Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis)

For some unpleasant weed , which is difficult to get rid of, for someone else the valuable herb with many benefits.

Dandelion is a modest flower, but its effects are absolutely fabulous. All parts – the flowers, the leaves and the root can be used. Dandelion blossoms make excellent honey, which acts as a cure for angina or sore throat. Use young dandelions leaves for spring salad. Dandelion root helps rid the body of toxins, reduces sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure.

Why eat dandelions?

If you want to clean the liver, kidney and gallbladder in the spring, eat 5-10 dandelions a day for 3 weeks. This simple method was recommended by the famous herbalist Maria Treben. Dandelion stalks are also suitable for diabetics – they reduce blood sugar levels.

Dandelion milk

The fluid that flows from the dandelion stumps gives you dark spots on your skin that are hard to wash off. For centuries, however, it is recommended as a cure for warts. If you apply 2-3 times a day, the symptoms should go away.

It blooms in April and May in the meadows and lawns. Roots are harvested in spring and autumn, then washed, cleaned, cut into pieces and dried in a well-ventilated room. Store it in a sealed container.

Dandelion is rich in Calcium, which is essential for the growth and strength of bones and it also contains vitamin C (antioxidant)  and luteolin, which protect bones from age-related damage. Its main benefit is however in cleansing our livers and promoting digeston. Its effects are mainly beneficial for people suffering from diabetes as dandelion stimulates the production of insulin from the pancreas and keeps blood sugar levels low.

Dandelion also helps with other diseases. Removes skin itching, lice and rashes, improves
gastric juices and cleanses the stomach and blood from all kinds of sediments. In old days women used the infusion from dandelion root to wash their faces and their eyes in belief that their face will brighten and they will become more beautiful.

Benefits:

cleanses liver, fights diabetes, fights skin infections, cleans the stomach, improves digestion, gallstone stones, disorders of metabolism, spleen diseases, purifies blood, supporting urination, fluid retention in the body

Contains:

Calcium, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin A

Habitat:

meadows and lawns

Harvest:

flower heads  April & May

Use of dandelion