The Benefits of Dandelion Are
Gradual But Impressive

The benefits of dandelion are many. They include greater wellness, digestion, sleep and even pain relief.

Often considered a weed, it thrives persistently, in many environments. The dandelion plant exhibits strength, energy, and determination to survive. Ask any home owner trying to rid his lawn of this nutritious plant. It is almost impossible to “weed it out.”

With such characteristics,the benefits of dandelion include nourishment and strength for those dealing with challenging stressful life situations.

Understanding The Benefits of Dandelion
In Terms of Its Nutritional Constituents

Rich vital nutrition helps us be more resilient to stress.

Dandelion root is a rich provider of vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, amino acids, natural sugars and starches. The roots are rich in iron, manganese, phosphorous, protein, aluminum and carotenes. They also contain calcium, chromium, cobalt, magnesium, niacin, potassium, riboflavin, silicon, sodium, tin, zinc, and ascorbic acid.

Dandelion leaves are high in carotenes, ascorbic acid, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorous and B vitamins. They also contain magnesium, silica and manganese.

The dandelion plant also contains many phyto nutrients such as sesquiterpenes lactones, sterols and flavinoids.

 The Benefits of Dandelion Reach Many
Body Systems and Functions

When our body's systems function well, life feels less stressful.

Dandelion has been referred to by many as a general liver cleanser, blood purifier and diuretic. It has also been used to promote digestion and lymphatic cleansing. It is sometimes used for low grade fever, sinus infection and allergies.

Dandelion root tones, nourishes and strengthens the liver. This can be very significant in terms of health since the liver has such a fundamental role in the functioning of the body. Since the liver has more than 500 functions, it is difficult to feel healthy and vital if the liver is stressed.

As herbalist Susan Weed explains in her book “Healing Wise”, “one whose liver is not right can not enjoy life.” But with a strong healthy liver, life can be a joy. Dandelion also helps to stimulate the flow of bile. Dandelion is often teamed with burdock root to assist in its liver cleansing action.

Dandelion has also been used to strengthen and nourish the spleen, pancreas, immune system, and glandular system, circulatory and lymphatic systems. It has also been used by traditional herbalists to treat rheumatism and chronic skin eruptions.

You could say “it gets around”. Perhaps that’s why it can be so useful in helping the body become more resilient to stressful challenges. It is a "natural" for stress relief.

Dandelion leaf is an effective diuretic. Since it is also one of the best natural sources of potassium its action tends to be very safe. Dandelion is also said to help dissolve kidney and bladder stones.

The leaf is also a “digestive bitter” which is said to increase hydrochloric acid in the stomach and help avoid tummy aches.

Overall, the dandelion plant promotes strong digestion and strengthens the functioning of the stomach, bowels liver and kidneys. It is anti bacterial and anti fungal and can encourage deep sleep. (It’s hard to sleep with a stomach ache or indigestion!)

Dandelion Plants are a Natural Way to Nourish and Strengthen Our Bodies and Spirits.

Using Dandelion

Dandelion can be a useful nourishing addition to many meals.

I like to steam the greens together with sweeter vegetables like parsnips, carrots, potatoes or yams. Then add your favorite seasonings.

Both the leaves and the root can be added to soups and stews to increase the nutritional content of a meal. The powered root is particularly useful for soups.

Dandelion leaf can also be chopped fine and added to fresh green salads.

The yellow flowers are also edible and can be added as a colorful garnish to other dishes.

A tea made with dandelion flowers is sometime useful for headaches and even depression. The root and leaf can also be used as a tea.

Both dandelion root and leaf can be used in tincture form.

Since this is a slow acting remedy, the benefits of dandelion are most available when dandelion is used repeatedly over a long period of time.

One of the Benefits of Dandelion is Frugality

Dandelion is an inexpensive herb. Although it is widely available in gardens, lawns and roadsides I recommend that you either purchase it organically grown from your local health food store or harvest it only from areas that have not been chemically treated.

Safety

Dandelion is a common plant, which is widely available across the globe. It has been safely used by herbal healers for hundreds of years.

Nevertheless, each of us is different and allergic reactions are rare but possible. This page is not intended to be medical advice. It is always wise to consult with a trained health care professional for appropriate recommendations for your situation.

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Sources:

Weed, Susun S., 1989. Wise Woman Herbal Healing Wise. Woodstock New York: Ash Tree Publishing

Wood, Mathew. 1997. The Book of Herbal Wisdom Using Plants as Medicines. Berkeley California: North Atlantic Books

Hoffmann, David. 1987, 1988, 1998. The Herbal Handbook A User’s Guide to Medical Herbalism. Rochester Vermont: Healing Arts Press

Hoffmann, David. 2003. Medical Herbalism The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester Vermont: Healing Arts Press