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Dandelion Health Benefits of Dandelion Root, Greens and Flowers

Dandelion Health Benefits of Dandelion Root, Greens and Flowers

Happy National Weed Appreciation Day! What is a weed or what makes a weed a weed? In a nutshell, a weed is a plant that we do not want. Something we, as man, see no purpose for. There are no “weeds” in nature, just in our interpretation of gardening or lawn care.

I thought today I would talk about a weed that probably will bring back childhood memories, the dandelion. Oh, yes. The days when we sat in our yards picking dandelions and popping off their heads while singing a nursery rhyme. And do you remember when the dandelion became light and puffy during the seed dispersal stage when you blew them all over the yard? Today is the day to take another look at the dandelion and realize that it is more than a common weed.

Health Benefits of Dandelion

The health benefits of dandelions are vast. Dandelions can help fight heartburn, cancer, liver disorders, urinary tract infections, inflammation, and even acne. Dandelions are also good for bone health and weight-loss, and aid in digestion. They are a good source of fiber, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Dandelion helps promote digestion by increasing appetite, balancing good bacteria in the intestines, releasing bile and stomach acids, and acting as a mild laxative. The dandelion is a diuretic that can help the kidneys function by removing waste and excess water. The removal of all these toxins helps improve liver function.

Some preliminary research has been done on how dandelions can slow the growth of cancer and inhibit the cancer cells from spreading throughout the body. The belief is that the rich antioxidants and phytonutrients (“phyto”) found in dandelions are killing cancer cells. Read more here.

When looking at the health benefits of dandelion from a Traditional Chinese Medicine standpoint, dandelion is energetically cooling. The dandelion has been used to support the liver, kidneys, and spleen, and often used as a natural detoxifying herb.

If you are looking to add dandelion to your pet’s diet or yours, there are some things to consider prior to picking this healthy weed. If you or your pet has any medical condition, including diabetes, gallstones, heart disease, sensitivities or food allergies, please consult your holistic veterinarian or general practitioner. As always introduce food therapies slowly into your diet and use organic or pesticide-free varieties. Use approximately ½ teaspoon dried dandelion herb per 10 pounds of body weight. 3-4 x a week.

Have you or your pets benefited from eating dandelions? Tell me in the comments.

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