The Healing Powers of Dandelion

A Common Weed Used for a Variety of Medicinal Purposes

Aug 27, 2009 Deanna Lynn Sletten

The dandelion has been used for centuries all over the world to heal a variety of ailments. Today, this little yellow weed is still considered a powerful medicine.

The dandelion may seem like a pesky weed to most people but for centuries it has been used for medicinal purposes by cultures all over the world. Every part of the dandelion, the flower, the leaves and the roots, are used for different medicinal purposes as well as for culinary use in salads, sandwiches or to make tea or wine. This versatile plant is full of surprises and healing abilities.

About the Dandelion

The dandelion grows in most places of the world including North America, Asia and Europe. The leaves are best when harvested in the spring before the plant flowers and the roots are best when harvested in the fall. In France and Germany the dandelion is cultivated primarily for its healing properties.

The dandelion contains a high source of vitamins A, B-Complex, C and D as well as the minerals potassium, zinc and iron. The flower of the dandelion contains more vitamin A than carrots. There are several uses for each part of the plant. While it is not dangerous to eat the plant outright, many parts of it are bitter to the taste. Dandelion can be found in several forms such as capsules, extract, or a herbal tea. Always read the dose instructions before taking any herbal supplement.

Medicinal Uses

Leaves – The leaves of the dandelion are a natural diuretic and are used in some parts of the world to treat high blood pressure. They are also used to aid in weight loss. The benefit of using dandelion over synthetic diuretics is that the leaves also contain high quantities of potassium, a mineral that becomes depleted when fluids leave the system. The leaves also promote a healthy gallbladder and are also known to help dissolve gallstones. Other uses of the dandelion leaves are as an antiviral agent, appetite stimulant, digestive aid, and to promote gastrointestinal health.

Flower– The dandelion flower is a good source of vitamin A and B-Complex and also contains the chemical compound helenin which is used to help cure night blindness. The flowers can be made into an herbal tea by steeping several in a pint of hot water. The flower also contains antioxidant properties and helps to improve the immune system. Homemade wine can also be made from the flowers and is beneficial to gallbladder health.

Root – The root of the dandelion is one of the most beneficial herbal remedies for the detoxification of the liver, gallbladder and kidneys. Because of its detoxification properties, many infections can be eliminated from the body. Recently, it has been found that the dandelion may also lower blood sugar levels and has been used in Europe for diabetes patients. The roots are also beneficial for treating arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout. Other conditions that can be treated by dandelion root are constipation, acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The dandelion root, in collaboration with the leaves, helps in dissolving and eliminating gallstones.

Side-Effects

Dandelion is one of the safest herbal remedies to take; it is always recommended to contact a doctor before using any herbal remedy. Some people may develop a skin rash from using dandelion due to an allergic reaction. Other side-effects include stomach ulcers, gastritis, water retention, digestive tract blockage, inflammation of the gallbladder, and blockage of the biliary tract. People who are already taking a diuretic or medicine to lower blood pressure should not use dandelion. Those on medication to lower blood sugar should also not take dandelion. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take any herbal remedy without consulting their physician.

Dandelion has many healing properties and is useful in many health situations as well as being part of a healthy diet. Whether using dandelion to treat a health concern or enjoying a cup of dandelion tea, the healing benefits of dandelion make this a powerful little weed.

The copyright of the article The Healing Powers of Dandelion in Natural Medicine is owned by Deanna Lynn Sletten. Permission to republish The Healing Powers of Dandelion in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

The Dandelion Contains Many Healing Properties