Benefits, harms and uses of dandelion

Dandelion is known to everyone. This flower is unpretentious and grows in all meadows, clearings, paths, etc. Every girl at least once tried to weave a wreath from these flowers. However, this flower is capable of much more than just being a decoration.

Benefits of dandelion

Dandelion is a medicinal plant. It is used to treat any diseases, it is added to oils, creams, and cosmetics. Not only the flower is useful, but the whole plant as a whole and even the root. In addition to medicine and cosmetology, dandelion has also found itself in cooking. Sugar and jam are made from it, which is highly prized.

So what benefits does this wonderful flower provide and for what qualities is it so loved:

• It’s worth starting with the fact that dandelion is one of the strongest antioxidants. It perfectly strengthens the immune system and helps cleanse the body.
• Dandelion has many properties, one of which is general strengthening of the body. For example, dandelion jam helps to cheer you up and fills you with vitality.
• Dandelion decoction is often used as a choleretic agent.
• Eating dandelion helps fight excess weight and normalizes intestinal function.
• Dandelion is rich in vitamins, in particular vitamin A, which is necessary for people with vision problems.
• Helps fight excess cholesterol.
• Often, for liver disease, doctors recommend taking a decoction of dandelions.
• Dandelion tincture is an excellent first aid remedy for hypothermia. It is also an excellent assistant in the treatment of colds.
• Dandelion decoction is also used in the treatment of anemia and metabolic disorders.
• Has a positive effect on the nervous system. It is an excellent sedative.
• Helps with diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
• It is an excellent remedy against parasites in the intestines.
• Normalizes blood pressure and helps cope with migraines.

Dandelion harm

Like any other medicinal plant, dandelion also has a negative side. After all, each organism is individual. And in addition to its benefits, the plant can also cause harm.

• Naturally, the first limitation to the use of dandelion or products made from it is individual intolerance. An allergic reaction is possible. To avoid negative consequences, it is first important to make sure that you will not be in any danger. That is, if you use a decoction, first take just a couple of drops.   If you feel unwell during the day, then this plant is not suitable.
• Before you start using dandelion, you should consult a specialist. Set a specific dosage and strictly adhere to it. After all, any medicine in excess will only cause harm.
• For children under five years of age, dandelion decoctions, tinctures or jam are contraindicated.
• Another important factor. If you do not buy dandelion at a pharmacy, but collect it yourself. Be careful where you do this. This plant, like many others, absorbs everything from its environment. Therefore, if you pick a dandelion, say for jam, near a road or plant there will be no benefit from it.

Uses of dandelion

Such a seemingly inconspicuous plant as the dandelion, in fact, turned out to be a real storehouse of vitamins. It has found application in all areas (cosmetology, medicine, etc.). But it’s one thing to go to the pharmacy and buy a ready-made product, and another to prepare the necessary product yourself. So how can you use dandelion? And what can be made from it.

• Probably one of the most common remedies is dandelion tea. It is easy to prepare and has truly excellent properties: analgesic, tones, and is an immunomodulatory agent.
• Dandelion decoction has a laxative and diuretic effect.
• Tincture Dandelion is prepared in alcohol without adding water or any impurities. It is an excellent warming and cleansing agent. It also perfectly fights joint disease, rheumatism, and arthrosis.
• Dandelion oil is an excellent cosmetic product and also helps treat burns.

Dandelion contraindications

Contraindications for dandelion use:

• If a person has a weak stomach or inflamed intestines. The use of dandelion is strictly contraindicated. This may make the situation worse.
• You should not use dandelion if you have stomach or intestinal ulcers, gastritis, chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Do not use during pregnancy and lactation.

Dandelion treatment

There are the following methods for treating diseases with dandelion:

• Treatment of intestines, constipation: dandelion root powder, a tablespoon, steamed with one glass of boiled water, infused for two hours. The broth is given time to cool, then filtered through a thick cloth. It is consumed a quarter glass two to three times a day before meals, thirty minutes.
• As a pain reliever for insect bites or cuts: dandelion leaf is washed, thoroughly kneaded with hands and applied to the damaged area. This compress will significantly relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Changes once every two hours.
• When fighting cholesterol: 100 g of dandelion root juice is mixed with a teaspoon of alcohol, 20 ml of water and a teaspoon of glycerin. Strain through a thick cloth and consume twice a day, in the amount of two tablespoons.
• Dandelion juice is great for getting rid of warts. It is enough to lubricate problem areas with it several times a day.
• The use of dandelion decoction helps strengthen the skeletal system of the body. It helps increase bone density, helping to avoid cracks and fractures, especially in older people.