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All species of Dandelion belong to the Composite
(Compositae) family.
Parts
Used
All parts
Description
Dandelion
is a common Herb that grows around the world.
It has a bitter flavour.The material used in Indian Ayurvedic and
Unani medicines grows in the temperate Himalayas from five to twelve
thousand feet and in Tibet
Overview
and Mythology.
Dandelion has a long history of traditional use in
many systems of medicine in the treatment of hepatobiliary problems. The
root is traditionally used to treat liver and spleen ailments
The genus name Taraxacum is derived from the Greek taraxos
(disorder), and akos (remedy). The name dandelion is
derived from its original Greek genus name leontodon, meaning
lion's teeth. Its use in traditional Arabian medicine is first mentioned
in the tenth century C.E.
It is
one of the bitter herbs in the Passover tradition.
Dandelions were brought from Europe by the early Colonists.
They are one of the planet's most famous and useful weeds.
Dandelion is used to help clear the body of old emotions such as
anger and fear that can be stored in the body's liver and kidneys.
Dandelions provide food for many wild animals such as bees, deer,
geese and rabbits. Since
herbicides poison our environment, utilize this valuable health-giving
plant instead of spraying!
Constituents.
Dandelion Contains these Substances
(mg of Substance per 100 grams)
It is generally agreed that
the beneficial properties of Dandelion are attributable to the
interactions among its various constituents rather than any one
chemical.
Bitter Glycosides:
Lactucin
Lactupicrin
Taraxacin
Carbohydrates:
Pectin
Inulin
Fatty Acids:
Alpha-Linolenic Acid
Lipids:
Arnidiol Faradiol
Taraxerol
Taraxasterol
Triterpenoids:
Minerals:
Copper, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus,
Potassium4,250 (unusually high), Silicon, Sodium
Sulfur, Zinc
Organic Acids:
Phenolic Acids: Caffeic Acid, chlorogenic
acid
carotenoids (lutein); fatty acids (myristic);
flavonoids (apigenin and luteolin)
phenolic
phytosterols
(sitosterol, stigmasterol, and taraxasterol
Sugars
(fructose, glucose, and sucrose
Proteins:
Gluten
Vitamins:
Biotin
Inositol
Vitamin B3
Choline
Vitamin A up to 14,000 iu/100g
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B2
Vitamin E
Vitamin C
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B12
PABA
Waxes:
Lactucerol
Taraxerin
Other:
Lactupicrine
Resin
Dosage
Recommendations
Most
herbalists recommend 3 - 20 grams of Catnip per day for therapeutic
purposes.
Unless otherwise prescribed: 4–10 g of cut herb
three times daily for infusions, as well as for liquid preparations for
internal use.
Medicinal
Actions
Antifungal, Cholagogue,
Diuretic, Expectorant, Galactagogue, Hypotensive, Laxative, Lithotriptic,
Liver Tonic.
Health
Benefits of Dandelion
Cardiovascular System
-Dandelion (root) purifies the Blood by straining and filtering
toxins and wastes from the bloodstream.
-Dandelion improves Blood Circulation.
-Helps in Anaemia.
-Improves high Cholesterol.
Digestive System
Dandelion stimulates the flow of Bile by causing an increase in
Bile production in the Liver and increasing the flow of Bile to the
Gallbladder: research
Dandelion increases the body's secretion of Bile by over 50%.
-Dandelion alleviates Colitis.
-Dandelion Root alleviates Constipation.
-Dandelion stimulates the release of stored Bile from the
Gallbladder (i.e. it functions as a cholagogue).
-Dandelion alleviates Gallstones (due to its ability to
facilitate the flow of Bile).
-For loss of appetite and
feelings of fullness and flatulence.
Excretory
System
-Dandelion (tea) alleviates ailments of the Kidneys and functions
as a cleanser for the Kidneys.
-Dandelion (tea) facilitates the elimination of Toxins from the
body via the Kidneys and aids in Kidney stones.
Immune System
-Dandelion (greens used as a poultice) is a traditional treatment
for Breast Cancer (according to folklore).
-Dandelion (root) stimulates the Spleen.
Metabolism
-Dandelion helps to regulate Blood Sugar (due to the Inulin
content of Dandelion).
-Dandelion alleviates Diabetes Mellitus (by regulating Blood
Sugar levels).
Dandelion (root) is regarded as one of the best remedies for the
Liver:
-
Dandelion (root) alleviates congestion of the Liver.
-
Dandelion (root) reduces the severity of Hepatitis (primarily due
to its Inulin content).
-
Dandelion alleviates Jaundice.
Dandelion alleviates Obesity by causing weight loss by its
diuretic qualities and improves fat metabolism.
-Used in Menstrual problems.
Musculoskeletal System
Dandelion leaves alleviate the symptoms of Arthritis.
Dandelion (root) alleviates Rheumatism.
Dandelion (root) cleanses Skin Blemishes in Eczema
Dandelion (milk from summer Dandelions applied topically and
covered with elastoplast) alleviates Warts.
Psoriasis and Acne.
Respiratory
System.
Promotes discharge of mucous through its expectorant
action.
Water &
Water Balance
Dandelion
alleviates Edema (it functions as a diuretic).
Applications.
Tea, Tincture, Capsules.
Young leaves can be eaten raw in salads.
External
Medicinal Use
Fungal Infection, Warts, Wounds
External
Applications.
Flowers
are used as a poultice for wounds.
Sap from the stem can be applied to get rid of warts.
Use as a wash for fungal infections.
Energetics.
Bitter, Sweet, Cold.
Contra
indications and side effect
Obstruction of the bile ducts, gall bladder empyema
(collection of pus in an enclosed cavity-usually the gall bladder) Ileus.
In case of gallstones, first consult a physician. Contact allergies
caused by sesquiterpene lactones in the latex have been only rarely
observed. Experiments and observations concerning preparations are not
available.
Before using root, dry or cook it.
Use During Pregnancy And Lactation.
No restrictions
known.
Interactions with Other Drugs
None known.
Doctrine of signatures
Bitter tasting leaves as preferred by the liver. Yellow flower aligns to the bile colouring.
Astrology
Herb of Sagittarius—note the leaves also in the
form of an arrow.
Chakra
The main influence is on the 3rd and 2nd
chakas as seen in the actions on the livery system and the kidneys. Obviously
it is not limited but the influence is more pronounced
in those areas.
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