In traditional herbal medicine practices, dandelion has been recognized for a wide variety of health beneficial properties for centuries.
Nutritional content:
Vitamins A, C, E, K, and small amounts of B vitamins; a substantial amount of several minerals, such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium; the root contains a soluble fiber called inulin that supports the growth and maintenance of healthy bacterial flora in your intestinal tract.
Other beneficial compounds:
* polyphenols: may help reduce inflammation
* antioxidants: neutralize or prevent the negative effects of free radicals
* chicoric and chlorogenic acid: two bioactive compounds that support healthy blood sugar levels
BODY ORGANS THAT CAN BENEFIT FROM DANDELION:
HEART: Some of the bioactive compounds may lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
LIVER: Animal studies have shown that dandelion has a protective effect on liver tissue in a toxic or stressful environment.
DIGESTIVE TRACT: Traditional herbal medicine utilizes it for constipation and other symptoms of malfunctioning digestion.
SKIN: Research suggests that it may protect against skin damage from sunlight, aging, and acne.
BONES: Dandelion greens are a good source of calcium and vitamin K — both of which are associated with preventing bone loss.
FORMS OF SUPPLEMENTATION:
→ fresh or dried leaves
→ fresh or dried root
→ dried powder
TRUE OR FALSE?
Dandelion flowers are poisonous.
FALSE: In fact, they are edible and can be used in salads and for making wine, jellies, cookies, and bread.
ROASTED DANDELION ROOT COFFEE WITH CHICORY ROOT & CINNAMON:
* 2 Tbsp roasted or unroasted dandelion root
* 1 tsp roasted chicory root
* 1 tsp cinnamon chips
* 2 cups water
Directions:
Place all ingredients in a small pot and bring to a boil. Boil for 5-10 minutes, then strain the dandelion and chicory root “coffee” into a mug and enjoy!
If you’re taking any prescription medications, always consult your healthcare provider before taking dandelion.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR THIRD EYE CHAKRA
Seemingly shrouded in mystery, many people have heard of this mysterious energy point but aren’t quite sure what it actually is…
5 WAYS TO MAKE EXERCISE A BLAST WITH YOUR KIDS
By Kevin Jones Parents often have trouble setting aside time to exercise when the kids are around. A million things seem…
3 SURPRISING SCIENTIFIC WAYS THAT OUR HEALTH IS CONNECTED TO THE COSMOS
We’ve all heard the axiom that we are all interconnected and that our thoughts and actions can impact not only our…
VEGAN BEET CHOCOLATE AND DATES MOUSSE
Chocolate and beets do not mix? Wrong! Try this extraordinary beet mousse by our friend Aarika. She knows beets like nobody…
FULVIC ACID FACTS…OR FICTION
Fulvic acid. The term may sound familiar as if the description is hiding in the back of your mind somewhere but…
HOW RESTORATIVE YOGA CAN ENHANCE CHIROPRACTIC CARE
If your strategy for resolving back (or other joint) pain includes frequent visits to a chiropractor, then yoga practice (of a…