Dandelion Leaves- by Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.

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Dandelion Leaves- by Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.

JoAnn Guest

Mar 19, 2005 16:53 PST

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION

 

Known best in North America as a weed that pops up in freshly cut lawns,

dandelion grows wild in most of the world and is cultivated as an herb

in China, France, and Germany. Young leaves are picked in the spring for

tonic salads.

 

In the early summer, before the plant blooms, leaves are harvested for

the manufacture of medicinal teas, and tinctures.

 

The roots of two-year-old plants are dug in the fall, when they have

their greatest concentration of the complex carbohydrate inulin, for use

in tablets and tinctures.

 

EVIDENCE OF BENEFIT

 

Dandelion leaves are a powerful diuretic. The roots act as a blood

purifier that helps both the kidneys and the liver to remove toxins and

poisons from the blood.

 

The roots have been used for centuries to treat jaundice. Dandelion also

acts as a mild laxative and improves appetite and digestion. It is

useful for eczema-like skin problems, boils, and abscesses, and is

believed to help prevent age spots and breast cancer.

 

Benefits of dandelion for specific health conditions include the

following:

 

• Anemia. Dandelion contains high levels of potassium, is a rich source

of iron and vitamins, and, ounce for ounce, contains more carotene than

carrots.

 

Herbalists have used dandelion for generations to treat anemia due to

deficiencies of folic acid, iron, and vitamin B12.

 

• Bladder infection and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Unlike many

conventional diuretics, which cause a loss of potassium, dandelion

leaves are rich in potassium.

 

Using the herb as a diuretic results in a net gain of this vital

mineral.

 

Because of its diuretic effect, dandelion helps to relieve fluid

retention in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and counteract urine retention

in bladder infections.

 

By increasing potassium levels, dandelion aids in alleviating muscle

spasms and nighttime leg cramps.

 

• Constipation, hemorrhoids, and indigestion. German research has shown

that dandelion root is a mild bitter, or appetite stimulant.

 

Bitters of all types activate a reflex that increases the secretion of

digestive juices by the lining of the stomach.

 

Dandelion root has a significant cleansing effect on the liver by

stimulating the production of bile, which ultimately results in

increased transport of a variety of potentially noxious compounds to the

stool.

 

Increasing the release of bile also relieves constipation without

causing diarrhea and stops spasms of the bile duct. Dandelion should be

avoided, however, if you have gallstones, since increasing the flow of

bile could increase pressure against the stones.

 

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IRS). Bulgarian studies of a five-herb

combination including dandelion found that more than 95 percent of IBS

sufferers were pain-free after fifteen days of treatment. This herbal

combination also improved regularity.

 

• Liver problems and gallstones. The bitter principles in dandelion

increase bile production and bile flow in the liver. This makes it

useful for people with sluggish liver function due to alcohol abuse or

poor diet. It is restorative to the liver and helps reduce the risk of

developing gallstones, but you should avoid it if you already have

gallstones.

 

• Osteoporosis. Dandelion is a rich source of boron, which helps to

raise estrogen levels in the blood, and in turn helps preserve bone.

 

It is also a rich source of calcium and a fair source of silicon, which

some studies suggest helps strengthen bone.

 

• Overweight. European herbalists frequently prescribe dandelion

tinctures as a weight-loss aid. Dandelion reduces water weight through

its diuretic effect.

 

It may also help the liver regulate blood sugars to avoid hypoglycemia

(low blood sugar), frequently an immediate cause of binge eating.

 

Also, the increase in bile flow stimulated by dandelion helps to improve

fat metabolism in the body. In one laboratory study, animals that were

given daily doses of dandelion extract for a month lost up to 30 percent

of their body mass.

 

 

CONSIDERATIONS FOR USE

 

Dandelion can be taken in tablet, tea, or tincture form. Dandelion may

cause increased stomach acidity and ulcer pain. If you have gallstones

or biliary tract obstructions, you should avoid this herb.

Dandelion should not be used as a substitute for pharmaceutical

diuretics for hypertension. If you are taking diuretic drugs, insulin,

or medications that reduce blood-sugar levels, you should use dandelion

only under a physician's supervision. People with known allergies to

related plants, such as chamomile and yarrow, should use dandelion with

caution.

 

Dandelion also should be avoided during antibiotic treatment, especially

treatment with ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), lomefloxacin

(Maxaquin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and enoxacin (Penetrex), since it may

keep concentrations of these antibiotics from peaking in the

bloodstream, diminishing their ability to fight infection.

 

from Prescription for Herbal Healing by Phyllis Balch,

January, 2002, Avery Books, a member of Penguin Putnam, Inc., used by

permission.

 

Dandelion roots have been used for centuries to treat jaundice and

remove toxins and poisons from the blood..

 

 

" Prescription for Herbal Healing "

_________________

 

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