Medicinal Uses of Dandelion

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Medicinal Uses of Dandelion -Taraxacum officinale JoAnn Guest Dec 08, 2004 18:06 PST

 

Dandelion -Taraxacum officinale http://altnature.com/gallery/Dandelion.htm

 

Some Other Names: Common Dandelion, Lion's Tooth, Priest's Crown, Pu Gong Ying, Swine's Snout, Dent de Lion

 

Dandelion is a very easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils. It becomes quite large when cultivation, the leaves reaching a foot or more in length.

 

Dandelion is often cultivated as an edible salad crop and as a medicinal herb plant. Gather edible leaves and flowers anytime, roots in spring. Dry for later medicinal herb use.

 

Used as medicinal and edible, the Dandelion is very nutritious, having more vitamins and minerals than most vegetables, it has a long history of use as a food in many countries.

 

The young leaves being less bitter, and flowers are eaten raw in salads, all leaves also cooked or boiled as a pot herb, flowers are often dipped in batter and fried, dried roots are used as a coffee substitute.

 

Herbal Wine is made from fermented flowers said by some to be very flavorful and medicinal.

 

The Dandelion has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries, on many continents.

 

Native Americans were using Dandelion long before the discovery of America for a wide varity of ailments. The plant was somewhat of a panacea (cure for everything). New scientific evidence exists to substanciate the use of Dandilion for just about everything.

 

Research is reveling that the plants many constituents including Taraxacin, Taraxacoside, Inulin, Phenolic acids, Sesquiterpene lactones, Triterpenes, Coumarins, Catortenoids and Minerals, mainly Potassium and calcium, are very valuable in curing a number of disorders and illnesses.

 

Traditionally used as a tonic and blood purifier, for constipation, inflammatory skin conditions, joint pain, eczema and liver dysfunction, including liver conditions such as hepatitis and jaundice.

 

An infusion of the root encourages the steady "elimination" of toxins from the body. It is a powerful 'diuretic' but does not "deplete" the body of *potassium* like pharmaceutical diuretics.

 

The whole plant is used as a medicinal herb internally and externally.

 

Having such medicinal qualities as aperient, cholagogue, depurative, diuretic, hepatic, laxative, stomachic, tonic.

 

Being used for the treatment of gall bladder, kidney and urinary disorders, gallstones, jaundice, cirrhosis, hypoglysemia, dyspepsia with constipation, oedema associated with high blood pressure and heart weakness, chronic joint and skin complaints, gout, eczema and acne.

 

As a tonic dandelion "strengthens" the kidneys.

 

Applied externally the fresh juice will fight bacteria and help heal wounds.

 

The plant has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphococcus aureus, pneumococci, meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, C. diphtheriae, proteus.

 

The latex contained in the plant sap can be used to remove corns and warts.

 

When placed in a paper bag with unripe fruit, the flowers and leaves release ethylene gas ripening the fruit quickly.

 

A liquid plant food is made from the root and leaves. A dark red dye is obtained from the root.

 

A cosmetic skin lotion is made from the appendages at the base of the leaf blades, distilled in water, used to clear the skin and is effective in fading freckles.

 

Folklore: In Derbyshire, the juice of the Dandelion stalk is applied to remove warts.

 

TRY THESE RECIPES

 

Medicinal Tea: 2 oz. of the dried herb or root in 1 quart of water, boiled for 30 min. take in ½ cup doses every 3 hours for stomach, kidney, gallbladder, and liver problems. Used as spring tonic.

 

Article by Deb Jackson & Karen Shelton ===================================================================== Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_CDE.htm

 

Dandelion contains much that is beneficial to our bodies: bitter compounds, choline, inulin, large quantities of minerals such as calcium, sodium, silicic acid, sulfur and, in the fresh leaves, a high content of potassium.

 

The bitter compounds stimulate the appetite and promote digestion.

 

Choline affects the gallbladder and the intestines, often stimulating the mucous membranes of the large intestine in a laxative effect.

 

It also has a relationship to the liver’s "lipid" (fat) metabolism.

 

Our daily requirement of choline is 2-3 grams and a lack of it increases fatty "degeneration" of the liver. Dandelion can promote bile production in the liver and its secretion from the liver.

 

Dandelion root is a "blood purifier" that helps both the kidneys and the liver to improve 'elimination'.

 

It helps clear up many eczema-like skin problems because of this.

 

The root has also been successfully used to treat liver diseases such as jaundice and cirrhosis along with dyspepsia and gallbladder problems.

 

Its use as a diuretic is favorable because it replaces the potassium that most pharmaceutical 'diuretics' remove.

 

It's the herb of choice for treating rheumatism, gout and heart disease as well as regulating hormonal imbalances.

 

Fresh latex removes warts if applied several times daily.

 

The Chinese have prescribed it since ancient times to treat colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, hepatitis, boils, ulcers, obesity, dental problems, itching, and internal injuries.

 

A poultice of chopped dandelion was also used to *treat* 'breast cancer'.

 

Traditional Ayurvedic physicians used the herb in a similar manner.

 

Recent research shows a wide number of possibilities using dandelion.

 

It's diuretic property can make it useful in relieving the bloated feeling of PMS and in help with weight loss.

 

One study shows dandelion inhibits the 'growth' of the "fungus" responsible for vaginal yeast infections.

 

It stimulates bile production and "prevents" gallstones.

 

There is a German preparation Chol-Grandelat (a combination of dandelion, milk thistle and rhubarb) prescribed for gallbladder disease.

 

Traditional formulas: dandelion and barberry; dandelion and parsley; dandelion and purslane _________________

 

 

 

Diana Gonzalez

 

 

 

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

-Unknown