How Does Dandelion Leaf Help The Liver?

One little known song asks the question, “How many dandelions this year will grow?” Indeed, many find this weed a nuisance and do whatever they can to get rid of it. However, you may regret doing this when you learn the benefits of this wild plant.

Though most people simply call it dandelion, its official name is Taraxacum officinale. The word dandelion is from the French phrase ‘dent de lion,’ meaning ‘lion’s tooth’ referring to the jagged-edged leaves of this weed. Dandelion the herb is one and the same with the yellow weed growing in your yard. But it has more benefits than most people know.

Though the leaves are used in the most diverse ways, all the dandelion plant has healthful benefits. A few uses for the flowers include making wine, syrup, and jam. They are used in cooking (dandelion flower cookies?), and are made into an oil to rub on sore joints. The roots can be roasted and ground to make a type of root coffee, or be eaten as a vegetable.

Dandelion is generally regarded as safe, though some have allergic or asthmatic reactions to this herb. The danger is heightened in those who are allergic to ragweed or daisies. Patients with liver or gallbladder disease are warned to stay away from dandelion but others feel there is no danger.

Dandelion leaf is rich in sodium, calcium, vitamins A and C, iron, and beta-carotene. The bitter flavoring it gives to salads leads some to believe that dandelion might have been one of the “bitter herbs” mentioned in the Bible. Some enjoy cooking them like spinach. The best leaves are those first ones in the spring that appear before the plant flowers.

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 flowers are an excellent source of lecithin, a nutrient that elevates the brain?s acetylcholine. As a result, it may help retard or stop regression of mental ability caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Lecithin also helps the body maintain good liver function as mentioned before. Dandelion also opens the urinary passages 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 generally regarded as safe, but some people report allergic or asthmatic reaction to this herb, especially those with allergies to ragweed or daisies. Traditionally dandelion is not recommended for patients with liver or gallbladder disease but some feel this advice is erroneous.