If you want to heal your body without using chemicals, then dandelion root and their greens are a terrific place to start. In this post, you will learn at least 10 health benefits of Dandelion Root and Greens and how to make Dandelion Tea.
The health benefits of Dandelion have been known and used in herbal medicine since at least the 10th century.
You may know dandelion as the annoying little yellow flowers that pop up on your lawn in springtime. But, did you know they are actually perfect for your health?
What is Dandelion?
You may only know of dandelion root as a weed, but it is an amazing medicinal herb because it has many nutrients and medicinal qualities.
You can likely find dandelion outdoors on your lawn, but the problem is unless you know for sure that the area is chemical and pesticide-free, it is best to get your dandelion from an herbalist or a health food store. This way you know it was grown organically so you can get its health benefits.
Nutrients in Dandelion
You will soon learn about all the health benefits of dandelion. But first, let's look at it's natural nutrients and healing properties.
First off, dandelion is an excellent source of beta-carotene, which you might know as vitamin A. It also provides the following:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Copper
- Fiber
- Iron
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Zinc
- Vitamin C
- Protein (more per serving than spinach)
Keep reading to learn at least 10 health benefits of dandelion root and ways you can use it for healing.
10 Health Benefits of Dandelion Root and Greens
1. Improved Bone Health
The first health benefit of dandelion root is that it can improve your bone health. You can consume both the root of the dandelion as well as the greens. To get bone health benefits from the dandelion, you will need to consume the actual greens.
One of the dandelions' essential nutrients is that it has a lot of calcium. In fact, in a cup of dandelion greens, you will get about 10% of the calcium required in a day. The calcium along with the Vitamin K content of dandelion will protect you against osteoporosis.
2. Enhanced Digestion
If you've been dealing with digestive issues like gas or bloating the natural laxative effect of dandelion can help. You can use the greens of dandelion in a tea or even a salad to get the nutrients to improve your digestive health.
Dandelion has a mild laxative effect so it can help move things along naturally without having to take something else. If you don't want to eat the dandelion greens in your salads, then make a dandelion root tea as it will work in the same way.
3. Manage Diabetes
While you should never take diabetes lightly because it's a serious medical condition… It is still good to support the disease with a natural approach. You can supplement with herbs like Dandelion for better management of the condition.
Make Dandelion Juice
One option is to make dandelion juice. This is one of the lesser-known ways to use both the greens and roots, but it can be highly effective. Dandelion can help stimulate insulin which can help to lower blood sugars to help with diabetes.
Dandelion tastes very bitter. For this reason, you may want to add some stevia to improve the bitter taste.
Be careful not to use sugars in the juice or it could have the opposite effect. Try adding more greens to the juice until you are happy with the taste. Or use low-sugar fruits like berries.
Another option is to make your favorite green drink and include a few dandelion greens for added nutrition. This will help not only with diabetes but for inflammation and other ailments as well.
4. Lower Your Blood Pressure
You have likely heard that high blood pressure is known as the “silent killer”. This is due to the fact that there are few signs or symptoms of high blood pressure or hypertension, but it can have disastrous consequences. People who don't treat high blood pressure are at a much higher risk for stroke and heart disease which can be deadly.
If you have high blood pressure you may need to change your diet, get more exercise, and try natural remedies like dandelion. They may also need to take a prescription if needed.
But try dandelion juice to help with your diabetes condition. It works as a diuretic, along with reducing cholesterol due to the fiber content.
There is also potassium in dandelion which can work to counteract too much sodium in your diet.
5. Boost Liver and Kidney Health
Due to the diuretic qualities of dandelion root, it can help to detox your body via your liver and kidneys. Detoxing these vital organs clears out any waste left behind, including excess salt or water.
Detox Your Body with Dandelion
Many people who practice herbal medicine believe dandelion can help detoxify the liver. A study in 2017 suggested that polysaccharides in dandelion may be beneficial to liver function.
6. Unique Health Benefits for Women
7. Supports Weight Loss
Dandelion can also be useful if you are having difficulty losing weight. I'm not suggesting all you have to do is get dandelion in your body and you will lose weight. But it can help with weight loss as long as you are adjusting your diet and exercise efforts as well.
Dandelion is a diuretic so the way it helps with weight loss is by helping to rid the body of excess water you may be holding on to. It can help to reduce bloating, fat absorption and break down fat in your pancreas.
As you can see, by adding dandelion to your diet you are getting a multitude of health benefits all at the same time.
8. Lower Your Cholesterol
Not only will dandelion help to lower your blood pressure naturally, but it can also help to balance out your cholesterol levels. It can lower your bad cholesterol (LDL) while helping to encourage higher good cholesterol (HDL).
Just like high blood pressure, too much LDL cholesterol can lead to a higher risk of heart disease. If your health care provider finds you have high cholesterol, you are wise to lower it in the most natural way possible.
Due to the nutrients in dandelion, studies show that both dandelion root and leaves can help balance out your cholesterol levels.
9. Reduce Inflammation
Dandelion is an excellent way to reduce inflammation. Inflammation not only happens with your joints and skin but inside your body as well. Inflammation often goes unseen but can cause a lot of different side effects.
If you have arthritis, inflammation causes pain which often requires pharmaceuticals to reduce it. But you can also try natural remedies like dandelion.
10. Treat Your Skin and Acne Issues
Dandelion Tea
One of the easiest ways to reap the benefits of dandelion root and flower is to make a tea.
Healing Dandelion Tea
- 2 Roasted dandelion tea bags
- 1 TBS of coconut oil
- 1 Tsp Maple Sugar or honey
- 1 Tablespoon of Grass-fed ghee
- 1/2 Tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 C Water
Heat water until right before it begins to boil.
Pour it into your cup with the tea bag and allow it to step for 10 minutes.
Now add the coconut oil, butter, vanilla, and maple syrup or honey
Blend well and enjoy.
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The information presented here is in no way meant to serve as medical advice. It is merely information and opinion. All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or health care provider. If you are experiencing symptoms of any kind, please consult with your physician.
