Herbal Remedies

Archive for the ‘Dandelion Root Benefits’ Category

Among various traditional herbal remedies, the benefits of dandelion and dandelion root are highly appreciated in Europe. Though dandelion is a weed, it is highly beneficial for a host of health issues. In Europe, dandelion leaves are used just as lettuce leaves to add healthy greens to a salad, though it is slightly bitter in taste. Dandelion roots are rich in vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D, and are extremely rich sources of potassium, iron and zinc. It is then natural that the dandelion root benefits are immense and useful for anyone who wishes to lead a healthy lifestyle. Presented here are all the dandelion root benefits and side effects.

Dandelion Root Benefits

Dandelion root is used as a remedy for the following health conditions:

Detoxifies the Liver
Dandelion root is rich in vitamins, that help in detoxifying the liver from all the intake of unhealthy food, alcohol, and other dangerous toxins. Dandelion root has the ability to enhance bile production, which help clear out all these unhealthy toxins from the liver. It is also effective in preventing the formation of gall stones, but is not considered beneficial if one already has them.

Appetite Stimulant
This is one of the roasted dandelion root benefits. When dandelion root is roasted and a tea is prepared from it, it works well as an appetite stimulant. It is thus, helpful in reviving the appetite of those undergoing treatment for a variety of health conditions.

Natural Diuretic and Laxative
Dandelion root has high levels of potassium, that enhance urine flow from the body. This is useful in preventing health problems such as urinary tract infection, keep blood pressure under control, and is also a good herbal remedy for bloating and water retention. While diuretics drastically affect the potassium levels in the body, dandelion root is a natural diuretic that is free of this side effect. It is also a natural laxative, and generally aids the digestive system for its healthy functioning.

Controls Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels
Research studies conducted on animals have shown that dandelion root has the ability to keep cholesterol levels under control, and also help regulate blood sugar levels and thus, diabetes. Though this has not been proven in humans, dandelion root, in any case, is a healthy addition to one’s diet, and in the long run, is bound to have a positive effect on cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Dandelion root has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that are particularly useful for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. These studies have, however, only been conducted in animals, and there is no proof for this benefit in human beings. Nonetheless, as mentioned before, it is a healthy addition to one’s diet, and as it provides a host of other benefits, there is a possibility for its anti-inflammatory properties to affect human beings too.

Heals Skin Problems
Another one of the roasted dandelion root benefits, is that it helps eliminate the toxins in the body that cause skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. When consumed in the form of tea, it can clear the body of all these skin conditions.

Prevents Cancer
Studies have shown that dandelion root has the ability to fight the development of cancerous cells that lead to breast cancer and skin cancer. Again, these studies have not been completely proven, and thus, cannot be recommended as a definite solution to prevent cancer.

Alleviates Depression
It has been found that dandelion root may help alleviate depression and fatigue that is experienced as a result of stress. Also, it is highly beneficial for women who suffer from these conditions as a result of PMS.

Dandelion Root Side Effects

In very rare cases have people reported allergies upon consuming dandelion roots. Also, dandelion root should be consumed under the guidance of a qualified herbalist when one is taking other drugs for different reasons. This is because dandelion root may affect the functioning of those drugs and reduce the effect that they have on the body.

Incorporate these immense dandelion root benefits in your diet, for a healthy life and your over all well being. It is however, advisable to consult a herbalist before doing so, lest you are sensitive to dandelion root.