Dandelion is a common plant that grows on meadows, clearings, lawns, roadsides. It is considered a nuisance weed when grown on a well-kept lawn. However, it is a very useful flower.
What does a dandelion look like?
“A dandelion as it is, everyone sees” – one would like to digest priest Chmielowski – the author of the first Polish encyclopedia “New Athens” (the famous definition of a horse: “The horse as it is, everyone sees”). Indeed, as soon as spring comes, dandelion flowers turn yellow in the green areas of meadows, gardens and lawns. It is alternatively called dandelion (white juice oozes from the broken stems), although conscientious biologists distinguish dandelion and dandelion as separate species. We also call it a dandelion, because the yellow flowers turn into a fluffy ball after a dozen or so days, from which the wind spreads the seeds around the area.
Dandelion – properties
People are unlikely to notice the charm of these flowers, but admit that it is a useful plant for its healing properties. In herbal medicine, the following are used:
- roots (harvested in late autumn),
- leaves (they are collected in early spring, before flowering),
- flowers (they are collected at the beginning of flowering).
The most useful is the root of the plant. It includes, among others inulin, bitter substances, phenolic acids, potassium salts. The leaves are rich in vitamin and B vitamins, potassium, magnesium and silicon salts, flowers – large amounts of vitamin C and A, and carotenoids.
Dandelion – action
What are the benefits of dandelion?
Dandelion root (fresh and dried) has a choleretic and choleretic effect. Due to the presence of inuliny, it is recommended for diabetics (diabetics). Fresh root juice is recommended in abnormal liver and gallbladder functiono.
Infusion of the root and leaves or the leaves themselves is used for edema and renal failure.
Dandelion also has a laxative effect, improving metabolism, so the infusion should be used in disorders of the digestive tract.
Dandelion – syrup
A popular medicine from dandelion is syrup. It resembles honey in color and texture, which is why the name is also used. It is prepared from flowers, roots and even stems. It contains many valuable ingredients, including:
- vitamins: A, C, D, group B,
- potassium, iron, magnesium, silicon, tannins
- inulin
The syrup works as follows:
- strengthens the immune and bone systems,
- has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, anesthetic and bactericidal properties,
- reduces the risk of cancer,
- delays skin aging,
- lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels,
- accelerates wound healing,
- improves digestion.
As you can see, dandelion has a wide range of uses. It is worth appreciating this perennial. It has no harmful effects, however, it should not be taken by people with gallstone disease and biliary obstruction.