Dandelion has healing properties. Learn about its use and contraindications

Dandelion (common dandelion) is a plant known by many common names such as dandelion, dandelion, euphorbia, and male permanence. It is generally considered a weed that is difficult to eradicate, but it has exceptional healing properties. Although this plant has been used in herbal medicine for centuries, it has recently attracted increasing interest from scientists. This is due, for example, to the high content of active ingredients, for example from the group of phenols, which can be widely used in traditional medicine.

They are of particular interest to researchers. antioxidant and anti-cancer properties of dandelion. Studies have proven that dandelion also has antibacterial, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The treasure trove of health-promoting compounds that dandelion is, allows you to use the unique effects of natural medicines to support the treatment of various diseases, as well as to relieve common diseases.

Traditionally, dandelion has been used to reduction of skin discoloration, such as liver spots. Treatment with this plant has also been used in people suffering from insomnia. The use of dandelion infusions was recommended, among other things, by Theophrastus of Eres, a Greek scientist and philosopher. In modern medicine, this plant is studied, incl. to reduce oxidative stress, which is one of the causes of cancer.

Fun fact: dandelion edible plant - fresh dandelion leaves and inflorescences can be added to salads. Dry dandelion root can be used as a coffee substitute - the infusion made from it has a stimulating effect. It is worth learning more about the action and use of dandelion in the treatment of common diseases and ailments, including those from the digestive system.

The use of dandelion and the use of infusions and other medicinal preparations from this plant is recommended, for example, for people who have had viral hepatitis. It is also recommended to use dandelion during the recovery period for other diseases that affect the organs of the digestive system and urinary system, as well as for diseases that cause general weakness and lack of appetite.

What does a dandelion look like?

Common dandelion is a plant with a characteristic appearance. It is especially easy to find in the meadow during the flowering period, when it forms large, yellow, strongly toothed inflorescences sitting on a leafless stem. Dandelion stems are hollow inside, resembling a tube that can reach 5 mm in diameter. When the stem is broken, a burning milky juice appears.

Dandelion leaves change their shape as the plant grows. They are initially oval, but become lanceolate and notched over time; form a rosette of leaves around the base of the inflorescence. Dandelion root is long, brown on the outside and white on the inside.

After flowering, a characteristic fluffy ball of fruiting bodies is formed at the site of the inflorescence, which scatter with gusts of wind. Dandelion is a plant that quickly spreads over large areas, so it is sometimes fought with, such as dandelion. with the help of chemicals.

The medicinal raw material used for the production of herbal preparations consists of thin dandelion roots, the diameter of which exceeds 1 cm, leaves and flower buds. All parts of the plant can be used to make dandelion syrup, sometimes referred to as “honey”.

Dandelion and Euphorbia field

Dandelion can be confused with field milk. Although they come from the same Asteraceae family, only dandelion has medicinal properties. Euphorbia field can be recognized by smaller inflorescences that do not form spherical dandelions after flowering, as well as by the absence of a rosette of leaves and a stem that is not devoid of leaves and is empty inside.

The name “dandelion” is associated with the characteristic appearance of the upper part of the stem, devoid of fruiting bodies - it resembles a shaven head of a monk, surrounded by a wreath of dry leaves.

Quite often people confuse dandelion and euphorbia, which is associated, for example, with the regional use of the name “dandelion” for dandelion.

The collection of dandelions for inflorescences, leaves and roots should be carried out in an area not contaminated with plant protection products and artificial fertilizers, as well as heavy metals and other compounds, such as car exhaust. Dandelion can be grown to access medicinal raw materials - it grows on any type of soil and is extremely easy to grow.

All parts of the plant are used to make natural medicines that are available in pharmacies.

Medicinal properties of dandelion

The medicinal properties of dandelion are associated with the content of many active compounds that have a positive effect on the stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and kidneys.

Dandelion contains valuable ingredients. These include:

• bitter compounds,

• flavonoids,

• organic acids (eg phenolic acids),

• coumarins,

• inulin,

• enzymes

• proteins,

• vitamins (C, A, E),

• mineral salts (iron, calcium and phosphorus salts),

• vegetable gums,

• essential oils,

• mucous compounds.

The compounds found in dandelion have, among other things, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and protective effect. Studies have proven the positive effect of dandelion extract on liver cells at risk of damage due to incl. taking too much of certain medications and ethyl alcohol.

Dandelion extracts have also been found to be very helpful in combating various micro-organisms such as E. coli and other Gram-negative bacteria. However, the effectiveness of dandelion against infections with gram-positive bacteria has not been proven. Moreover, dandelion reduces inflammation in the organs of the digestive system, for example. liver, pancreas and spleen, as well as organs of the urinary system.

Studies aimed at determining the effect of aqueous and alcoholic solutions, which were obtained from the roots, leaves and flowers of dandelion, also proved their anti-cancer effect. In vitro studies on breast and prostate cancer cells confirmed that dandelion leaf extract was effective in inhibiting prostate cancer cell proliferation, while dandelion root extract was effective in inhibiting breast cancer cells. In addition, dandelion extract has a protective effect at the stage of anti-cancer treatment - tests on rats confirmed its immunostimulating effect on the immune system.

The properties of dandelion also include anti-diabetic and anti-atherosclerotic effects. This plant slows down the absorption of sugar and reduces the GI of the food consumed, which allows you to regulate carbohydrate metabolism in the body.

Application of dandelion

Due to their rich composition, dandelions have been used for centuries, for example. in Chinese traditional medicine. In Poland, it has traditionally been used cosmetically to remove sun spots such as freckles, as well as to remove warts and treat seborrheic rashes. Dandelion root infusion has traditionally been used to stimulate appetite, increase bile secretion, and reduce digestive disorders. Studies have confirmed the positive effect of dandelion on the digestive system - dandelion ensures the normalization of the entire digestive process, which means that it is currently used as an adjuvant in the treatment of acting. gastric anacidity, gallstones and kidney stones.

Dandelion uses include, among others:

• some skin diseases and cosmetic defects,

• prevention and treatment of kidney stones,

• prevention and treatment of gallstones,

• prevention and treatment of kidney diseases,

• relief of symptoms of indigestion,

• lowering bad cholesterol levels,

• reducing the symptoms of respiratory infections,

• increase the body’s immunity,

• acceleration of wound healing.

The use of dandelion increases the secretion of gastric juice and bile, prevents stagnation of bile and the formation of gallstones, has a diuretic and antiseptic effect on the urinary system, improves the digestive process and has a detoxifying effect, but not everyone can benefit from a healing effect. stimulation of the effects of this plant.

Dandelion - contraindications

Contraindications to the use of dandelion are:

• blockage of the bile ducts,

• excessive secretion of gastric juice,

• Intestinal obstruction.

A contraindication to the use of dandelion is also hypersensitivity or allergy to this plant. Particular caution should be exercised in people who have had an allergic reaction to plants from the Compositae family in the past.