Medicinal properties of dandelion (leaves, flowers) for the human body: use in traditional medicine, recipes for infusions, decoctions

The medicinal properties and contraindications of dandelion are an important topic for fans of traditional medicine. An ordinary pharmacy dandelion can help cure many ailments, you just need to know what remedies to prepare from it and how to use them.

What does a dandelion look like

According to the description of the plant, dandelion is a herb from the Astrov family, capable of reaching 10 to 30 cm in height. It has a long and powerful vertical root, leaves dissected in shape, diverging from the basal rosette.

It is easiest to recognize a dandelion during the flowering period, when it pleases the eye with bright yellow flowers collected in rosettes, and then begins to bear fruit, achenes with white tufts appear in place of the flowers. Any gust of wind tears these tufts from the head of the plant, and the seeds are carried far into the surroundings.

Where does dandelion grow

The plant is characterized by increased unpretentiousness, so you can meet it almost all over the world. In Our Country, the grass grows in the middle lane and in Siberia and the Far East, and dandelions also grow in Europe and Central Asia, in China and other countries.

As a habitat, the dandelion chooses almost any place, it can be seen both in wet meadows and forest clearings, and in arid fields and wastelands. The plant is often found near dwellings and within the city, and in suburban areas is one of the most stubborn weeds.

When dandelions bloom

Dandelion blooms twice a season – in April-May and in late September or early August. The leaves of the plant are recommended to be harvested in the spring, when the most useful substances are concentrated in them, and the flowers can be collected both in spring and summer.

How dandelion is used by humans

A simple and very common plant is widely used for medical, cosmetic and culinary purposes. Medicinal decoctions and infusions are prepared from it, the fresh juice of the plant has a good healing effect. Crushed flowers and leaves are used for beauty care, dandelion has a powerful restorative effect on the skin and hair.

In Europe, India, and the United States, the plant is used as an edible green or leafy vegetable. Pure leaves of the plant are used both raw and after heat treatment, the leaves not only give the dishes an interesting taste, but also increase their benefits. Most often, the plant is used in salads, it goes well with most vegetables.

What parts of the plant are used in dandelion for treatment

All parts of the dandelion have a rich chemical composition and beneficial properties. It is possible to use the plant for medicinal purposes from the root to the flowers, but it is the leaves and yellow flowers of the perennial that are most valuable.

Chemical composition and value of dandelion leaves and flowers

A modest plant contains a huge amount of valuable substances in its composition. Leaves and flowers contain:

• copper, phosphorus, calcium and iron;
• manganese;
• polysaccharides;
• sucrose;
• tannins and essential oils;
• ascorbic acid and other organic acids;
• vitamins A and E;
• vitamins K and B2;
• vitamin PP;
• carotenoids and wax;
• glycosides and alcohols;
• resins and sterols;
• cellulose.

Most of all, carbohydrates are present in dandelion – about 5,7 g. The perennial plant contains 2,7 g of proteins, and fats occupy only 0,7 g of the total volume. Dandelion is extremely low in calories, its green parts contain only 45 kcal per 100 g.

What diseases does dandelion help with?

Due to its rich composition, the plant is beneficial for a wide variety of ailments. Medicines based on it strengthen the natural forces of the body and help fight acute and chronic diseases.

Benefits of dandelion flowers

The bright yellow flowers of the plant are not only very beautiful in appearance, they contain a large supply of vitamins and minerals. With the help of dandelion flowers, you can:

• cope with insomnia and normalize the state of the nervous system;
• contribute to the cure of liver ailments;
• eliminate hemorrhoids;
• reduce blood pressure in hypertension;
• eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of flatulence;
• cope with colds, coughs and runny nose.

The medicinal properties and contraindications of dandelion flowers are valued in cosmetology. Flower-based products treat the skin, dandelion helps to even out complexion and make freckles and age spots less noticeable.

Benefits of dandelion leaves

The composition of the leaves of the plant is almost identical to the composition of the flowers, however, the leaves contain an increased amount of phosphorus and protein. The foliage has pronounced anti-inflammatory and antiscorbutic properties, therefore it helps with:

• beriberi;
• colds, bronchitis and lung infections;
• skin ailments – dermatitis and eczema;
• disorders of the nervous system;
• kidney and liver diseases.

Leaves can serve as a cancer prevention. Since they are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, when using products based on them, the immune system is strengthened and cell metabolism is accelerated, thus reducing the likelihood of developing tumors.

What is useful dandelion for the human body

If we summarize all the beneficial properties of dandelion for the human body, we can derive several valuable effects. Leaves and flowers of the plant:

• have antiviral, diaphoretic and diuretic effect;
• have laxative and choleretic properties;
• have an antispasmodic and sedative effect;
• can serve as a natural natural expectorant;
• help with fungal and infectious diseases;
• relieve inflammation;
• reduce cholesterol levels and prevent the development of atherosclerosis.

The plant has a beneficial effect in diseases of the joints. Internal and external use of funds from this plant relieves inflammation in arthritis, osteochondrosis and rheumatism, reduces tissue swelling and reduces pain.

Medicinal properties of dandelion for men

The valuable properties of dandelion for the male body are well known in folk medicine. The plant is considered a “male” herb, as it has a beneficial effect on potency and improves libido.

With its regular use, the likelihood of developing prostate diseases also decreases. The liver and blood vessels are cleansed, which is also important for men who have reached middle age.

Medicinal properties and contraindications of dandelion for women

For women, dandelion leaves and flowers are useful not only for their cosmetic properties. The plant has a very positive effect on the reproductive system. In particular, dandelion improves the condition during menstruation and normalizes the menstrual cycle, calms the nerves and helps get rid of insomnia.

The leaves of the plant are allowed to be consumed in the form of a decoction during pregnancy. By agreement with the doctor, the leaves can strengthen the body with the existing threat of miscarriage, the plant reduces the risk of abortion. It is useful to take plant-based products during breastfeeding, dandelion stimulates the production of breast milk and improves lactation.

Therefore, before using plant-based products, you should consult a doctor and make sure that dandelion leaves will benefit and not harm.

The use of dandelion in folk medicine

Medicinal properties and uses of dandelion are very extensive, home recipes recommend the use of leaves and flowers for many ailments. But since the plant is capable of causing both benefit and harm, it is necessary to competently approach its use and harvesting.

In what form is dandelion used for treatment

For medicinal purposes, the plant is used in several forms.

• Fresh dandelion. A freshly harvested plant retains in its composition the maximum supply of valuable substances and brings great benefits to the body. Fresh dandelion contains a high amount of vitamins, especially vitamin C, supplies the body with mineral elements and organic acids. At the same time, it should be remembered that the health benefits and harms of dandelion leaves depend on the ecological purity of the plant, the dandelion must grow in an unpolluted area and not accumulate any harmful substances in the composition.
• Dried dandelion. Since fresh raw materials are not stored for a long time, it is customary to dry dandelions for long-term storage. To do this, the leaves and flowers are laid out in a thin layer on a flat surface in the open air and dried in the shade until the moisture has completely evaporated. The supply of vitamins and valuable minerals in the leaves is preserved almost completely, since the plant is not exposed to high temperatures.

Another profitable way to preserve useful raw materials is to freeze dandelion leaves and flowers in the freezer. The advantage of this method is the complete preservation of all valuable substances in the composition of the herb.

Is it possible to eat dandelion leaves

Dandelion is one of the few plants that does not contain toxic compounds. Therefore, dandelion leaves are eaten even raw, for example, as part of salads or side dishes for main courses. You can also steam the leaves or boil them as part of a soup – this will remove the slight bitterness that is present in the taste.

The only health benefits are from the leaves collected in ecologically clean areas and thoroughly washed before consumption. Chewing the leaves of the plant immediately after collection is not recommended, they may contain dirt, dust and harmful substances.

Recipes for healing decoctions and infusions

From flowers and leaves of dandelion, mainly infusions and decoctions are prepared on the water. In specific recipes, the cooking algorithm may differ, but there are general rules for brewing green parts of the plant.

How to brew

A good natural choleretic, decongestant, sedative and blood-purifying agent is a decoction of the leaves and flowers of the plant. Prepare it like this:

• crushed leaves and flowers in the amount of 1 small spoon pour a glass of boiling water;
• raw materials are boiled for about 2 minutes;
• under a closed lid, the broth is insisted for another half hour;
• the finished product is filtered.

The drink is usually taken three times a day for half a glass, preferably on an empty stomach. The decoction is beneficial for constipation and flatulence, diabetes and hemorrhoids.

Another useful remedy based on dandelion is a healing infusion. You can cook it in several ways.

• Cold cooking. About 2 small spoons of crushed leaves and flowers are poured into 250 ml of cold water, covered with a lid and cleaned for 8 hours in a cool place, and then filtered. Drink a cold infusion of 1 large spoon four times a day on an empty stomach, the drink is especially beneficial for gastric inflammation and digestive disorders.
• Hot cooking. Raw materials in the amount of 1 large spoon are poured with a glass of boiling water, and then covered and infused for only 1 hour. The finished infusion is filtered and drunk a quarter cup up to 4 times a day on an empty stomach.

Both dried and fresh dandelion leaves are suitable for preparing infusions and decoctions; in both cases, drinks are very healthy.

How to use infusions and decoctions of dandelion

You need to use the medicinal properties of dandelion in recipes in accordance with proven algorithms, then they will be beneficial. Traditional medicine offers many options for the treatment of various ailments.

For cardiovascular diseases

The medicinal properties of dandelion infusion and its leaves help to recover faster after a heart attack or stroke. A large spoonful of leaves must be brewed in a glass of boiling water and insisted for 1-2 hours, and then filtered.

They drink a quarter cup on an empty stomach, in total you need to take the medicine four times a day. Medicinal infusion will also benefit as a preventive measure, it will help prevent the development of dangerous ailments.

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With chronically elevated pressure, it is recommended to prepare such a remedy, pour 2 large tablespoons of dandelion leaves with a glass of hot water, boil over low heat for 10 minutes, and then filter. Take a decoction three times a day, 1 large spoon, the remedy will bring the greatest benefit if you drink it on an empty stomach.

To improve digestion

With sluggish digestion and chronic pancreatitis, a cold infusion based on dandelion leaves helps well. A large spoonful of leaves is poured into 500 ml of cold water, kept under a lid for 10 hours, and then filtered.

You need to drink the infusion 4 to 6 times a day on an empty stomach, a single serving should be a quarter cup.

With insomnia

The calming properties of dandelion are good for insomnia and anxiety disorders of the nervous system. Flowers and leaves of the plant in the amount of 2 large spoons should be poured with 250 ml of hot water and simmer for a quarter of an hour over low heat. After that, the dandelion is insisted for half an hour under the lid and filtered, and then they drink three times a day, 1 large spoonful on an empty stomach.

From a sore throat

Dandelion leaves and flowers are good for sore throats. To quickly cure a sore throat, it is useful to gargle with ordinary decoctions and infusions several times a day; it is better to warm them up to a warm state before use.

Fresh dandelion leaf juice also benefits. Raw materials must be washed properly, and then just chewed for several minutes – the healing juice from the leaves can relieve inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat.

With anemia

The vitamin composition of dandelion leaves brings significant benefits in vitamin deficiency and anemia. For medicinal purposes, you can use the classic decoction of the plant, or you can brew weak tea from the leaves, in this case, a small spoonful of dry raw material is poured with a glass of boiling water and insisted for only a few minutes. Dandelion-based drinks raise the overall tone of the body, improve blood counts and increase energy reserves.

Limitations and contraindications

The medicinal properties and contraindications of dandelion leaves are determined by the individual state of human health. Drinking plant-based drinks is not recommended for:

• exacerbation of gastritis and peptic ulcer;
• blockage of the bile ducts and stones in the gallbladder;
• allergies to dandelions or individual components in the composition of the leaves of the plant.

Also, overdose of healthy drinks should not be allowed. Dandelion treatment should be carried out strictly according to prescriptions, in excessive quantities, the leaves and flowers of the plant lead to vomiting, diarrhea and skin rashes.

Conclusion

The medicinal properties and contraindications of dandelion complement each other, but in general the medicinal plant is beneficial. With proper use of leaves and flowers, you can get rid of many ailments, dandelion-based drinks are especially useful for digestive failures, inflammations and colds.