Dandelion Herb: Health Benefits and Contraindications

Benefits of dandelion tea

General Health Benefits

This plant is used in folk medicine for the following effects:

Joint Diseases. Due to its blood purifying properties, it is ideal for treating arthrosis, seasonal rheumatic pain. Dandelion tincture is used internally, as well as for rubbing or compressing.

Metabolic disease. Constant consumption of tea increases insulin production in the body, helps regulate carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. It is recommended for diabetes, thyroid problems, weight loss and cholesterol reduction.

Blood purifying effect. Due to the presence of inulin in the plant, dandelion preparations are used for detoxification of the body, in case of poisoning. Inulin absorbs toxins, toxins, heavy metals, radionuclides and painlessly removes them from the body. The herbal infusion is used to treat lymph nodes.

Gastrointestinal System Digestive Tract. Dandelion drink has a good effect on intestinal function in case of indigestion, after undergoing antibiotic therapy. Medical charges are used for pancreatitis, gastritis, bloating, constipation, colitis and kidney stones.

Diseases of the respiratory system, colds. Due to the sultry, antipyretic effect of the plant, the infusion can be used when the temperature rises, in diseases of the respiratory system. With lung tuberculosis has a mild expectorant effect.

Stress relief. Beneficially affects the nervous system during stress and insomnia.

Pathology of the genitourinary system. Due to the mild diuretic and bactericidal effect, the medicinal infusion has a beneficial effect on inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, kidney stones.

Use in cosmetics industry

In cosmetic medicine it is widely used to treat acne, boils, allergies, warts, corns. In folk medicine, a tea made from dandelion roots and leaves is quickly gaining popularity. Due to the high inulin content of the plant, the drink acts as a strengthening agent, boosting immunity.

Dandelion flower tea perfectly supports the body as an anti-stress drink: it helps relieve fatigue, tiredness, supports the body in case of nervousness, insomnia, sleep disorders. Decoctions from the root have a mild diuretic effect, remove excess water, are used to reduce weight, improve digestion, and stimulate the production of gastric juice. The medicinal harvest of the plant is used for kidney and gallbladder diseases supports the removal of stones.

Dandelion Tea Benefits For Women

Regular use of the drink has a positive effect on the female body. It acts not only as a mild laxative and diuretic, but also, thanks to the phytohormones found in the herb, helps during menstruation, relieves cramps and pain in the first days.

Drinking dandelion tea can have a positive effect on the body with such health problems: malignant cancer of the mammary glands, liver disease, cystitis and diseases related to the genitourinary system, ovarian cysts, hormonal disorders, menopause, polyps.

Dandelion tea has been shown to have beneficial effects on the skin and complexion. The plant contains a large amount of antioxidants that cleanse the body of toxins and provide a slight anti-aging effect. The inulin contained in the plant not only has properties of general detoxification, but also helps regulate blood circulation in the body, thyroid and lymph glands.

Tea leaves can be used for inflamed skin, acne, minor cuts, insect bites. Moisten a cotton ball with the infusion, apply to the face or area of the body with a cut for a few minutes. Dandelion tea bags can be used to rinse hair after shampooing.

Brew tea, let it sink, and then rinse the hair. Thanks to a large amount of vitamins A, E, C, PP and microelements, rinsing is beneficial for strengthening hair roots, eliminates dryness and skin irritation.

Dandelion Tea Benefits For Men

Drinking dandelion tea has a great effect on the male body. A drink made from the roots of the plant was used in ancient times to increase the power of stronger sex. According to modern experts, the trace elements found in the plant, choline and plant protein help restore male health.

Men may notice a resumption of erections while drinking dandelion tea. The tea helps to improve the overall condition of blood vessels, get rid of atherosclerotic lesions vessels, resume the work of the endocrine system, increase the level of testosterone in the body, lower estrogen. The drink has an anti-inflammatory effect on the genitourinary system.

The presence of vitamins A, C in the plant normalizes muscle regeneration with regular exercise, prevents fatigue, general weakness of the body. Vitamin E stimulates the activity of the gonads, as well as the thyroid gland. A large amount of macronutrients contributes to increasing the vital activity of a man's sperm.

With constant chronic fatigue and increased stress, dandelion tea also helps relieve tension. In addition to the above positive effects of the drink, dandelion flowers and roots are effective in breaking down cholesterol plaques, activating cell regeneration, stimulating urine separation and chronic hypertension.

Dandelion During Pregnancy

Dandelion is used to strengthen the body in general. The drink has a particularly beneficial effect on health if the future mother suffers from chronic inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary, digestive or respiratory systems. Dandelion is considered safe during pregnancy according to americanpregnancy.org

Pregnant women are also often susceptible to colds, flu, SARS. Usually during this period, especially close to maternity, medicinal drugs – antibiotics and antiviral drugs – are prescribed with great caution, because they can harm the unborn child. In this case, the methods of traditional, herbal medicine work perfectly.

A drink from this plant helps with respiratory diseases, positively affects the mental balance of the future mother. Taking tea is possible as a preliminary action to prevent predisposition to diseases, as a reduction of risk and further development of pathology.

Dandelion tea is completely safe during pregnancy. In small doses, it stimulates urination and relieves swelling. But there may be side effects of loss of appetite and nausea. Therefore, if there is a tendency to morning nausea, it is better to use the tea with caution.

In any case, since it is a drug, it is better to consult a doctor before use. The fact is that during pregnancy and the subsequent period of lactation there is a restructuring of the entire female body, hormonal imbalances may occur or the development of diseases that are currently in an embryonic or dormant state may worsen.

While Breastfeeding

Thanks to the contained microelements, minerals and vitamins, the drink helps to increase milk production in women. Dandelion tea also has a positive effect on the whole body: digestion improves, nerves calm down, inflammation of the genitourinary system passes. This medicinal plant contains many minerals and vitamins that a nursing mother needs.

But at the same time, you can not abuse dandelion tea, because the trace elements of the plant give bitterness to breast milk, and then the newborn may refuse to breastfeed. Before drinking it is better to consult a pediatrician, because the use of tea in large doses can, along with the increase in the volume of milk, cause a rash in the form of allergies on the baby's body and interfere with digestion.

Dandelion Tea Benefits For Children

Dandelion tea is beneficial for children in several important ways. Dandelion infusion is used as an antipyretic, restoring normal body temperature. Dandelion flowers treat infantile rickets by brewing a tea from the leaves and young flowers of the plant.

Dandelion contains iodine, iron and calcium, which are essential for children. Also, the presence of phosphorus in the plant is beneficial for strengthening teeth and bones. Dandelion root tea has anthelmintic, antifungal properties. The positive effect of the tea is very important at a very young age of the child, when other drugs – pills, concoctions – are contraindicated for the child's body.

It is also important to know that dandelion is contraindicated in children under the age of 5 due to a possible allergic reaction to it.

Dandelion Benefits For Weight Loss Support

Dandelion is considered one of the most effective remedies for weight loss. The composition of plant substances found in the plant contains trace elements with laxative and diuretic properties. Dandelion contains a large amount of inulin, pectin, taraxasterol all together act as a stimulant and cholagogue and have a positive effect on the intestines.

Tea made from the dandelion plant is particularly effective when weight gain is associated with excess water in the body, with constant swelling. In such a case, it is possible to use dandelion as the sole remedy, without the use of additional drugs.Traditional medicine recommends taking teas or infusions of dandelion roots for weight loss, because it is in them that most contain substances with a diuretic effect.

Usually this drink is used instead of tea or coffee. It has a natural sweetness, is low in calories and contains no sugar. In addition, regular consumption of the drink, as it was written earlier, has a beneficial effect on digestion, allowing rapid activation of the digestive tract and intestines. Constipation and bloating can be relieved by drinking a cup of tea from this plant during or after meals.

Dandelion Use For Different Conditions

Depending on the desired effect and treatment regimen of the disease, dandelion tea is consumed in different ways, in different doses and times of the day. Be sure to read the instructions before using the tea.

Usually, the instructions state the concentration of the plant (how many tablespoons, grams should be put into a glass of water), the method of brewing (water bath, reception as ordinary tea), preparation time (approximately, the tea is brewed from 5 to 15 minutes).

• Dandelion tea has a pronounced diuretic effect, you should not drink it before an important event or outing.
• A small concentration of the drink is suitable for children and nursing mothers. It is advised to drink tea if you have hepatitis B.
• For insomnia, the tea is taken 2 hours before bedtime.
• For effective weight loss, the drink is taken with meals because it actively activates the intestines.
• Decoctions with large amounts of the plant are taken by tablespoons only, no more than three times a day.
• They usually drink tea with honey for general strengthening and immunity. The program and duration of the course is 2 weeks, followed by a break of up to three months.

Possible Side Effects and Contraindications

Like any medicine, dandelion has contraindications for use. Before use, it is better to carefully study the possibility of side effects. Since the composition of dandelion is rich in a large number of trace elements, vitamins, resins, in some cases an excess can be harmful to the patient. The main prohibitions of consumption of the plant:

• The presence of vitamin K can lead to open bleeding. The drink should be taken with caution after surgeries, injuries, and in pregnant women because it affects uterine tone.
• Dandelion is excluded for exacerbation of ulcers, gastritis and gastritis.
• In case of stone formation, it is better to consult a doctor before use.
• When using anti-acid medications, teas from this plant are not used.
• Tea should not be drunk while taking certain antipyretic pills and antibiotics because of the risk of bleeding or poor absorption of the drugs.
• Consultation with a health care provider is necessary for anyone with diabetes, as taking tea from the plant can lead to glycemia.

When and how to harvest dandelions for tea

Harvesting Dandelions Inflorescences

Due to the large distribution area of dandelion on the territory of Russia, it is possible to collect and gather herbs on your own. In this case, the main rule is to properly prepare, dry, and store the collection of medicines. Wrong actions at any stage can damage further health.

The inflorescences, leaves, and rhizome are harvested from the dandelion. Harvesting is necessary when most of the beneficial properties are concentrated in the plant. Depending on the part of the plant, there are several harvesting periods.

Inflorescences are collected during the main flowering period of May, June. Only collect those flowers that have recently bloomed. Pick the flowers by hand, without using knives. In this case, it is also important to collect pollen inflorescences.

The leaves are also harvested in May, early June by carefully picking them with your hands, without using a knife or scissors. Leaves and inflorescences are folded on a flat surface to avoid the addition of the grass. All raw materials must be washed without being damaged by insects. It is dried without direct sunlight and is often finished.

Harvesting Dandelions Roots

Dandelion roots are harvested at two times: before flowering (early spring) or in the fall, after flowering (September, October). The roots are also thoroughly washed and then dried in an oven or well-ventilated, dry place.

Medicinal collection shelf life: leaves, inflorescences 2 years, roots up to 5 years.

Dandelion inflorescences, leaves, root are medicinal raw materials for further use. In most cases, decoctions, alcoholic tinctures, ointments, balms and coffee are made from the roots. The inflorescences and leaves are used to make juice, oil, tea, and cosmetic lotion.

Dandelion Tea Recipes

There are many different recipes for dandelion tea. When first learning about this medicinal plant, there are a few basic, foundational recipes.

Dandelion Tea For Immunity Support

Immunity Support. Take 3 tablespoons of dandelion leaves and roots, pour a liter of boiling water. Cover with a towel to cool slowly and let it steep for 10 minutes. You can drink a cup of tea before every meal.

Diuretic Tea

Diuretic Tea. Take fresh dandelion leaves during the flowering season (May-early summer) at the rate of one teaspoon of mixture per cup, tear them into small pieces with your hands, pour boiling water over them. Set aside for 10 minutes, strain while hot. This tea can be drunk both hot and cold. It is rich in trace elements, fatty resins and is ideal as an immune stimulant and mild diuretic. Honey, lemon peel can be added for sweetening.

Dandelion Tea For Strengthening The Body

Strengthening the body. Brew 6 dandelion inflorescences with 300 mm boiling water. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain, add honey to taste. This drink has a pleasant golden color and can be consumed several times a week.

Dandelion Tea For Weight Loss

Weight loss. Brew a teaspoon of plant roots with a cup of boiling water. Set aside for 30 minutes, strain. Take with meals. The tea activates metabolism, acts as a laxative, diuretic.

Dandelion Tea For Joint Pain

Joint pain. Take 5 dandelion inflorescences, pour cold water so that the raw materials are completely covered. Boil the water, boil the raw materials for 20 minutes. Strain the cooled tea, add lemon if needed. Drink to relieve painful joints.

Interesting Foods With Dandelion

Talking about the medicinal properties of this sun plant, you may touch upon some interesting foods that include dandelion. In Europe (France, Belgium, Germany, Italy) the plant is grown as a variety of green lettuce. In India, entire plantations are devoted to it. The most popular dishes in the kitchen:

Salads with fresh dandelion leaves. The salad is prepared using the leaves, then eggs, herbs, peppers, vegetables are added if desired by the chef. The dressing is mayonnaise, butter or cream.

Marinated dandelions. The leaves and inflorescences are pickled. Then add to salads, soups.

Jam. A yellow, salty jam is made from the young inflorescences of the dandelion. It is effective in respiratory diseases. Candied fruits are also prepared from the flowers of the plant.

Coffee. A coffee-like drink is made from the crushed roots of the dandelion plant. The roots of the plant are roasted to a golden color before use, making the dandelion taste like chicory. It tastes very much like coffee with the addition of cream and cinnamon. During the war it was widely used by German troops as a substitute for classic coffee.

Alcoholic beverages. Cider, wine, and beer made from dandelions. It's a traditional classic drink in the UK.

Juice. Dandelion leaf juice is very popular. The benefits of the drink have not been officially proven, but it is widely used in anemia, vitamin deficiencies. In combination with the juice of black radish positively affects the body with liver inflammation, cough. In folk medicine, it is prescribed along with carrot juice for rickets in young children, to treat fractures and rapid healing of bones.

For the elderly, it is prescribed for the treatment of joint disease as a prevention of bone fractures. However, it is important to note that milky dandelion juice in large doses can cause detoxification or bowel movements.

Interesting Facts

Dandelion has long been cultivated for gum production because it contains gum. At present, special trees are used for gum production, but the development of the use of dandelion sap in this direction has not been completed.

In agriculture, dandelions are considered one of the most “noxious” weeds. It has shown a great ability to regenerate and rebuild populations from even the smallest piece of the rhizome. Dandelion is indestructible as a weed.

The plant's seeds are able to travel hundreds of miles through the air before germinating in the soil.

The Caucasus grows a variety of dandelions, whose petals are painted bright red.

A species of dandelion grows on the Kol Peninsula. It has white petalled inflorescences with a snow-white center in the middle.

Dandelions are sometimes called “nature's sundial.” They open their inflorescences at 6am and close at exactly 3pm.

In the United States, Dandelion Day is celebrated on the first Saturday in May, Ohio cooks dandelion dishes and decorates clothes with them.

In China, the plant is officially considered a vegetable because it is the basis for preparing many dishes.

Composition and caloric content

There are approximately 100 calories in 45 grams of dandelion greens.

The flowers of the plant contain a carotenoid, which is useful for the eyes of adults and children (bitterness is formed by taraxanthin, lutein, flavoxanthin), triterpene alcohol (arnidol, faradiol), volatile oils, inulin, tannins, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, protein, iron , potassium.

The dandelion rhizome contains a large amount of elements: inulin, amirin, taraxerol, tannins, potassium, choline, vitamins A, B1, C, D, fatty oil, lemon balm and linoleic acids, organic resins.