Dandelion Leaf

Dandelion Leaf

Latin name: Taraxacum officinale

Health Benefits of Dandelion Leaf

Dandelion is used as a food and also for medicinal purposes. It is one of the great tonics of all time.  It is particularly helpful for the liver and is exceptionally nutritious.  Health benefits include: 

• Contains bitter compounds that enhance the efficiency of the body’s eliminative and detoxifying functions. These compounds help restore normal liver and gallbladder function, increases the production of bile, and has a laxative effect.
• As a diuretic, it tones the kidneys and aids in proper water elimination while maintaining appropriate potassium levels. 
• It is one of the best blood purifiers and builders available, which makes it great in treating anemia and low blood pressure.
• Enriches breast milk in nursing mothers, benefiting both mother and child.
• Helps to reduce harmful cholesterol levels in the body. 

Nutritional Benefits of Dandelion

• Contains high amounts of Vitamins A, D, C, and B complex.
• Also has high amounts of calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron. 

How to Use Dandelion

• Can be used in teas and tinctures, as well as powdered and encapsulated.
• It is great to add to foods like soups or stews without compromising flavor, and is also a great salad green. 

Cautions and Side Effects of Dandelion

• Do not use when taking lithium or other bi-polar medications.
• Can interfere with absorption of antibiotics. Because it is a powerful diuretic it can also cause antibiotics to be released from the body too soon, hence, voiding their effectiveness.
• Use caution if you have a problem with your endocrine system as it increases urination.