Dandelion Leaf Helps You |
| Written by Susannah Singer | |
| Friday, 29 August 2008 | |
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Have you heard the song that begins, "How many dandelions this year will grow"? The answer would have to be billions for fields and yards turn yellow in the spring with dandelion flowers. Most people just consider dandelion to be a nuisance. It most likely will be more welcome to you by the time you finished reading this article. It is officially Taraxacum officinale but commonly called dandelion. The name comes from the French words 'dent de lion,' that mean 'lion's tooth.' This is a reference to the jagged-edged leaves. Dandelion in your yard is identical to the herb with so many benefits. Let's see what some of them are. The entire dandelion plant is beneficial. The roots, for example, are eaten as vegetables or roasted and ground into a type of root "coffee." The flowers are used in making wine, in cooking (dandelion flower cookies?), in making dandelion syrup or jam, and it is made into an oil to rub on sore joints. But the uses for the leaves are even greater. First, dandelion leaf is an excellent source of sodium, iron, vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, and especially calcium. Dandelion might have been one of the "bitter herbs" mentioned in the Bible. The leaves add bitter flavoring to salads or can be cooked like spinach. The best leaves are those bright green ones that appear before the dandelion flowers in the spring. Dandelion leaf is famous for its ability to purify the blood and body. It cleanses the liver and increases its output. It also increases the flow of bile into the intestines and the activity of the pancreas and spleen. This makes it effective for the treatment for hepatitis, yellow jaundice, and other liver related problems. Its purifying skill makes it a treatment for some types of anemia. The leaf also helps with weight loss because the acids in the blood build up with weight loss and dandelion destroys them. Dandelion also builds energy and endurance and helps with low blood pressure. Dandelion is good for female organs. It enriches breast milk in nursing mothers and this, in turn, benefits both mother and child. It is good for women both before, during, and after pregnancy. Women suffering from premenstrual syndrome may find that the diuretic action of dandelion helps relieve some of the symptoms. In short, dandelion is safe and healthy for men, woman, children, and even animals. Dandelion is also good for the brain. The flowers are an excellent source of lecithin, a nutrient that elevates the brain's acetylcholine. This may benefit those suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Lecithin is also an ingredient that helps with liver function. Urinary passages are also opened by Dandelion as part of its cleansing work. The flowers of dandelion are an excellent source of lecithin. This increases the brain's acetylcholine resulting in retarding or stop regressing of mental disability caused by Alzheimer's disease. Lecithin also helps maintain good liver function, and opens urinary passages. Dandelion leaves and flowers are best when freshly picked. However, the leaves can also be refrigerated up to five days as long as you wrap them in plastic. Be sure that the leaves are thoroughly washed before using. Leaves may also be frozen without losing their value. Another way to preserve them is to dry the flowers and leaves and store them in a dark, dry, and cool place. Try adding them to bath water to treat yeast infections. Or make your own dandelion tea (steep about 1 tablespoon of dried leaves in 1 cup hot water). Dandelion may also be purchased in powdered form, in capsules, and as a tincture. Dandelion is regarded as a safe herb. However, some people report allergic or asthmatic reaction to this herb particularly those with allergic reaction to ragweed or daisies. Some warn patients with liver or gallbladder disease to stay away from dandelion but others feel this opinion is not true.
The Article Author:
With such potential for strengthening your health, dandelion leaf surely deserves a try, don't you agree? Make sure you buy cut dandelion root that is quality so as to make sure you enjoy the full benefits.
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