Top 10 Dandelion Root Health Benefits

The benefits of the dandelion root seem to stem from this weed herb’s tonic effect on the liver. Dandelions are very economical herbs considering that they are weeds that most of us dig and get rid of!

I have been eating dandelions for years.

Dandelions are great as a spring tonic for our bodies; it helps the transition from winter to the warmer season, by nourishing and balancing the blood so it will flow better and keep us cooler in the summer season.

10 Health Benefits of Dandelion Roots

1. Dandelion root is Widely recognized as a liver tonic as it nourishes the liver.
2. Recognized as a great blood builder and for the liver.
3. Because of its high iron and zinc content, dandelion roots are often used as a treatment for anemia.
4. Has mild laxative properties and is often used to help maintain regularity.
5. Aids skin problems as well as detoxify poisons and toxic waste in the body.
6. It is also a mild appetite stimulant; tea made from root and leaves can help relieve digestive problems.
7. Dandelion root functions as a mild diuretic. Because potassium is often lost when using a diuretic, dandelion root is often a better choice for a diuretic than synthetic formulas.
8. Lowers cholesterol according to some studies. Early results of at least one study show that dandelion root supplements may affect the cholesterol profile in diabetic mice positively by lowering LDL and triglycerides while increasing HDL.
9. Its positive effects on the liver and digestion may help the effectiveness of other vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
10. “Dandelion acts as a tonic to the system. It destroys acid in the blood. As it contains organic sodium, it is very good for the deficiency of nutritive salts, and is recognized as a great blood builder and purifier.“ from the book Herbally Yours

Dandelion root Nutrition

• Filled with vitamins A, C, D and B complex.
• Minerals are abundant too such as zinc, iron and potassium.
• It is very high in calcium and other nutrients.

Dandelion History

• They became known about 30 million years ago in Eurasia.
• The origins of dandelion as a natural remedy can be traced back to 659 B.C. in ancient China. It was also used in Arabic, Welsh and European medicine and was eaten raw or as a juice or tonic.
• Before 1000 AD the Arabs also used dandelions as a medicine.
• European immigrants brought them over and cultivated them in North America.
• “In the tenth and eleventh centuries, there is mention of dandelions used for medicinal purposes in the works of Arabian physicians.” – Columbia University.
• There were Native American tribes that would chew on the dandelion root to relieve pain.

Harvesting Dandelion Roots

Time of year makes a difference when it comes to getting the benefits of dandelion roots.

Plant food or energy is stored in the roots and depending on when you dig them up affects your results.

A spring harvest will result in sweeter roots, while a few months later in the fall, the root has had time to convert the sugars.

The benefits of dandelion roots would likely come from a fall harvest, while sweeter roots might be used in culinary aspects of using this herb.

 Roasted dandelion roots make a tasty vegan beverage in the form of Dandelion Root Coffee. – Learn how to make delicious dandelion root coffee with this simple how to article and stop cursing at this wonderful plant.

Also, the dandelion leaves and flowers are so good for us. Celebrate your Dandelions this year! Eat them.

Other Recipes with Dandelions

 Dandelion Flower Pancakes -No milk or eggs, but lots of health and good taste. I developed it when I was unable to eat eggs or milk at all due to food sensitivities. Interestingly whenever I make these pancakes no one seems to notice the lack of these two ingredients.

 Dandelion Flower Syrup -You can taste the unique sweetness from the yellow petals. This is a great treat from your weeds and it is so easy to make. Pick your dandelions before mowing the lawn or digging them up for dandelion coffee. Or go out into the country and pick them in the wild away from pollution. Never use ones that have been sprayed.

 Dandelion Flower Cordial  – The word cordial sounds tasty, and it’s very appropriate in this case!

 Dandelion Leaves Tea – Made with the leaves — this is perhaps the easiest and fastest way to use a dandelion.

 Dandelion Smoothie – After almost passing out from a dandelion smoothie, Randy gives some practical tips to keep your dandelion smoothie palatable.

Learn More About Dandelions

Dandelion Leaves Are a Free Amazing Superfood for You – Dandelions have a reputation as a weed but the dandelion leaves, flowers, and roots are actually very good for us. They are rich in vitamins and minerals and have many health benefits making them a free superfood. This plant has been used as a natural medicine and as a food by many people around the world for centuries.

 Dandelion Flower Health Benefits – The flowers do have health benefits in nutrients, just not as many as the roots and leave.

 Dandelion Madness – Every morning, particularly in the spring, you can catch me scampering around my front lawn in my bare feet. Yes this is fun and yes, this is actually good for you.

 Dandelions Benefits: A Celebration of This Spring Flower – Dandelions benefits cannot be dismissed as they have been used as food and for medicine for thousands of years. Every part of this plant is extremely good for you! There are many dandelions health benefits for us.

More Free Food For You To Harvest

Chickweed, a Tasty, Healthy Weed for Eating – Chickweed is a tasty nutritious weed. Many of the weeds in our garden are food that I include them in my meals and let some of them grow as real food in my garden. ‘Little star in the mist’ is the translation of this weed’s scientific name, Stellaria Media, though “chickweed” is the most common name.

Cooking With Wild Plants – When the weather gets warm I get excited about picking wild greens (also known as Weeds).  All of my life I have eaten wild plants and you can too.

The Man Who Tried to Eat Canada Thistle – Randy has had various experiences with the wild plants in his yard and garden. Some of them are pleasant experiences, and some of them are not.  This story falls into the second category, find out more about it.

Good Weed…Bad Weed – Randy has had an on /off relationship with weeds recently and now he’s at it again.  This time his attention has now gone to yet another weed called Lamb’s Quarters.  This one’s not so pesky to your lawn and it tastes much better.   Actually, it tastes almost exactly like spinach – particularly when cooked – and again, it has all kinds of nutritional value and… it’s free.

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