Content
- 1 What a dandelion looks like
- 2 The chemical composition and value of dandelion leaves and flowers
- 3 What diseases does dandelion help against?
- 4 Why dandelion is useful for the human body
- 5 The use of dandelion in traditional medicine
- 6 Recipes for medicinal broths and infusions
- 7 How to properly use infusions and decoctions of dandelion
- 8 Limitations and contraindications
- 9 Conclusion
The medicinal properties and contraindications of dandelion are an important topic for fans of traditional medicine. An ordinary pharmaceutical dandelion can help in curing many ailments, you just need to know which remedies to prepare from it and how to use them.
What a dandelion looks like
According to the description of the plant, dandelion is a herb from the Astrov family, capable of reaching 10 to 30 cm in height. It has a long and powerful vertical root, dissected in the form of leaves, diverging from a basal rosette.
The easiest way to recognize a dandelion is during the flowering period, when it pleases the eyes with bright yellow flowers collected in rosettes, and then begins to bear fruit, achenes with white tufts appear in place of the flowers. Any gust of wind rips these tuft off the head of the plant, and the seeds are carried far across the neighborhood.
Where does the dandelion grow
The plant is distinguished by its increased unpretentiousness, so it can be found almost all over the world. In Russia, the grass grows in the middle lane and on the territory of Siberia and the Far East; dandelions also grow in Europe and Central Asia, in China and other countries.
The dandelion chooses almost any place as its habitat; it can be seen both in wet meadows and forest glades, and in arid fields and wastelands. The plant is often found near dwellings and within the city, and in summer cottages it is one of the most stubborn weeds.
When dandelions bloom
Dandelion blooms twice a season - in April-May and at the end of September or at the beginning of August. The leaves of the plant are recommended to be harvested in the spring, when the most useful substances are concentrated in them, and the flowers can be harvested in both spring and summer.
How dandelion is used by humans
A simple and very common plant, it is widely used for medical, cosmetic and culinary purposes. Medicinal decoctions and infusions are prepared from it; fresh plant juice has a good healing effect. Crushed flowers and leaves are used for beauty care, dandelion has a powerful regenerating effect on skin and hair.
In Europe, India and the United States, the plant is used as food greens or leafy vegetables. Clean leaves of the plant are consumed both raw and after heat treatment, the leaves not only give the dishes an interesting taste, but also increase their benefits.Most often, the plant is used in salads, it goes well with most vegetables.
What parts of the plant are used in dandelion for treatment
All parts of a dandelion have a rich chemical composition and beneficial properties. It is possible to use the plant for medicinal purposes from the root to the flowers, but the leaves and yellow flowers of the perennial are of the greatest value.
The chemical composition and value of dandelion leaves and flowers
A modest plant contains a huge amount of valuable substances in its composition. The leaves and flowers contain:
- copper, phosphorus, calcium and iron;
- manganese;
- polysaccharides;
- sucrose;
- tannins and essential oils;
- ascorbic acid and other organic acids;
- vitamins A and E;
- vitamins K and B2;
- vitamin PP;
- carotenoids and wax;
- glycosides and alcohols;
- resins and sterols;
- cellulose.
Most of all, dandelion contains carbohydrates - about 5.7 g. The perennial plant contains 2.7 g of proteins, and fats occupy only 0.7 g of the total volume. Dandelion is extremely low in calories, its green parts contain only 45 kcal per 100 g.
What diseases does dandelion help against?
Due to its rich composition, the plant benefits from a wide variety of ailments. Medicines based on it strengthen the natural forces of the body and help fight acute and chronic diseases.
The benefits of dandelion flowers
The bright yellow flowers of the plant are not only very beautiful in appearance, they contain a large supply of vitamins and minerals. With dandelion flowers you can:
- cope with insomnia and normalize the state of the nervous system;
- contribute to the healing of liver ailments;
- eliminate hemorrhoids;
- reduce blood pressure with hypertension;
- eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of flatulence;
- cope with colds, coughs and runny nose.
The medicinal properties and contraindications of dandelion flowers are appreciated in cosmetology. With flower-based products, the skin is treated, dandelion helps to even out the complexion and make freckles and age spots less noticeable.
Benefits of Dandelion Leaves
The composition of the leaves of the plant is almost identical to the composition of the flowers, however, the leaves contain an increased amount of phosphorus and protein. Foliage has pronounced anti-inflammatory and antiscorbutic properties, therefore it helps with:
- avitaminosis;
- colds, bronchitis and lung infections;
- skin ailments - dermatitis and eczema;
- disorders of the nervous system;
- diseases of the kidneys and liver.
Leaves can be used to prevent cancer. Since they contain a lot of antioxidants and flavonoids, when using funds based on them, the immune system is strengthened and cell metabolism is accelerated, thus, the likelihood of developing tumors decreases.
Why dandelion is useful for the human body
If we summarize all the beneficial properties of dandelion for the human body, then we can deduce several valuable effects. Leaves and flowers of the plant:
- have antiviral, diaphoretic and diuretic effect;
- have laxative and choleretic properties;
- have an antispasmodic and sedative effect;
- can serve as a natural expectorant;
- help with fungal and infectious ailments;
- relieve inflammation;
- reduce cholesterol levels and prevent the development of atherosclerosis.
The plant has a beneficial effect in diseases of the joints. Internal and external use of funds from this plant relieves inflammatory processes in arthritis, osteochondrosis and rheumatism, reduces tissue swelling and reduces pain.
The healing properties of dandelion for men
The valuable properties of dandelion for the male body are well known in folk medicine. The plant is considered a "male" herb because it has a beneficial effect on potency and improves libido.
With its regular use, the likelihood of developing prostate diseases is also reduced.The liver and blood vessels are cleansed, which is also important for men who have reached middle age.
Medicinal properties and contraindications of dandelion for women
For women, dandelion leaves and flowers are useful not only for their cosmetic properties. The plant has a very positive effect on the reproductive system. In particular, dandelion improves the condition during menstruation and normalizes the menstrual cycle, soothes the nerves and helps relieve insomnia.
The leaves of the plant are allowed to be consumed as a decoction during pregnancy. In agreement with the doctor, the leaves can strengthen the body with the existing threat of miscarriage, the plant reduces the risk of termination of pregnancy. It is useful to take plant-based products and during breastfeeding, dandelion stimulates the production of breast milk and improves lactation.
Therefore, before using plant-based products, you must consult with your doctor and make sure that dandelion leaves will benefit, not harm.
The use of dandelion in traditional medicine
The medicinal properties and uses of dandelion are very extensive, homemade recipes recommend using the leaves and flowers for many ailments. But since the plant is capable of causing both benefit and harm, it is necessary to competently approach its use and harvesting.
In what form is dandelion used for treatment
For medicinal purposes, the plant is used in several forms.
- Fresh dandelion. A freshly harvested plant retains in its composition the maximum supply of valuable substances and brings great benefits to the body. Fresh dandelion contains a high amount of vitamins, especially vitamin C, provides the body with mineral elements and organic acids. It should be remembered that the health benefits and harms of dandelion leaves depend on the ecological purity of the plant, the dandelion must necessarily grow in an unpolluted area and not accumulate any harmful substances in the composition.
- Dried Dandelion. Since fresh raw materials are not stored for a long time, it is customary to dry dandelions for long-term storage. To do this, the leaves and flowers are laid out in a thin layer on a flat surface in the open air and dried in the shade until the moisture evaporates completely. At the same time, the supply of vitamins and valuable minerals in the leaves is almost completely preserved, since the plant is not exposed to high temperatures.
Another beneficial way to preserve healthy raw materials is to freeze dandelion leaves and flowers in the freezer. The advantage of this method is the complete preservation of all valuable substances in the herb.
Can you eat dandelion leaves?
Dandelion is one of the few plants that does not contain toxic compounds. Therefore, dandelion leaves are eaten even raw, for example, as part of salads or side dishes for main courses. You can also steam the leaves or boil them in a soup - this will remove the slight bitterness present in the taste.
Only leaves that are harvested in areas with a clean environment and thoroughly washed before use bring health benefits. It is not recommended to chew the leaves of the plant immediately after collection; they may contain dirt, dust and harmful substances.
Recipes for medicinal broths and infusions
From flowers and leaves of dandelion, infusions and decoctions on water are mainly prepared. In specific recipes, the cooking algorithm may differ, but there are general rules for brewing the green parts of the plant.
How to brew properly
A good natural choleretic, decongestant, sedative and blood-purifying agent is a decoction of the leaves and flowers of the plant. Prepare it like this:
- chopped leaves and flowers in the amount of 1 small spoon are poured with a glass of boiling water;
- raw materials are boiled for about 2 minutes;
- under a closed lid, the broth is insisted for another half hour;
- the finished product is filtered.
The drink is usually taken three times a day for half a glass, preferably on an empty stomach. The broth is beneficial for constipation and flatulence, diabetes mellitus and hemorrhoids.
Another useful dandelion-based remedy is a healing infusion. There are several ways to cook it.
- Cold cooking. About 2 small spoons of crushed leaves and flowers are poured with 250 ml of cold water, covered with a lid and put in a cool place for 8 hours, and then filtered. They drink 1 large spoonful of cold infusion four times a day on an empty stomach, the drink is especially beneficial for stomach inflammation and digestive disorders.
- Hot cooking. Raw materials in the amount of 1 large spoon are poured with a glass of boiling water, and then covered and insisted for only 1 hour. Filter the finished infusion and drink a quarter of a glass up to 4 times a day on an empty stomach.
For the preparation of infusions and decoctions, both dried and fresh dandelion leaves are suitable, in both cases the drinks are very useful.
How to properly use infusions and decoctions of dandelion
It is necessary to use the medicinal properties of dandelion in recipes in accordance with proven algorithms, then they will be beneficial. Traditional medicine offers many options for treating a variety of ailments.
With cardiovascular diseases
The medicinal properties of dandelion infusion and its leaves help to recover faster after a heart attack or stroke. A large spoonful of leaves must be brewed in a glass of boiling water and insisted for 1-2 hours, and then filtered.
They drink the remedy in a quarter of a glass on an empty stomach; in total, you need to take the medicine four times a day. The medicinal infusion will also benefit, and as a prophylaxis, it will help prevent the development of dangerous ailments.
With hypertension
With chronically high pressure, it is recommended to prepare such a remedy, pour 2 large tablespoons of dandelion leaves with a glass of hot water, simmer for 10 minutes, and then filter. Take the broth three times a day, 1 large spoon, the remedy will bring the greatest benefit if you drink it on an empty stomach.
To improve digestion
With sluggish digestion and chronic pancreatitis, a cold infusion based on dandelion leaves helps well. A large spoonful of leaves is poured with 500 ml of cold water, kept under a lid for 10 hours, and then filtered.
You need to drink the infusion 4 to 6 times a day on an empty stomach, a single serving should be a quarter of a glass.
For insomnia
Dandelion's soothing properties are good for insomnia and anxiety disorders of the nervous system. Flowers and leaves of the plant in the amount of 2 large spoons, you need to pour 250 ml of hot water and simmer for a quarter of an hour over low heat. After that, the dandelion is infused for half an hour under the lid and filtered, and then they are drunk three times a day, 1 large spoon on an empty stomach.
From sore throat
Dandelion leaves and flowers are good for sore throat inflammation. For a quick cure of sore throat, it is useful to gargle the throat several times a day with ordinary decoctions and infusions; before using them, it is better to warm them up to a warm state.
Fresh juice from dandelion leaves also benefits. The raw materials must be thoroughly washed, and then just chewed for several minutes - the healing juice from the leaves can relieve inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat.
With anemia
The vitamin composition of dandelion leaves has significant benefits in vitamin deficiency and anemia. For medicinal purposes, you can use the classic decoction of the plant, or you can brew a weak tea from the leaves, in this case, a small spoonful of dry raw materials is poured with a glass of boiling water and insisted for only a few minutes. Dandelion-based drinks raise the general tone of the body, improve blood counts and increase the reserve of strength.
Limitations and contraindications
The medicinal properties and contraindications of dandelion leaves are determined by the individual state of human health. Drinking plant-based drinks is not recommended for:
- exacerbation of gastritis and peptic ulcer;
- blockage of the biliary tract and stones in the gallbladder;
- allergies to dandelions or individual components in the composition of the leaves of the plant.
Also, you should not allow an overdose of healthy drinks. It is necessary to carry out treatment with dandelion strictly according to recipes; in excessive quantities, the leaves and flowers of the plant lead to vomiting, diarrhea and skin rashes.
Conclusion
The medicinal properties and contraindications of dandelion complement each other, but mainly the medicinal plant is beneficial. With the proper use of leaves and flowers, you can get rid of many ailments, drinks based on dandelion are especially useful for digestive disruptions, inflammation and colds.
