Health benefits of dandelion I Sassy Organics

Dandelion is a fantastic all rounder for general health and well being with liver and digestive cleansing properties having a positive impact on all body systems and health conditions. Dandelion leaves are very versatile in how they can be used with dandelion leaf offering a mild flavour compared to the root or steams of the plant. Dandelion tea health benefits assist in many different ailments, making it a perfect staple for your herbal tea shelf.

What is dandelion?

Like most medicinal pants, the dandelion plant is actually a weed common in most parts of the world belonging to the Taraxacum officinale family, otherwise known as the daisy family. The dandelion flower is bright yellow in colour, and you may remember blowing on the fluffy white spores as a child, perhaps making a wish as it flew off and dispersed on the breeze. This is what happens once the flower has ceased, and it is an essential part of ensuring the plants reproduction by spreading its seeds carried along by the wind.

Dandelion is a perennial herb that grows in most parts of the world. It’s especially popular in France, where it's used to make dandelion coffee.

Dandelion uses & benefits

Dandelion tincture is a fantastic liver and gallbladder cleanser and tonifyer, and as such, has many uses and benefits. Dandelion extract is useful in herbal remedies targeting detoxification, as it assists in cleansing and improving liver function. A flow on effect of a healthy liver and gallbladder is improved digestive function, which in itself improves an array of different health conditions. Dandelion benefits also include action as a diuretic, assisting in cleansing the kidneys and reducing fluid retention. Taking a dandelion root tea is a good idea if you are following a detox program, or if you simply want to give your liver, gallbladder and kidneys a clean out. Dandelion root is also available in many Organic Merchant cacao blends and organic teas, due to its powerful detoxifying properties.

Dandelion is packed with nutrients and vitamins that can help improve your health and keep you feeling your best.

Here are seven health benefits of dandelion.

1. Dandelion is a rich source of antioxidants

Dandelion is a rich source of antioxidants that can help protect against aging and disease. Antioxidants are compounds that neutralise free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to many diseases. Dandelion contains vitamins A, C, K and iron as well as calcium and potassium. It also contains beta carotene (an antioxidant).

Dandelion leaf is particularly good sources of antioxidants due to their high concentrations of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta carotene and other phytonutrients.

These nutrients are also essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails - so if you're looking to boost your beauty routine with something new (and tasty), dandelion might be just what you need!

2. Dandelions may help fight cancer

In addition to its antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties, dandelion root extract has also been studied as a potential treatment for cancer. The herb's high levels of beta-sitosterol may help prevent or treat cancer by inhibiting the growth of tumour cells, while its quercetin content may help prevent or treat cancer by reducing inflammation.

In addition to these preliminary studies on dandelion root extract as a whole plant extract, there are many other studies that have looked at specific components within this herb.

3. Dandelions may improve the health of your heart

Dandelion contains potassium and magnesium, both of which are important for heart health.

The potassium in dandelion may help to maintain normal blood pressure levels. Studies have shown that regular consumption of foods rich in potassium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

Dandelions are packed with vitamin K, which is associated with lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of hardening of the arteries.

4. Dandelions can help keep your bones strong

Dandelion is high in vitamin K, which helps your body absorb calcium and other minerals. Calcium is an essential part of the bone matrix, and if you don't have enough of it in your system, you can develop osteoporosis or brittle bones. Dandelion also contains potassium, magnesium and phosphorus - minerals that are important for bone health.

There are plenty of ways to incorporate dandelion leaves into your diet: You can add them to smoothies or juice them with other greens like kale or spinach for a nutrient boost. Or try adding them to soups or stir fries!

5. Drinking dandelion tea or coffee could increase your fluid intake and help prevent kidney stones

Dandelion tea can be made from the root, steam, leaves or flowers of the plant, each containing antioxidants and health benefits. Dandelion root has a bold flavour and when it has been roasted, dandelion root tea can be used as a caffeine free coffee substitute. Dandelion tea benefits include clearer skin, reduced water retention and the ability to aid in weight loss due to its diuretic and liver cleansing properties. Switching coffee for dandelion tea will also aid in hydration and antioxidant status, boosting your overall health and immune system.

Dandelion tea is a diuretic, which means it increases the amount of urine you produce. This helps flush out your kidneys and liver, leaving them to do their jobs properly.
Dandelion tea may also help you lose weight by increasing your metabolism and decreasing appetite. It’s also high in vitamin A, which supports healthy skin and vision.
In addition to all these benefits, dandelion tea can help improve your sleep quality because it contains calming amino acids like tryptophan that can make you feel drowsy when consumed at night.

6. Dandelions might help you lose weight

The root of the dandelion plant has been used as a dietary supplement for centuries to treat various health conditions.

Because it helps to detoxify the liver and kidneys, dandelion root can be beneficial for supporting weight loss by reducing bloating and water retention. It also has an appetite suppressing effect that can help with losing weight.

Dandelion root is particularly good for people who suffer from digestive problems such as constipation or acid reflux because it can help promote healthy digestion. Dandelion is often recommended for treating indigestion, gallbladder issues, gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease and diarrhea. If you are looking for coffee alternatives, we highly recommend dandelion chai.

7. Dandelion is good for you, but it can be hard to eat it without adding sugar or calories

Dandelion is a great food to eat because it's high in folate, calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin C. It also contains vitamins A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid) and B7 (biotin).

Dandelion is a diuretic - it helps you pee out water. If you have high blood pressure or kidney disease it's best to avoid eating dandelion as too much of this can make your condition worse.

You'll find most dandelions are bitter tasting because they contain glycosides called taraxins that give them their characteristic flavour - if you're not used to the taste then try adding lemon juice or salt before cooking them up!

What about dandelion tincture?

Dandelion tincture is like a breath of fresh air, but for your insides and Herbanica certified organic dandelion tincture is unlike any other product on the market.

Dandelion root is a powerful digestive aid, meaning that it helps your body to absorb nutrients from food more easily. It also helps to regulate blood sugar levels, so if you're feeling a little sluggish or moody after eating, this could be just what you need.

It's also an incredible liver detoxifier, which makes it great for helping your body get rid of toxins that might be stuck in your system due to stress or bad habits (like drinking too much coffee).

And finally: It has anti inflammatory properties! So if you have any kind of inflammation going on - in your joints or elsewhere - this might be the solution for you.

There are no restrictions to long term use of this product but we recommend that if you start to feel better, you decrease the dose a little or even cease treatment for a period of time.

Dandelion side effects

Dandelion leaves should not cause side effects, however if there is an allergy to plants in the Taraxacum family such as marigold, daisies or chrysanthemums then it should be avoided. As with any remedy that promotes detox, if you take too much too soon it may cause detox side effects, however dandelion is generally well tolerated. If taking dandelion medicinally, always seek advice from a health professional, especially if you are taking medications. Ensure you drink adequate water in order to assist the diuretic action.

Can dandelion cause miscarriage?

Dandelion is a common herb used in herbal teas. It's also known for its diuretic properties, which can help your body get rid of excess water weight. There are no scientific studies that show dandelion will cause a miscarriage if you drink it while pregnant.

While some studies have shown that dandelion may reduce inflammation and help with digestion, there is no evidence that it can cause miscarriage. Dandelion contains many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, potassium, iron and calcium. Some of the active chemicals in this plant are called flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body.

But if you're concerned about the safety of this herb, talk to your doctor before considering taking it.

Final thoughts

We’re all about balance here at Sassy Organics! So if you want to add some dandelion to your diet, by all means go for it. But if you don’t like the taste or texture of dandelion, don’t worry - the next time you order a salad or smoothie with dandelion at a restaurant, just ask for some extra sweetener on the side. You can still enjoy those health benefits without having to chew anything bitter!