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Many plants, commonly referred to as weeds, can surprise us in a positive way. Dandelion certainly fits this description perfectly. Although it's very common in Poland and we often pass it by indifferently, it has been used as an important component of folk medicine for centuries. Surely each of us has blown into the beloved dandelion at least once. The question arises: what can it offer us besides this pleasant entertainment? We invite you to read on.
Dandelion – a handful of information
Dandelion is sometimes called common dandelion or dandelion. It belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae) and is one of the most widespread plants in Poland. It can be found growing wild almost throughout Europe, as well as in America and Asia. It's important to remember that a dandelion is not a dandelion. It should also be noted that some types of spurge can be potentially poisonous, so be careful. The easiest way to distinguish a spurge from a dandelion plant is by the number of stems growing from one shoot. If several stems grow in one place, it's a dandelion. A single stem is probably a dandelion. Dandelions themselves, however, most commonly grow in all kinds of meadows, fields, and fallow land, as well as near roads and in home gardens. Dandelion roots are most often harvested for medicinal purposes. This is best done in the fall. The resulting raw material is then dried. In early spring, you can also collect the entire above-ground part of the plant or just the dandelion flowers. In this case, they are also subjected to drying.
What is in dandelion?
Like all plants, dandelion owes its health-promoting properties to its various active ingredients. It contains various phenols, terpenes, proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, as well as vitamins and minerals. The leaves of this plant are particularly rich in polyphenols, sesquiterpene coumarins, and flavonoids. It's worth noting that they also contain a high amount of vitamin A, a higher amount than that found in carrot root. Dandelion leaves also contain B vitamins (B1, B2, and B6), as well as vitamins K and E. Also worth mentioning is the large amount of various mineral salts, such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, silicon, and iron salts. It also contains small amounts of pectins, resins, and mucilage. Due to its broad composition of chemical compounds, it can have a comprehensive effect on the entire body. Although it is not a medicine, its uses are quite extensive.
Dandelion for the digestive system
Dandelion is an excellent natural support for our digestive system. It can support the body's digestive functions. This is because it stimulates the liver to produce bile and facilitates its flow through the bile ducts, which in turn facilitates its entry into the duodenum. This is due to the stimulation of the contractility of these ducts, which can also prevent bile stasis. The chemical compounds contained in this plant can also impair the function of the pancreas. This is not a particularly strong effect, but it has a positive impact on the entire digestive process. It also stimulates gastric juice secretion. In naturopathy, various dandelion preparations have long been used for various liver diseases or problems related to bile secretion. It is also worth mentioning that decoctions of this plant can be supportive in recovery from various types of hepatitis. They also represent an excellent complement to medicinal treatment for bile stasis in the bile ducts, but also for gallstones and any bottlenecks in gastric juice production. Preparations containing dandelion root are most effective for all of these conditions.
Dandelion – the fight against diabetes
Dandelion is not a miracle cure for diabetes, but its use is recommended, especially in the early stages of the disease. This is due to the inulin it contains. This reserve polysaccharide has a positive effect on the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism in the body. It can slow the absorption of sugar from food into the bloodstream and thereby lower the glycemic index of the food you eat. Due to its ability to lower blood sugar levels, this substance is also often added to foods for diabetics. Thanks to this effect, this plant is used along with other herbs and in the diet for the prevention of diabetes, as well as for prediabetes. It should be remembered that in the case of a fully developed disease, dandelion has little effect on carbohydrate metabolism, but in the early stages it functions perfectly in this role.
Dandelion for the kidneys
Dandelion also has a positive effect on the function of our urinary system. It can increase glomerular filtration and thus act as a diuretic. Furthermore, some of its substances can bind with harmful metabolic products, thus facilitating their excretion from the body. We call this effect cleansing and detoxifying. It's also worth mentioning that it can be used successfully in various kidney diseases. We're talking about all kinds of swelling, but also kidney failure. Admittedly, this plant cannot be treated as a medicine in this case, but it will certainly be a good complement to therapy. It is also used as a targeted support in the treatment of kidney stones and bladder diseases.
Dandelion – influence on the body’s immunity
Dandelion can support the body's natural immunity. This is due to its effect on the phagocytic activity of white blood cells. It has also been shown to stimulate the secretion of interferon, a substance with powerful antiviral properties. This allows it to be successfully used as a preventative measure, protecting us from various infections. Furthermore, the substances it contains can also help fight various bacteria. Dandelion preparations have a beneficial effect on inhibiting the growth of microorganisms such as Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus aureus. Thanks to this property, it will certainly be effective as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy.
Anticancer and antioxidant properties of dandelion
Thanks to its high content of polyphenol compounds, dandelion has a powerful antioxidant effect. This allows it to inhibit the activity of free radicals, which are responsible for a number of adverse changes in our body. Furthermore, thanks to this property, it can form an effective protective barrier for liver cells, thus reducing the incidence of diseases of this organ. Scientists also believe it has anti-cancer effects. Studies conducted in Canada suggest that the condition of cancer patients improves after consuming large amounts of dandelion root-based preparations. The study used freeze-dried root powder, which was six to ten times more potent than standard preparations of this type. 6,000 doses were used, divided among 30 patients with blood cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma, which are resistant to standard therapies. Although the improvement in the patients' condition after such therapeutic interventions was short-lived, it still creates a field for further research on the use of this plant in oncology.
Dandelion - contraindications for use
Dandelion is a fairly safe herb, but there are still some groups of people who should avoid using it or limit its amount in their diet. It's important to note that this plant can cause allergic reactions, so its use is not particularly recommended for allergy sufferers. This doesn't mean they should strictly limit its consumption, but we recommend consulting a doctor in this case. To date, there are no studies confirming the safety of dandelion use in pregnant women, nor its effects on fetal development. Therefore, these women, as well as those who are breastfeeding, should refrain from using it. Patients who regularly take medications should also seek medical advice, as dandelion may interact with some of these drugs. However, anyone suffering from stomach or duodenal ulcers or hyperacidity should avoid it completely.
Summary
Dandelion is truly a multitasking plant. You could say it has something for everyone. However, keep in mind that wherever active ingredients are present, potentially dangerous interactions can occur. Therefore, always be cautious when using different herbal preparations. Not for me, though; it will certainly find a place in many home first aid kits. Its obvious advantage is its completely natural origin, and yet, in times when we are frequently surrounded by "chemicals," this is undoubtedly an advantage.
