You probably know dandelions as that stubborn weed that never seems to leave your lawn or garden.
The way you don’t really hold them in high esteem is the exact opposite of how traditional herbal medicine practitioners treat it.
Dandelions have a wide range of uses; be it for the body or even the soil they grow in.
For the soil
Dandelions are good for your lawn. Their roots break through hard-packed soil to help aerate the earth and help reduce erosion.
Their deep taproots pull up calcium and other nutrients from the depths of the soil, making them available to other plants. These nutrients actually help fertilize the soil, improving the quality of grass and other surrounding plants.
Health benefits for the human body
Fights Inflammation
Dandelion helps reduce inflammation caused by disease due to the presence of various bioactive compounds like polyphenols within the plant.
Highly nutritious
From root to flower, dandelion is a highly nutritious plant, loaded with vitamins, minerals and fibre. It can be eaten raw or cooked and has vitamins A, C and K. They also contain vitamin E, folate, small amounts of other B vitamins, iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Whew! That was a tall list!
Better skin
Dandelion aids the body in the detoxifying department (purifying the blood, and improving liver function) and this goes a long way in treating acne and other skin problems like psoriasis and eczema. It helps, both of which result in beautiful, glowing skin. The major chlorophyll content in dandelion greens is also a win-win for skin health.
Aids in digestion
Dandelion acts as a mild laxative that promotes digestion, stimulates appetite, and balances the natural and beneficial bacteria in the intestines. It can increase the release of stomach acid and bile to aid digestion, especially of fats.
Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Recent animal studies show dandelion helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels. Most of this is done through its ability to control lipid levels and stimulate the pancreatic cells to produce more insulin when needed.
Jaundice
Because it purifies the liver, it also helps with jaundice which is a disorder of the liver. When you have jaundice, your liver overproduces bile and it messes up the body’s metabolism. Dandelion helps regulate bile production, and also promotes urination, helping to get rid of excess bile.
Well, what are you waiting for? Hurry and go dig up those dandelions growing around your home!
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