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Since ancient times, dandelion has been widely used in folk medicine. The main feature of the plant is unpretentiousness. On the basis of dandelion, a lot of useful products are prepared, starting with decoctions and ending with oil mixtures and tinctures. Making dandelion oil at home is not that difficult. It is enough to follow the algorithm of actions.
Benefits of Dandelion Oil
Dandelion is a perennial plant with elongated leaves and bright yellow flowers. In the middle of summer, the flower basket transforms into a hat of ripened seeds. With strong gusts of wind, the seeds scatter, giving rise to new plants. The length of the plant varies from 10 to 30 cm. The flowering period begins in late spring and ends with the onset of autumn.
Dandelion has a rich chemical composition. This allows it to be used for the manufacture of traditional medicine. The beneficial properties of the plant are especially valued in alternative medicine. Due to the high benefits, the plant is harvested for future use in large volumes. For the preparation of useful compositions, both the root and ground parts are used. The plant not only has general strengthening properties, but also saves from serious diseases. The composition contains the following substances:
- sterols;
- amino acids;
- flavonoids;
- ascorbic acid;
- phytoncides;
- macronutrients (iron, phosphorus, boron, cobalt, manganese, calcium);
- tannins;
- carotenoids;
- glycosides.
Due to its composition, the oil medicine is famous for its beneficial properties. It is used in the fight against colds, depressive disorders and pathologies of the digestive system. The preparation of a healthy product does not require significant financial investments. At the same time, the effectiveness of the oil mixture is not inferior to biological additives and some drugs. The benefits of dandelion oil are as follows:
- antiviral;
- laxative;
- expectorant;
- anthelmintic;
- diuretic.
How to make dandelion oil
The special use of dandelion oil is noted in cosmetology and pharmaceuticals. It is used to treat burns and rub sore joints. In some cases, it is taken orally. The taste features of the medicine include a slight bitterness. Dandelion flower oil is infused for several weeks.
To make the benefits more pronounced, it is better to harvest the plant on sunny days. Inflorescences are first inspected for damage, and then cut off. Carefully selected flowers are dried and then drenched in olive or sunflower oil. Drying is carried out in direct sunlight. It is advisable to spread the raw materials on a paper towel or natural cloth.
To extend the shelf life and preserve the benefits, vitamin E is added to the oil mixture. It is highly not recommended to use apricot kernel or linseed oil as a base. In this case, the product will go rancid ahead of time. There are several ways to prepare a healthy product. Both leaves and flowers of dandelion can act as the main ingredient.
On a water bath
The properties of dandelion oil do not change depending on the method of preparation. The fastest way for the oil to reach readiness is in a water bath. To obtain 250 ml of a useful product, you will need the following ingredients:
- 250 ml sunflower or olive oil;
- 100 g of dandelion flowers.
Algorithm cooking:
- Flowers are cleaned under running water from dirt and insects.
- They are placed in a small glass container and filled with oil.
- A jar of dandelions is placed in an enameled pan and filled with water. The diameter of the pan should be wider than the glass container.
- For 1 hour, the remedy is languishing in a water bath.
- After removing from heat and cooling, the resulting liquid is filtered and poured into a dark bottle.
Infusion of dandelions in oil
Dandelion medicine can be prepared in another way. The benefits and composition of the finished product will not change. The infusion-based dandelion oil recipe involves the use of the following components:
- 100 g dried dandelion roots;
- 400 ml of sunflower oil.
Cooking process:
- Dandelion roots crushed in any way are poured with oil and cleaned in a dark place.
- The duration of infusion is 2 weeks.
- Before use, the oily composition is filtered.
For ease of use, it is advisable to store dandelion oil in small dark vials. It is important to sign the date of their manufacture. This will allow you to monitor the quality of the useful tool. Storage of stocks is carried out in a dark cool place.
From frozen flowers
The benefits and harms of dandelion oil made from frozen flowers are determined on an individual basis. The product is used to treat diseases of the digestive system and liver. This oil is often used to dress vegetable salads. The principle of preparation is the same as that of classic butter. The only difference is that frozen inflorescences are used as the main component. The main advantage of the recipe is the possibility of cooking at any time of the year. But the collection and freezing of plants should be carried out only in the summer.
Useful properties of the product are not lost during freezing. The plant is thoroughly washed and dried. Only after that it is packaged in plastic bags and placed in the freezer. Inflorescences must be separated from the root part in advance.
The use of dandelion oil in folk medicine
Knowing the properties and method of using dandelion oil, you can get the maximum benefit from it. In most cases, it is used for topical application. Often the product is used as an emergency remedy for burns and various damage to the skin surface. The regenerative, beneficial properties of dandelion oil allow you to use it when you need to reduce the likelihood of scarring. In folk medicine, the use of dandelion oil is most often practiced in the fight against the following ailments:
- cholecystitis;
- skin diseases;
- metabolic disorders;
- hypertonic disease;
- ailments of the thyroid gland;
- pathology of the gallbladder;
- toxic poisoning;
- excess weight;
- deviations in the work of the urinary system;
- diseases of the reproductive system.
Means prepared on the basis of dandelion are often used for general strengthening of the body. Their benefits are comparable to the effect of vitamin complexes. But it is important to remember that any non-traditional treatment must be used in limited quantities. If side effects occur, treatment should be discontinued.
How to apply dandelion oil
Dandelion oil is considered a cure for many ailments. To get the maximum benefit from it, you must follow the rules for using the product. Inside, the oil is consumed, previously diluted in clean water or tea. For 1 st. drink will need 1 tsp. oils. Oral administration is indicated for diseases of the digestive system and toxic poisoning. The duration of treatment is determined by the nature of the disease. Before starting a treatment course, it is advisable to consult a specialist.
For skin ailments, dandelion oil is applied directly to the problem area 1-2 times a day. No less pronounced benefit is observed when using a therapeutic agent for the manufacture of applications. For headaches, sprains and joint pain, the oil is used for local rubbing. For colds and coughs, experts recommend massaging the remedy into the chest area with massaging movements.
Limitations and contraindications
Dandelion oil, reviews of which are mostly positive, has a number of contraindications. If you do not take them into account, undesirable consequences are possible. Existing symptoms may increase and general well-being may worsen. Useful properties of the product in this case are neutralized. It is strictly forbidden to use it in the following cases:
- poor patency of the bile ducts;
- individual intolerance to the constituent components;
- pregnancy;
- diarrhea;
- age of 7 years;
- gastritis and peptic ulcer.
During the lactation period, women should use the oil mixture with caution. It promotes increased production of breast milk. It is also not recommended to exceed the prescribed dosage. In this case, nausea, headache and upset stool may occur. If it is necessary to combine a useful agent with drugs, you should consult with a specialist.
Conclusion
Dandelion oil at home should be used with caution. Only in this case, the beneficial properties of the product will be fully revealed. If it is impossible to make a remedy on your own, doctors advise buying ready-made dietary supplements with dandelion extract in a pharmacy.
