How Does Dandelion Leaf Help the Liver?

The first line of a little known song asks the question, "How many dandelions this year will grow?" Indeed, in some parts of the North America hills are yellow with dandelion flowers in the spring. Most are either ignored or poisoned as a nuisance. If we had known what this article will reveal, we might have gathered them instead of treating them as a curse.

The name dandelion comes from the French phrase 'dent de lion,' meaning 'lion's tooth.' This refers to the jagged-edged leaves of this weed. The fancier scientific name is Taraxacum officinale. Unlike calendula (marigold) which is not the same annual flower found in American gardens, dandelion the herb is exactly what you think of growing in your yard or on a hillside. What makes this common weed so great?

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 has special benefit for female issues. It will enrich breast milk in nursing mothers and this benefits both mother and child. It is beneficial both before, during, and after pregnancy. The diuretic action of dandelion helps relieve some of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Yes, dandelion is healthy and safe for men, woman, children, and 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 leaves and flowers are best fresh. However, they can be stored in the refrigerator for five days wrapped in plastic, or frozen for longer periods. Be sure to wash the leaves with water before you use them. Another way to preserve them is to dry the flowers or leaves and store them in a cool, dark, dry place. Some add them to their bath to treat yeast infections. Others use the dried plant to make their own dandelion tea (steep one tablespoon of dried leaves in one cup hot water). You can also purchase it in tinctures, capsules, and powdered form.

With so many dandelion leaf benefits, they surely deserve a try, wouldn't you say? Make sure you buy bulk herbs that are quality so as to make sure you enjoy the full benefits.