Taraxacum officinale is the common name for this beneficial flower, that's been classified as a 'weed' by so many.
Here's an official breakdown on what dandelions can offer and potentially heal.
Dandelions contain beta-carotine, which is an anti-oxidant and plays a major role in reducing cell damage.
It's been proven that dandelion root and leaves can help lower cholesterol in animals. Research is ongoing and more research needs to be done with humans, but it's been concluded that dandelions may one day help fight obesity related non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Dandelion root is high in inulin, which is a pre-biotic fiber. Inulin is suspected of increasing intestinal movement. Again, more research needed. It's used to improve your appetite and helps minor digestive ailments.
Several studies have found that dandelion extract may significantly reduce the ability of viruses to replicate. It contains anti-microbial and anti-viral properties that help support your bodies ability to fight infection.
Studies have proven it protects against sun damage. It also reduces skin inflammation and irritation while increasing hydration and collagen production.
Dandelions are a natural diuretic. Diuretics are know to help the body get rid of excess fluid, which in turn, helps your body to lower it's blood pressure. It also contains potassium.
Some compounds found in dandelions may help reduce cholesterol. It's been found that dandelion extract greatly reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Another study discovered that adding dandelion roots and leaves to your diet, reduces cholesterol levels in people who have high-cholesterol diets.
There's so much more this plant, not weed, can do. We just need the research, rather than the weed killers. I, personally love dandelions. I don't spray my yard with any sort of chemical. I don't pick the weeds. I'm also not popular with my neighbors who think differently. That's ok. I think it's time to take a step back and start rethinking how and why we are doing things. It's time we look at the damage that's been done and start utilizing our natural resources to do better. A big part of that is education and teaching or relearning what's good for the environment and ourselves.
Currently, dandelion is classified as a dietary supplement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Because of this, dandelion can be bought as capsules, extracts, and powders. Because of this, there's no standardization on how much should be consumed. Here are some dosage recommendations:
2 to 10 grams of fresh dandelion leaves/root daily
3 to 4 grams mixed with 150 milliliters of warm water of dandelion root powder
1 tablespoon chopped dandelion for tea infusion
1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh root extract daily
0.75 to 1.0 grams daily of dried dandelion extract
Dandelion is possibly one of the most underrecognized food powerhouses. It's abundant in nutrients and health benefits. Now, let's start educating ourselves and stop the stigma of it being a weed. Let's kill Monsanto's profits by using natural weed killers, if necessary and NOT on the dandelions, this year. I'll post some recipes for this coming soon.
Enjoy, and thanks for reading. Here's a link to my self-care dandlion infused products. Enjoy...www.thedanylionden.com/shop
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