 10 ml 3 times daily of a 1:5 tincture in 45% alcohol. The leaves >may be eaten in salad or cooked. > >Contraindications: There are no known drug interactions with >dandelion. However, based on what we know about dandelion root's >effects, there might be some risk when combining it with >pharmaceutical diuretics or drugs that reduce blood sugar levels. If >you are taking diuretic drugs or insulin and oral medications that >reduce blood sugar levels, use dandelion only under doctor's >supervision. > > >Andrew " Guruji " LMT, MT-BC, CA >Peacefulmind.com >Alternative medicine and therapies > for healing mind, body & spirit! > > > _______________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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