What Is Dandelion Root And how can It Help The Body?

View PDF | Print View
by: Darrell Miller
Total views: 7
Word Count: 523
Date: Tue, 2 Aug 2011 Time: 6:16 PM
0 comments

Dandelion has a long history of use. However, some consider it to be a pesky weed. The dandelion is native to Greece and thrives under just about any conditions. This herb is considered a great survival food due to the protein, vitamin, and mineral content. Dandelion has been used by Europeans for at least five hundred years to treat fevers, diarrhea, fluid retention, liver congestion, and skin ailments. Around the seventh century, the Chinese began mentioning dandelion for its ability to treat breast problems, liver disease, and digestion. Arabian physicians described this herb under the name of Tarakhshagun around the tenth century.

Dandelion is a great herb for building the blood and helping with anemia as it promotes circulation, strengthens the arteries, restores gastric juices after severe vomiting, and reduces cholesterol levels. Often used as a diuretic for diabetes, dandelion has the ability to cleanse obstruction and stimulate the liver to detoxify poisons. The juice from the stem of the dandelion plant can be applied and allowed to dry in order to treat warts.

The efficacy of dandelion has been proven by modern research. Studies on humans and laboratory animals have found that the rhizomes and roots increase the flow of bile, which is beneficial for liver disorders, hepatitis, bile duct inflammation, gallstones, jaundice, and the bile duct. This herb works to increase bile production in the liver. This, in turn, increases the flow to the gallbladder and contracting and releasing stored bile in the gallbladder.

In Germany, dandelion is often prescribed by physicians to increase bile flow and prevent gallstones. However, it should be noted that herbal medicines are much more mainstream in Germany than in the United States. Dandelion can help with arthritis, as it stimulates the uric acid elimination from the body. This herb also helps to nourish and cleanse the blood, liver, and spleen. Since it contains so many nutrients, it is useful in treating anemia. Dandelion is used to heal connective tissue and also stop degeneration. A study on mice and rats found that dandelion greens are responsible for containing diuretic effects that are much greater than other herbal diuretics. The study also found marked weight loss, which was most likely due to water loss. Additionally, dandelion is thought to have cancer- and infection-fighting potential.

The leaves and roots of the dandelion plant are responsible for providing alterative, antacid, blood purifier, cholagogue diuretic, hepatic, lithotriptic, mild purgative, and stomachic properties. The primary nutrients found in this herb are fructose, glucose, magnesium, manganese, nutritive salts, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, vitamins A, B-complex, and C, and zinc. Primarily, dandelion is extremely beneficial in dealing with acne, anemia, arthritis, asthma, blisters, blood impurities, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fatigue, gallbladder problems, hepatitis, jaundice, kidney problems, liver disorders, PMS, and weight conditions.

Additionally, this herb is very helpful for treating age spots, bronchitis, constipation, corns, intestinal cramps, dermatitis, diabetes, eczema, fever, gas, gastric disorders, gout, hemorrhage, indigestion, infections, slow metabolism, pancreas, psoriasis, rheumatism, skin conditions, spleen ailments, ulcers, and warts. For more information on the many beneficial effects provided by dandelion, feel free to contact a representative at your local health food store.

About the Author

Find dandelion root and other great discount herbs at VitaNet ®, LLC Discount Vitamin Store. http://vitanetonline.com/