12 Health Benefits Of Dandelion Leaves And Dandelion Root [INFOGRAPHIC]

Why overlook a common weed when it could hold the key to better health?

Dandelion leaves and dandelion root are far more than garden nuisances. These simple plants have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their remarkable healing properties. Packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants, dandelions can support your digestive health, detoxify your liver, and even improve your skin. Wondering how this humble plant can help you? 

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The Surprising Health Benefits of Dandelion Root and Leaf

You might think of dandelion leaves and dandelion root as nothing more than weeds. However, their rich nutritional profile and therapeutic properties have long been recognized in herbal medicine. Dandelion is packed with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that provide numerous health benefits. 

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The Rich Nutritional Profile of Dandelion

Before we delve into its health benefits, it’s important to understand why dandelion leaves and dandelion root are so beneficial. These plants are a powerhouse of essential nutrients.

Vitamins:

Dandelion leaves are a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and several B vitamins, including folate. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in eye health, while Vitamin C helps boost immunity and skin health.

Minerals:

Dandelions are rich in essential minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium. These minerals support everything from bone health to regulating blood pressure and muscle function.

Other Nutrients:

Beyond vitamins and minerals, dandelion leaves and dandelion root also contain antioxidants, fiber, and a range of phytonutrients. These components are critical in protecting the body from oxidative stress and supporting various bodily functions.

How to Pick Dandelion Root and Leaves

It has been eaten for thousands of years as food and medicine to help treat anemia, scurvy, skin problems, blood disorders, and depression.

If you collect them wild, try to choose ones you know have not been subjected to pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals. The ones in your lawn are not usually the best.

Instead, pick them from a mountain meadow or abandoned lot.

You can buy seeds or gather them from the familiar puff balls you see each summer. Seeds grow readily in your garden, planter boxes, or pots.

Dandelion leaves are also found fresh in some health food markets or as a freeze-dried herb. Dandelion tea, capsules, and tinctures are also available.

12 Key Health Benefits of Dandelion Root and Leaves

1. Promotes and Stimulates Digestion

Dandelion acts as a mild laxative that promotes digestion, stimulates appetite, and balances the natural and beneficial bacteria in the intestines. It can increase the release of stomach acid and bile to aid digestion, especially of fats.

2. Prevents Water Retention in the Kidneys

This weed-like superfood is a natural diuretic, which helps the kidneys clear out waste, salt, and excess water by increasing urine production and frequency of urination.

In French, it is called pissenlit, which roughly translates to ‘wet the bed.’ This inhibits microbial growth in the urinary system and prevents urinary tract infections.

Dandelion also replaces some of the potassium lost in the process.

In a study conducted in 2009, high-quality fresh dandelion leaf hydroethanolic extract was given to volunteer subjects. Results showed that the urine output and frequency increased in the two out of three instances dandelion extract was ingested.

3. Detoxifies the Liver

Dandelion has been shown to improve hepatic function by detoxifying the liver and reestablishing hydration and electrolyte balance. It also increases the production and release of bile.

A laboratory study on mice showed this medicinal plant’s ability to slow down the progress of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis or scarring.

4. Boosts Antioxidant Activity

Every part of the dandelion plant is rich in antioxidants, which prevents free radicals from damaging cells and DNA, slowing down the aging process in our cells. It is rich in vitamin C and vitamin A as beta-carotene and increases the liver's production of superoxide dismutase.

What is superoxide dismutase? This is an enzyme that speeds up or catalyzes the breakdown of the oxidative stress-causing superoxide by-product.

5. Has Been Used In Cancer Research

The ability to combat cancer is not a claim made lightly, but dandelion seems to show promise in study after study after study. Dandelion may slow cancer's growth and prevent it from spreading.

The leaves are especially rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients which combat cancer. Dandelion root extract, on the same note, has shown its ability to induce apoptosis or cell death in prostate and pancreatic cells.

6. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

Recent animal studies show dandelion helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels. Most of this is done through its ability to control lipid levels and stimulate the pancreatic cells to produce more insulin when needed.

7. Aids in the Management of High Blood Pressure

As a natural diuretic, dandelion increases urination which then lowers blood pressure. The fiber and potassium in dandelion also help regulate blood pressure.

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8. Reduces Cholesterol Levels

Animal studies have shown how dandelion lowers and controls cholesterol levels while improving cholesterol ratios by raising HDL.

9. Protects the Gallbladder

Dandelion increases bile production and reduces inflammation to help with gallbladder problems and blockages.

10. Fights Inflammation with Its Antioxidant Properties

Dandelion contains essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that all reduce inflammation throughout the body. These can relieve pain and swelling.

11. Boosts the Immune System

Studies also show dandelion boosts immune function and fights off microbes and fungi.

12. Prevents UVB Damage on the Skin at the Cellular Level

A study published in 2015 on the journal of Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity made the following conclusions :

• Dandelion extracts prepared from dandelion root, leaves, and flowers protect the skin cells from UVB-induced cell death.
• Dandelion flower and leaf extract can help with UVB-related oxidative stress.
• Dandelion leaf extract protects the skin from free radical-induced aging.
• Dandelion leaf extract absorbs UV radiation better than dandelion flower extract.

How to Use Dandelion Root, Leaves, and Flowers

You can incorporate dandelion leaves and dandelion root into your daily routine in various forms. Here are some ways to enjoy the benefits:

1. Fresh Leaves

Young dandelion leaves are tender and can be added to salads. They can also be sautéed or boiled to reduce bitterness.

2. Dandelion Root Coffee

Roasting and grinding dandelion root makes a flavorful, caffeine-free coffee substitute. This can be a great way to enjoy its benefits while reducing your caffeine intake.

3. Dandelion Tea

7 Health Benefits Of Morning Water Therapy, Steep dandelion root or dandelion leaves in hot water to make a soothing herbal tea. It’s an easy way to enjoy the detoxifying benefits of dandelion.

Dandelion Dosage and How to Make Dandelion Root Extract

While there’s no standard dosage for dandelion root, the general recommendations are as follows:

• Dried dandelion extract: 0.75-1g daily
• Fresh dandelion root: 2-8g daily
• Dandelion tea infusion: 1 tablespoon of chopped root soaked in hot water for 20 minutes

To make dandelion root extract, soak fresh dandelion root and leaves in water, then roast them for an hour at 200°F. After cooling, you can store them in an airtight container and use them as needed.

Dandelion Allergy Warning

Dandelion is generally considered safe in food and medicinal levels. Some people may have allergic reactions to dandelion.

Anyone with an allergy to ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, chamomile, yarrow, or daisy should avoid dandelion, and anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding something new to their diet.

Dandelion Extract Drug Interactions

Because dandelion extract goes through the blood, liver, and kidneys when ingested, it may interact and cause changes in the prescribed effects of some drugs:

• Antibiotics
• Diuretics
• Antipsychotics
• Antidepressants
• Blood pressure medications
• Hormone pills
• Other herbal medicines

Consult your physician before making changes to your medicine intake or before drinking dandelion extract.

Precautions and Side Effects

5 Soy Lecithin Side Effects And Why You Should AVOID It. While dandelion root and dandelion leaves are generally safe, there are some precautions to consider:

1. Allergies

Those allergic to ragweed, daisies, or chamomile should avoid dandelion. It’s also important to consult with a healthcare professional if you're pregnant, nursing, or on medication.

2. Drug Interactions

Dandelion root may interact with certain medications, including diuretics, blood pressure meds, and antibiotics. Always consult your doctor before starting a new herbal regimen.

Conclusion: Is Dandelion the Superfood You’ve Been Missing?

Dandelion leaves and dandelion root offer a wide range of health benefits. From supporting digestion to protecting your skin from UV damage, this humble plant has more to offer than we often give it credit for. Whether you choose to consume dandelion in the form of tea, coffee, or fresh leaves, it’s a simple and effective addition to your diet. So, next time you spot a dandelion, remember, it might just be the superfood you've been missing!

Read about this amazing product Warrior Blend Organic Protein Powder to stay active and healthy! 

FAQs

Can dandelions help with weight loss?

Yes, dandelion acts as a diuretic, helping with water weight loss, and may support metabolism. Some studies show that dandelions can reduce fat and improve blood sugar regulation.

Can I eat dandelions from my garden?

It's safe to eat dandelions from your garden as long as you avoid those exposed to pesticides and chemicals. Choose Organic Prebiotic Fiber Powder or wild dandelions for the best quality.

What is the best form of dandelion to consume?

Dandelion can be consumed in various forms, including fresh leaves, roasted root coffee, and herbal tea. The form you choose depends on personal preference and the health benefits you're seeking.

Don't forget to download, save, or share this handy infographic for reference:

Dandelions are more than just pesky weeds, as presented above. Whether you’re taking dandelion root tincture, tea, or roasted coffee, it can greatly benefit your health.

Do note, however, the plant’s recommended intake dosages, allergy warnings, drug interactions, and effects before taking it in any form. As with everything else, consult your doctor.

How do you like your dandelion root extract? Do you know of other recipes that use the dandelion herb? Let’s talk about this herbal medicine in the comments below!

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on November 24, 2018, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.