Dandelion Root

Dandelion Root The Dandelion is from a family of yellow flowering plants that grow in many parts of the world. You may be most familiar with Dandelion as a stubborn weed that never seems to leave your garden!

However, there’s more to the Dandelion than you may think.

What is Dandelion Root?

What you probably don’t know, is that the Dandelion was once considered a prophetic flower. Many years ago, some girls used it to verify reciprocated love or find out where their future husband lived.¹ Some studies show that Dandelions are very important for bees too.²

All parts of the plant, including the roots, leaves, stem, buds and flowers are appropriate for food. For example, flowers are used to make drinks and jam. The root on the other hand, can substitute coffee, and the leaves of the plant can be added to salads or soups.³

Along with a prophet of love, bees and food, the Dandelion Root has medicinal properties too.

What Are the Health Benefits of Dandelion Root?

In olden times, the Dandelion Root was used due to its high iron content. The root powder was considered to help with anaemia and was widely used as a blood purifier. Native American people Meskwaki, used Dandelion Root as a treatment for chest pain and dropsy or oedema.⁴

Today, Dandelion Root is an essential herbal remedy that helps with many health problems.

Here are some of its impressive benefits:

Anti-Cancer

Some studies show that Dandelion Root may be useful to prevent and treat cancer. The findings prove that the root extract helped prevent skin and colon cancers. More interestingly, the remedy managed to kill cancer cells within just 48 hours.⁵

Other studies found that Dandelion Root products may help treat leukaemia, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer.⁶

Heart Health

The Dandelion Root extract has diuretic properties which may be used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. A recent study found that just a single dose of Dandelion Root can increase the frequency of urination and so flush excess fluids from the body.

Dandelion Root extract may also aid in the maintenance of cholesterol level and contribute to heart health. Some studies found that the root extract can lead to a reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol that is considered as “bad” cholesterol.⁷

Antioxidants

Dandelion Root is rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants are known to help damage free radicals and reduce risky conditions like heart disease or cancer.⁷

Some studies found that Dandelion Root could protect against oxidative stress linked to atherosclerosis. Moreover, antioxidants neutralise the harmful effects of free radicals and slow down the ageing process or progression of some diseases.⁷

Liver Health

According to some researchers, Dandelion Root extract, is used as a tonic to cleanse the liver. Some other studies found that Dandelion Root extract is effective against the progression of liver fibrosis. Due to its hepatoprotective effects, Dandelion Root may inactivate the hepatic stellate cells and contribute to liver regeneration.⁸

You may be familiar with the herbal tea containing Dandelion Root powder. This helps stimulate appetite and improve function of the liver and gallbladder. Some scientists claim that Dandelion helps with heartburn, spleen and liver complaints, and hepatitis.⁹

Along with this, one study showed the effectiveness of Dandelion Root extract against liver damage caused by alcohol toxicity.¹⁰

Anti-Bacterial

Dandelion Root possesses significant antibacterial properties too and is especially effective against certain strains of bacteria. It may subdue pathological growth of staph infections caused by staphylococcus bacteria, types of germs commonly found on the skin or in the nose. It may also help prevent foodborne diseases, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or parasites that contaminate food.¹¹

Some studies prove that the antibacterial efficacy of Dandelion Root extracts supports the use of the plant root as a source of natural antibacterial compounds.¹¹

Diabetes Management

Due to a soluble fibre called inulin,Dandelion Root extracts have anti-diabetic properties.¹²

According to the researchers, inulin contains a complex carbohydrate which supports the growth of healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and eliminates the unhealthy ones. This property is found to increase insulin sensitivity and prevent spikes in blood sugar or insulin levels. As well as this, inulin can limit the production of some fats and cholesterol, resulting in health improvements in patients with type 2 diabetes.¹²

According to a 2016 study, Dandelion Root extract was found to stimulate pancreatic cells to produce insulin. It may also help better control blood sugar and prevent hyperglycemia.¹²

Skin Health

Dandelion Root powder, paste or ointment may help against various inflammatory skin disorders such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and rashes.¹³

Some other studies found that Dandelion Root products are capable of protecting from sun damage. Along with this, while blocking harmful ultraviolet B radiation, the extract prevents skin photoaging and lowers the risk of skin cancer.¹³

As you can see, there is a lot more to this plant than yellow flowers and weeds!

Is Dandelion Root Safe?

We’ve read about all the medicinal properties of Dandelion Root, but is it safe?

Dandelion Root is relatively safe, non-toxic and well-tolerated. However, any patient should consume the herbal remedy in moderation. Taken in large doses, Dandelion Root can cause some side effects including heartburn, diarrhea, upset stomach and irritated skin.

People who are allergic to plants of the Asteraceae family (flowers including marigold, daisies and chrysanthemums) should avoid taking Dandelion Root products as it may cause allergic reactions like rash, watery eyes, runny nose, etc.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also not recommended to use Dandelion Root. If you’re planning on a baby, you should avoid using this remedy too, as it may reduce fertility.

Properties

Allergies⁷
Anaemia³
Anti-Bacterial¹¹
Anti-Inflammatory⁷
Anti-Parasitic¹¹
Antioxidant⁷
Antiviral¹¹
Arthritis⁷
Blood Pressure – Reduction⁷
Blood Tonic³
Cancer Prevention⁵^,⁶
Cholesterol⁷
Constipation¹²
Diabetes / Blood Sugar¹²
Digestive Function¹²
Diuretic¹⁰
Fluid Retention¹⁰
Gall Bladder Support⁸^,⁹
Gall Stones⁸^,⁹
Gout⁷
Heart Support / Health⁴^,⁷
High/Good Levels of Iron¹²
Hypertension⁷
Kidney Support⁷
Laxative¹²
Liver Health⁸^,⁹^,¹⁰
Lymphatic Issues / Support⁷
Prebiotic¹²
Prostate Support⁶
Skin Issues¹³
Spleen Support⁶
Toxin Removal¹⁰
Ulcer Support¹³
Weight Loss / Management¹²

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