Used in ancient Greece, Asia, and in folk medicine for thousands of years, Dandelion has a vast medicinal history. Its use was even recorded in an ancient Chinese herbal manual in 659 AD. All parts of the plant (root, leaf, flower) can be used and have similar effects on the liver and urinary tract. Dandelion can also be used as a long-term tonic to improve vitality.
Dandelion As A Cleansing Herb
Cleansing and activating to a healthy liver, Dandelion can be a tool for a healthy metabolism, detox, and weight loss regimen. Used in combination with other lifestyle changes, Dandelion may be able to reduce the appearance of cellulite and normalize body fluids and cleanse the system.
Traditionally used as a "hepatic and cholagogue," Dandelion is used to relieve liver and gall bladder congestion and assists in cleansing, urination, promotes healthy blood, and can improve appearance of the skin. Due to its cooling and draining nature, Dandelion can reduce heat and irritation, and assist in the flow of energy throughout the organs. Most of all, Dandelion is reliable, effective, and easy to find, which makes it a superior detoxicant and a "must have" home remedy.
Dandelion's Restorative Properties
Dandelion's actions combine to have an overall restorative nature, and can be used to tonify liver, guts, and reduce attrition. Dandelion is also an ally to the individual who struggles with long-term constipation and slow digestion, and who experiences low energy and experiences a lack of strength. It's bitter action on the mouth and tongue stimulates digestive juices, alerts the organs, and assists assimilation and digestive Qi.
Dandelion Can Enhance and Balance Mood
Because of its temperate, yet effective stimulation of liver/gall bladder, Dandelion can improve the mood and relieve frustration, irritability, repressed emotion, and fatigue associated with congested liver/spleen.
Use Dandelion in combination with nervines and constitutionally balancing herbs to create an effective "mood" formula, especially where there are obvious signs of liver congestion, heat, and hormone related aggression.
Dandelion is Food
Delicious and medicinal as a food source, Dandelion can be eaten pickled, raw, or cooked. Roots can also be lightly roasted for a nourishing and medicinal coffee replacement. Eating fresh leaves and even blossoms in spring awakens the body from winter slumber, and primes the body for growth and regeneration.
Dandelion Constituents: Sesquiterpene lactones, diterpines, triterpenes, sterols, carotenoids (lutein & violaxanthi), xanthophylls, lecithin, flavonoids, polysaccharides, potassium. Root also contains inulin.
WishGarden Herbs' formulas containing Dandelion:
Postpartum Emotional Baby Blues, Deep Cleanse Reset & Flourish, Forti-FeED Liquid Iron Supplement Nutritional Support, Genius Juice Refresh & Focus, Liver Strength, Male Mojo Libido Enhancer, Cycle Vitality 2 Luteal Phase Progesteronic Support, and Cycle Harmony Hormone Support, Party Prep: For a Better Morning After, Clear Complexion & Urinary Strength Active Support.
Written by Elizabeth Willis, Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Certified Medical Herbalist.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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