
If a dandelion plant is present in the house of people who are fond of gardening, then understand that you are very lucky. Dandelion not only enhances the beauty of the garden but can also be beneficial in many health problems. We will tell about the specific information related to dandelion rich in medicinal properties like benefits of dandelion, uses as well as the disadvantages of dandelion.
What is a dandelion?
Dandelion is a type of plant, whose flowers are yellow. Its scientific name is Taraxacum officinale. This plant is believed to be rich in medicinal properties. This is the reason why its leaves, flowers, and roots have long been used in traditional medicine. The use of dandelion is believed to play a helpful role in the treatment of various ailments of the body, which are discussed further in the article.
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Now we will read about the benefits of dandelion.
Benefits of Dandelion
In this part of the article, we will talk about the benefits of dandelions. Keep in mind that dandelion is not a cure for any disease, rather it can help prevent many diseases and reduce its symptoms.
1. Benefits of Dandelion for Inflammation
Talking about the benefits of dandelion, it has anti-inflammatory properties. Due to inflammation, many types of problems can occur in the body such as arthritis, diabetes, allergies, and heart disease. At the same time, dandelion has anti-inflammatory properties.
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Polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties of dandelion can provide relief to a great extent from the problem of inflammation in the body.( 4 )
2. Benefits of Dandelion to Prevent Cancer
The benefits of dandelions can also be seen in problems like cancer. According to research, dandelion has anti-cancer properties. At the same time, another research published by NCBI (National Center of Biotechnology Information) has also found that dandelion extract can be useful in eliminating cancer cells. ( 5 ) However, cancer is a serious disease. For this, get medical treatment on time.
3. Properties of Dandelion for Diabetes
The use of dandelion can also be beneficial for diabetic patients. In fact, according to research published on the NCBI website, dandelion has anti-diabetic properties, which can be beneficial for type 2 diabetes patients by controlling blood sugar levels. On this basis, the dandelion plant can be beneficial for diabetic patients.
4. Benefits of Dandelion for the Heart
Dandelion can also be used to keep the heart healthy. Research published on the NCBI website has shown that dandelion root and leaves have hypolipidemic ( cholesterol-lowering ) effects along with antioxidants . Both of these properties may provide protection against the oxidative stress associated with atherosclerosis.
Let us tell you that atherosclerosis is a problem related to the arteries, in which plaque starts to accumulate inside the arteries. The plaque that accumulates in the arteries can later lead to heart attack and stroke.
5. Dandelion Root Tea for Weight Loss
Consuming dandelion root tea can be beneficial in reducing weight. According to research, consuming dandelion root tea before meals can help reduce fat and cholesterol along with stimulating gastric secretion. Not only this, its leaves also have diuretic effect, which can be helpful in reducing weight.
6. Benefits of Dandelion for Bones
From building bones to keeping them strong, calcium is considered the most essential nutrient for protecting against bone diseases such as osteoporosis . At the same time, plenty of calcium is found in dandelion. On this basis, the consumption of calcium-rich dandelion can be considered better for bone health.
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7. Benefits of Dandelion for Liver
Dandelion can also be used to keep the liver healthy. If studies are to be believed, dandelion has hepatoprotective effects, which can help keep the liver healthy and prevent problems related to it. Not only this, it has liver cleansing properties and its consumption can also be useful in detoxifying the body. Consumption of dandelion tea can be beneficial to keep the liver healthy.
8. Helpful in increasing immunity
Dandelion may improve immunity. In research, adding dandelion extract to the diet of animals showed positive effects on their immune system. In such a situation, it can be believed that the consumption of dandelion can be helpful in increasing immunity.
9. Benefits of dandelion in anemia
A research clearly mentions that dandelion has been used as a home remedy for years. Explain that iron deficiency is one of the main causes of anemia. At the same time, iron is present in abundance in dandelion. In such a situation, it can be believed that the consumption of iron-rich dandelion can be helpful in preventing the problem of anemia.
In another research, anemia patients have been advised to drink a tonic prepared from dandelion and yellow port. To make a tonic, boil 14 grams, about 3 teaspoons of both the herbs in four cups of water on low flame. When one-fourth of the water remains, the tonic is ready. Anemia patients can drink one to two teaspoons of this tonic daily.
10. Benefits of Dandelion for Blood Pressure
The amount of potassium is present in dandelion. According to research, adding potassium to a regular diet can help lower blood pressure levels . Also keep in mind that this is not possible due to potassium alone. The person must also reduce the amount of sodium (salt) in the diet for better effect. At the same time, if someone has a complaint of low blood pressure, then they should consume it only after asking the doctor.
11. Helpful in lowering cholesterol
The benefits of dandelion can be seen in reducing cholesterol. A research done on animals confirms this. Research has found that consuming dandelion may help increase HDL cholesterol levels and reduce LDL cholesterol levels . In this case, the hypolipidemic effect of dandelion can be helpful in controlling cholesterol. Also, keep in mind that this research has been done on animals, so there is no exact evidence yet for how effective it will prove to be on humans.
12. Benefits of Dandelion for Skin
The benefits of dandelion are not only for health, but also for the skin. In particular, dandelion leaves and flowers may protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Not only this, for years it has also been used for skin problems like eczema. However, do a patch test before using it.
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Nutritional Elements of Dandelion
To know about the nutrients present in dandelion, you can take help from the table given below.
NUTRIENTS | PER 100 GRAMS |
Water | 85.6 grams |
Energy | 45 kcal |
protein | 2.7 grams |
Total lipid (fat) | 0.7 grams |
Carbohydrates, by difference | 9.2 grams |
fiber, total dietary | 3.5 grams |
Sugar | 0.71 grams |
calcium | 187 mg |
Iron | 3.1 mg |
magnesium | 36 mg |
Phosphorus | 66 mg |
potassium | 397 mg |
sodium | 76 mg |
zinc | 0.41 mg |
Copper | 0.171mg |
manganese | 0.342 mg |
selenium | 0.5 µg |
Vitamin C, Total Ascorbic Acid | 35 mg |
thiamine | 0.19 mg |
riboflavin | 0.26 mg |
niacin | 0.806 mg |
pantothenic acid | 0.084 mg |
Vitamin B6 | 0.251 mg |
folate, total | 27 micrograms |
collin, total | 35.3 mg |
Vitamin A, RAE | 508 micrograms |
Vitamin A, IU | 10161 IU |
Lutein + Zeaxanthin | 13610 micrograms |
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 3.44 mg |
Vitamin K (Phyloquinone) | 778.4 micrograms |
Fatty Acids, Total Saturated | 0.17 grams |
Fatty Acids, Total Monounsaturated | 0.014 grams |
Fatty Acids, Total Polyunsaturated | 0.306 grams |
After the nutrients in dandelion, you will know how to use dandelion.
How to Use Dandelion
We are giving information below about some of the ways related to how we can use dandelion.
- The easiest way to use dandelion is to eat it with a vegetable salad. For this, mixing dandelion leaves in vegetable salad can be consumed. ( 10 )
- Dandelion can also be used as a tea. Its tea bags are easily available in the market or online.
- Boiling dandelion can reduce its bitterness to a great extent. After boiling it, you can eat it by cooking it with onions and garlic or vegetables.
- You can also include dandelion while making vegetable soup.
- After drying its root, leaves and flowers, it can be consumed by making powder.
- Dandelion supplements can also be consumed, but it is necessary to consult a specialist before this.
Quantity – In
a research, it has been advised to take 1 to 15 drops of dandelion tincture mixed with water for constipation. At the same time, in the problem of water retention, it has been mentioned to drink 4 to 10 grams of decoction prepared from its dry leaves thrice a day. Its dosage completely depends on the age and health condition of the person. Therefore, before consuming it, definitely take information from a doctor or specialist.
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In this section of the article, know what is the right way to make dandelion tea. ( 9 )
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How To Make Dandelion Tea
Know below how to make dandelion tea:
- Put two cups of water in a pan and keep it on the gas.
- Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of chopped dry dandelion root to it and boil it for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Dandelion tea is ready. Filter it.
- Drink it while sipping like normal tea
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In this part of the article, we will learn about the disadvantages of dandelion.
Side Effects of Dandelion
Along with the advantages of dandelion, it can also have some disadvantages. Therefore, if dandelion is used in excess, then the disadvantages mentioned below can occur.
- If a person’s body is sensitive, then he may be allergic to its consumption. People who are allergic to ragweed, marigold and daisy plants may experience itching in the mouth and throat from consuming dandelion.
- Consuming dandelion in large quantities can cause diarrhea and gas problems.
- As already mentioned in the article, it has the ability to reduce sugar, so if someone takes diabetes medicine, then consult a doctor before consuming dandelion with him.
- If a person has kidney problem, then he should not consume it. Its excessive consumption can cause kidney problems.
After knowing the information related to dandelion given in the article and the benefits of dandelion, many people would like to use it, but keep in mind that the use of dandelion can only reduce the effect of physical problem. It is not a perfect treatment for any disease. If the disease is serious, then it would be more appropriate to get medical treatment instead of relying on home remedies.
Frequently asked questions
Does dandelion tea contain caffeine?
Tea made from dandelion is considered caffeine free. However, its roots are used as a coffee substitute, as its taste is very similar to coffee.( 8 )
Can eating dandelion cause sleepiness?
No research is available regarding whether the consumption of dandelion induces sleep or not.
Which part of the dandelion is poisonous?
Based on the properties present in the dandelion plant, it is considered a medicinal plant. At the same time, it has been advised to consume its flowers, leaves and root in different research.( 7 )
Does dandelion tea ease bowel movements?
Yes, dandelion has a laxative effect, due to which its consumption can ease bowel movements.
How often should you drink dandelion tea?
According to experts, dandelion tea can be consumed once or twice a day. However, its dosage depends on the age and health of the person.( 6 ) Therefore, be sure to consult a doctor before consuming it.
Can dandelion tea help with weight loss?
Yes, consuming dandelion root tea can be beneficial in reducing weight. One research suggests that consuming dandelion tea before a meal stimulates gastric secretion, which may aid in the control of fat and cholesterol.