Dandelion root: medicinal properties and contraindications

Dandelion root is part of a perennial plant, which is unpretentious in growth, has a wide distribution area. This inconspicuous herb is endowed with strong healing qualities. It is in the root of the culture that all healing substances are concentrated. This is stated in the papyri of Ancient Egypt, and such raw materials were used by Avicenna and Hippocrates. Due to the high concentration of biologically active components, dandelion root is currently used in the culinary field, cosmetology, as well as in traditional medicine.

Chemical composition

1. The root of such a flower contains water-soluble vitamins, namely, tretinol, ascorbic acid, tocopherol, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin. Of the minerals found here are magnesium, iron, potassium, copper, selenium, zinc, phosphorus. In addition, the root part of the plant contains organic acids, proteins of plant origin, polysaccharides, and fatty oils.
2. In the composition of the dandelion root, one can isolate a substance such as inulin. This chemical compound positively affects the immune system, strengthening it, contributes to the normalization of blood glucose levels.
3. Choline is a component that has a charitable effect on lowering blood cholesterol. Additionally, such a component acts as a prophylactic agent for cleaning the liver.
4. The triterpene acids in the plant are endowed with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to cope with various diseases.
5. Of the bitterness, glycoside taraxacin can be distinguished. It provides the production of gastric juice, and is also responsible for the timely discharge of bile.
6. Fatty acids were found in the roots of dandelion, which reduce cholesterol levels in human blood, which leads to normalization of the cardiovascular system.
7. At the root of this herb is a substance such as sterol. Its task is to remove bile and excess fluid from the human body. This reduces the likelihood of developing a stroke and heart attack.
8. Carotenoids in the herb are able to improve vision and restore metabolic processes, due to which weight is normalized.
9. In addition, many other minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, resins of organic origin and tannins are released in the roots of dandelion.

Despite the large list of chemical compounds that have a beneficial effect on the activity of internal organs and systems, these substances can also lead to an allergic reaction. That is why the use of dandelion root for medicinal purposes should be carried out only after consultation with a specialist. This applies to people who have an allergic predisposition.

Collection and storage

A few centuries ago, rural women always harvested the root of this plant. It was believed that every good housewife should have such raw materials. This is due to the fact that the root part of such grass was able to replace most of the medicines, since dandelion had a beneficial effect on a number of human organs and systems.

It is necessary to collect such raw materials in the early spring, when the grass has not yet let the valuable juice go up, or in the fall, when the foliage of the plants already withers.The best period for collecting roots is considered to be autumn, since during the summer the root part of the dandelion is poured and accumulates a large amount of nutrients. In summer, collecting such raw materials should not be due to the fact that the entire strength of the grass during this period is concentrated in leaves and flowers.

To collect the roots, you need a shovel. In this case, it is necessary to dig up large and ripe plants, since their roots are larger. After digging, they should be cleaned of stems and leaves. Rinse must be thoroughly rinsed, and the sooner this is done, the better. If possible, rinse the root immediately in a river or other body of water, lowering the basket with roots and a couple of times collecting water into it. After this, the roots should be slightly dried for several hours, so that white fluid ceases to stand out from the cut. Only after such a procedure, dandelion roots can be sent to the main dryer.

Dry such valuable raw materials in a well-ventilated area, in the shade. An attic is perfect for this. Drying of plant materials under sunlight is unacceptable, otherwise the component in the form of a glycoside begins to break down under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. For faster drying, you can use the oven. It is also recommended to first pass the roots through a meat grinder and only then dry the pulp with regular stirring. This will provide faster drying, but it should be remembered that such raw materials are stored much less. Carefully dried roots are quite dense, break with a bang. Outside, they are darker in color, and a light color is observed on the fault.

The dried dandelion root is stored in a wooden or cardboard box or in a canvas bag. At the same time, cotton wool soaked in chlorophyllipt must be present in the container. This is necessary in order to protect the product from infection by pests and rodents.

The healing properties of dandelion root

As already mentioned, the dandelion root contains many useful components, thanks to which the body has a great positive effect.

1. First of all, the beneficial effect of the plant on blood vessels and blood should be noted. A decoction based on such raw materials can improve the state of blood vessels, make them more elastic, and cleanse of cholesterol deposits. In addition, dandelion is able to cleanse and thin the blood, reducing the likelihood of blood clots. This is ensured by the high concentration of calcium and potassium, which are required for the normal functioning of the heart.
2. Dandelion root is used as one of the best ways to cleanse the liver and gall bladder. The product allows you to remove small stones and bile from the body. However, in this case, it is necessary to be treated with dandelion only after consulting a doctor. After all, if the bile ducts are clogged, such a healing broth can only do harm. In addition, a healing agent will help cleanse the liver with prolonged medical treatment, as well as after alcohol poisoning and intoxication with toxic substances.
3. In the composition of the root part of the grass there are substances that provide the secretion of gastric juice, improve appetite. This property of the plant is appreciated for gastritis, which occurs with reduced production of gastric juice. If you regularly use a decoction of dandelion root, digestion is restored, food is better absorbed.
4. As noted, inulin was found in the composition of the grass, which is necessary for the activity of the human endocrine system. This is especially appreciated by diabetics. With regular use of herbal decoction, the metabolism is restored, excess weight is lost, metabolism is stabilized. A decoction of the roots of dandelion has a laxative effect. Such a composition will help cleanse the intestines if a glass of the drink is drunk in small sips on an empty stomach. In addition, bitterness in dandelion is poisonous to parasites. If you take a decoction of the roots within a week, the helminths will die and leave the intestines in a natural way.
5. Decoctions and infusions based on dandelion root are used in the fight against colds. Such drugs have a strong anti-inflammatory effect, increase immunity, inhibit the development of bacteria in the human body. Moreover, such a herbal decoction is used as an antipyretic at elevated temperatures, the cause of which is ARVI. Such a liquid can also be used for coughing, as it is endowed with an expectorant property.
6. Dandelion root for the functioning of the urinary system, especially the female one, is considered very useful. Such drugs are an excellent way to treat and prevent cystitis. Regular consumption of decoctions from the root helps get rid of edema, that is, remove excess fluid from the body.
7. Such compositions are also useful for external use. Based on decoctions and infusions, you can make baths for gout, arthrosis. Since dandelion root has an anti-inflammatory effect, drugs based on it can be used for furunculosis, allergies, eczema. In addition, such funds are effective for burns and abrasions. You can use such a decoction in the fight against pressure sores. The components of this plant are able to enhance blood circulation, as well as activate the processes of renewal of skin cells.
8. Effective product with various cosmetic defects. So, with the help of decoctions, you can get rid of age spots, freckles and unwanted tanning. Dandelion is used for problematic skin types. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of the herb, acne and comedones can be eliminated.

For women

Dandelion drugs are recommended for women with neoplasms in the mammary glands, diseases of the genitourinary system, cystitis. The use of such a drug is indicated for functional ovarian cysts, anemia, hormonal disruptions, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, severe menstrual pain.

You can use dandelion root in the menopause, when there is an imbalance between hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Such an imbalance can lead to the development of polyps, fibroids, endometriosis. In this case, it is recommended to drink decoctions of dandelion root for several months. In this case, the daily rate is one glass of drink.

You can also collect the roots of the plant, grind them to a mushy state and attach to the neoplasms on the woman's chest so that the tumors dissolve. You can cure inflamed hemorrhoids, as well as stop uterine bleeding using the same gruel. However, in this case, it must be wrapped in gauze and used as tampons.

For men

The root crop has long been used by representatives of the stronger sex to increase potency. Experts believe that such a beneficial effect of the product on the preservation of male health is associated primarily with a high concentration of vitamins in the root of the plant. Vitamins C and A are able to normalize muscle function, reduce fatigue and eliminate general weakness. Tocopherol in the composition of the herb stimulates the work of the gonads. Dandelion roots are high in minerals; moreover, they make sperm viable. A beneficial effect of the composition of dandelion on the activity of the nervous system of men is also noted.

A vitamin-rich product helps to normalize blood cholesterol, preventing excess weight gain. The chemical components in the composition of the root crop reduce the synthesis of estrogen, that is, female hormone. This allows you to increase sexual desire for the opposite sex.

Along with various healing broths and infusions, the use of fresh or dried roots is also allowed. They can be introduced into the usual diet as one of the components of salads and other drinks.

During pregnancy

Despite the many positive properties, doctors still recommend limiting the use of such a product during gestation.This is due to the fact that the roots of the grass contain phytohormones, that is, components that enhance appetite, as well as substances that have a laxative effect. All this can worsen the condition of a pregnant woman, especially in the presence of toxicosis.

When breastfeeding

As for the period of breastfeeding, at this time, preparations based on dandelion root can stimulate the synthesis of breast milk. If you drink a glass of drink in small portions throughout the day, the amount of milk will increase significantly. However, it should be noted that milk in this case will have a bitter taste. Sometimes this can lead to the fact that the baby refuses to naturally feed. Take this composition in a warm state. The first intake of herbal potion should be accompanied by constant monitoring of the child's reaction.

For children

To avoid an allergic reaction when taking herbal preparations, products based on dandelion root should not be given to children under 12 years old. After a child reaches this age, dandelion root can be used to treat colds, viral diseases, worms and constipation.

Often children refuse to accept decoctions and infusions due to the fact that drinks have a bitter taste. This bitterness can be eliminated by soaking the raw material in water for a day with the addition of a small amount of salt.

Before using such solutions for treating children, it is important to consult a professional.

When losing weight

Thanks to the medicinal qualities of dandelion root, you can get rid of excess weight, which is achieved by activating the vital processes of the human body. This applies to the restoration of normal metabolism, accelerating the elimination of fluid, the breakdown of fats. At the same time, the body retains an optimal level of potassium, since it is contained in the roots of the grass. The product has a diuretic and laxative effect. But at the same time, the plant is able to saturate the body with various vitamins and minerals. As a result of this, a person is protected from weakening the body and reducing energy, which is often observed when observing various diets.

To prepare a composition that can reduce body weight, you need to pour 20 g of roots into 1 liter of boiling water. This mixture should be infused for 3 hours. After this, the solution is filtered and taken before meals for 2 tbsp. spoons. The dose should not be increased, since the opposite effect may be observed, that is, an increase in appetite.

You can also use such a low-calorie product as a fresh ingredient for salads.

It is important to remember that the use of the roots of such a plant can reduce weight only in combination with proper nutrition and certain physical exercises.

Dandelion root in folk medicine

Due to the healing properties of dandelion root have a wide range of effects on the human body, the plant is called "Russian ginseng." It can be used in a fresh state, dried and crushed to the formation of gruel. The raw materials are used to obtain decoctions, infusions, oil, tea and extract. Such healing compositions help eliminate various diseases. So, herbal remedies based on such a product can be used for hypertension, to restore mobility, since they are able to restore cartilage tissue. Also, the plant will be effective in a weakened body, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

With diabetes

Dandelion root products provide insulin synthesis, which normalizes glucose levels in human blood. Such a product can be consumed as a preventive measure to improve the condition and prevent jumps in sugar in the body.

Due to the presence of inulin in the composition, the plant can be used instead of sugar, which is very important for diabetics. Such a natural component helps insulin production by lowering glucose levels.

Sterols in the composition of the product provide lipid, cholesterol and fat metabolism, and also remove toxic elements from the body.

Most often, the dandelion root is included in the herbal preparations in combination with blueberry and nettle leaves. If you take these three components in equal amounts and prepare an infusion, you get a tool that should be taken on an empty stomach.

You can also use another decoction. In this case, you need to combine in equal proportions the dandelion root and plantain. In any case, it is necessary to consult your doctor to protect yourself from the development of complications associated with impaired gallbladder activity or increased acidity in the stomach.

For example, you can pour 1 teaspoon of crushed grass roots into a cup of boiling water, leave for about 20 minutes and filter. The resulting composition should be taken in 50 ml 3 times a day.

There is another way. In this case, 1 teaspoon of chopped dandelion raw materials should be mixed with 3 teaspoons of mint leaves and a glass of boiling water. Simmer the resulting mass over low heat for several minutes, cover, cool and filter. Take the solution in the same way.

With pancreatitis

In gastroenterology, the product is valued for its secretory, laxative, antispasmodic properties. This allows you to cope with pancreatitis, restore the intestinal and stomach microflora, normalize stool, protect a person from liver pathologies and reduce appetite.

To restore metabolic and digestive processes, it is recommended to drink tea from dried dandelion roots daily. At the same time, the proportion of raw materials and boiled water is 1 teaspoon per 250 ml of water.

You can also prepare an infusion of 1 tbsp. tablespoons of the powder of the plant component and 1 cup of chilled, pre-boiled water. This solution is infused for 10 hours. Take the resulting mixture 4 times a day, 50 ml half an hour before meals.

It should be noted that with pancreatitis occurring in the acute phase, it is impossible to take drugs based on dandelion root.

With gastritis

Gastritis, which is accompanied by a low level of secretion of gastric juice, can be treated with compounds from dandelion root. As for gastritis with an elevated level of hydrochloric acid, in this case, decoctions and infusions based on this herb should not be consumed.

For constipation

To get rid of constipation, it is necessary to brew 2 tbsp in 1 liter of hot water. tablespoons of grass root powder, simmer for a quarter of an hour, cool and filter. A warm solution should be drunk 100 ml three times a day before meals.

There is another recipe. In this case, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of powder must be infused in 50 ml of cold water all night. Take the finished mixture 50 ml before meals several times throughout the day.

For the liver

Dandelion root is able to cleanse the body of toxins and toxic substances at the cellular level. This is because such plant materials contain antioxidants that prevent genetic damage to cells. This reduces the likelihood of genetic mutations. To cleanse the body, it is recommended to prepare a syrup based on the underground parts of the culture. Such a solution should be taken 1 tbsp. spoon three times a day 30 minutes before meals for 2 weeks. After the specified period, it is necessary to take a break of 14 days, and then repeat the course of therapy.

With cholecystitis

It should also be noted that dandelion root has a choleretic effect. This is due to the presence of beta-sitosterol. This component is used in the manufacture of drugs used to improve the activity of the liver, gall bladder and organs of the entire digestive tract.

The bitterness of the herb has a choleretic effect. To prepare a healing broth, you need 3 tbsp. tablespoons of the powder obtained from the roots of the grass, pour 2 cups of boiling water, cook over low heat for about 20 minutes, and then strain. Such a solution is taken 100 ml 30 minutes before a meal twice a day.

In oncology

If a person has a genetic predisposition to cancer, it is recommended to use infusions and other dosage forms based on dandelion root for preventive purposes. In oncology, the root of this herb can improve the patient’s condition, as well as stop the development of metastasis. A number of studies have shown that using such plant materials can get rid of neoplasms in the mammary gland. However, this does not mean that you need to completely abandon the preparations of official medicine and stop chemotherapy if necessary.

To get such a useful decoction, you should take 3 tbsp. tablespoons of dried roots and mix them with 500 ml of hot water. After that, boil the resulting composition for another quarter hour, and then filter. Take this solution 2 times a day in one cup. It is recommended to do this half an hour before a meal. An infusion based on such a product is an effective way to fight cancer cells, since the components of the herb are able to destroy them. In summer, it is best to use fresh dandelion for therapeutic purposes, and in winter dried raw materials can already be used.

With arthrosis

The composition of dandelion root is high in calcium, which has a beneficial effect on the strength of the skeletal system. Thus, a dandelion can protect against damage associated with age-related changes. It is also provided by an antioxidant such as luteolin.

Dandelion root will help restore cartilage and dissolve salt deposits. To do this, 1 tbsp. pour a spoonful of dried raw materials in a glass of boiling water and leave for half an hour. After the specified time, filter the liquid and take 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times all day 20 minutes before meals.

Against cough

The beneficial substances contained in dandelion will help cope with cough. In this case, the raw materials must be laid in a dish so that 3/4 of the containers are filled with roots. Pour the remaining container volume with vodka or alcohol. The composition should be infused for three weeks. After that, filter the liquid and carry out further storage in a dark place. If a cough, cold or sore throat appears, you can consume 30 ml of the obtained tincture 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals.

Types of healing compounds

There are several basic recipes for making solutions based on dandelion root. They can be used to treat various kinds of diseases.

Infusion

To get the infusion you need to take 1 tbsp. a spoonful of plant roots, as well as 250 ml of boiling water. Mass insist 30 minutes. Prepare such a solution for 1 day. If the treatment lasts longer, the solution is prepared fresh every day.

Tincture

Dandelion infused with vodka can only be used to treat adults. To prepare the solution, you can use both dry and fresh raw materials.

Pour the necessary amount of product with vodka so that the raw material is immersed in a liquid. The mixture is insisted for a month in a dark place. The solution can be used for therapeutic purposes within 12 months.

Decoction

The most common way to prepare dandelion root is a decoction. To do this, take 20 g of crushed raw materials and 1 liter of boiling water. Pour such an amount of the plant component into the pan, add water and bring to a boil. Boil the grass for 10 minutes. After this, allow the liquid to cool completely. The filtered liquid should be taken for 2 days. This is the expiration date of the decoction. The optimal dosage is 1 tbsp. spoon in 3 doses before meals.

Tea

To make the drink more useful, it is recommended to add 1 teaspoon of the root of this herb to a mug with black tea. Pour the plant contents with boiling water and consume in strained form after a quarter of an hour. The solution is the prevention of various diseases.

Butter

To obtain a healing composition, it is necessary to mix dandelion roots and olive oil in a 1: 4 ratio. After that, send the mixture to a dark place, where to insist for 14 days.Ready solution to use for compresses and treatment of affected areas of the body.

Ointment

To get an ointment based on dandelion, you should pass 50 g of raw grass root through a meat grinder. The result is gruel, which is mixed with the same amount of butter. The resulting mass should be infused for several days. The shelf life of the finished ointment is 7 days, provided that it will be stored in the refrigerator. The use of such a dosage form is also necessary when cold.

Powder

Healing powder can be prepared from dandelion root. In the future, it must be used in pure form for 1 teaspoon, while drinking plenty of fluids. No more than 3 teaspoons can be consumed per day. To prepare a powdery mass, dried raw materials must be ground in a blender or using a coffee grinder. If the product is stored in a tight sealed container, the shelf life is significantly increased.

Application in cosmetology

Dandelion root can affect internal organs. Despite this, the plant is popular in the care of facial skin and hair. The convenience of using this part of the grass lies in the fact that it can be used not only in fresh, but also in dried form throughout the year.

Such inexpensive cosmetic compositions based on medicinal plant materials can cope with reduced skin tone, age spots, warts, acne and acne. Various sunburns, rashes, seborrhea, as well as hair loss can also be cured with this component.

In addition to oil, cream and infusion, powder based on the root can also be obtained. To do this, you just need to thoroughly grind the dried roots with a coffee grinder.

The raw materials can be used to enrich the finished cosmetics, that is, various masks, balms and shampoos, or to make tonic, soap and lotion with your own hands.

Such cosmetics have a wide range of uses. They will help get rid of various defects of the dermis, remove toxic compounds, cope with inflammatory processes on the surface of the skin, and also soothe “naughty” curls.

With a problematic skin type, you can prepare a lotion that will help saturate the dermis with useful substances, make it smooth, eliminate high fat content, narrow pores, relieve tension and accelerate the process of tissue renewal. To prepare such a useful product, it is necessary to grind the roots of the plant along with the rest of the grass. Plant materials should be placed in a glass bowl, pour alcohol-containing substance in equal proportions. After that, close the container with a lid and send for 2 weeks to a cool, dark place. After that, the solution is filtered and mixed with chilled boiled water in a ratio of 1: 2. The shelf life of the lotion is 7 days. Before each use, the cosmetic must be shaken.

A moisturizing oil that is suitable for a certain type of dermis can be added to such a remedy. Such a lotion should be used before bedtime, applying to cleansed face skin with massage movements.

For cosmetic purposes, the juice of the plant is also used. It helps whiten skin, eliminate freckles, age spots and warts. Fresh juice of the plant can also be treated with insect bite sites. This should be done 2-3 times a day.

Cooking Dandelion Root

Dandelion roots have so many valuable qualities that they have found application in the culinary field for the preparation of various dishes. This will further enrich your body with valuable elements.

So, for example, a salad made from the root of a dandelion is original. To make it, you need to grate fresh roots and carrots. Optionally, add greens to the dish. Season the salad with vegetable oil and season with salt if necessary. Experts say that this dish helps to get rid of tinnitus.

You can also cook a casserole with dandelion roots. In this case, the plant component must be cooked in water for 10-12 minutes with the inclusion of a small amount of salt. After this, put the boiled mass into a mold, pour milk with beaten chicken eggs. Bake in the oven for no more than 40 minutes.

Surprisingly, the roots of this inconspicuous plant can be fried like ordinary potatoes. In this case, it is again necessary to pre-boil the ingredient in salted water. After that, dip the dandelion root in beaten eggs, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and fry in butter. It is noted that this dish to taste resembles ordinary chicken meat. Interesting, isn't it?

Another great way to use dandelion roots in cooking is to make coffee from them. It can be used instead of real black coffee. It is also made from fried and chopped roots of grass. Before brewing, pass the product through a blender or grind it in a coffee grinder. It is worth noting that such a product can be purchased ready-made in specialized stores. Such portioned packets are simply poured with hot water before use.

Can rabbits get dandelion root

Dandelion roots are an excellent food for rabbits. They help increase appetite, restore digestion, saturate the body of animals with useful substances. In addition, such raw materials can increase the amount of milk in nursing females. Rabbits are happy to eat such grass. It is possible to give dandelion root as a feed to such pets no more than 3 times a day. It should be remembered that this number of plants should not exceed 30% of the total amount of food per day. So, for one adult animal, no more than 800 g per day is enough.

It must be remembered that the norm should not be exceeded, otherwise cystitis may occur in the rabbit. In this regard, it is recommended to combine several types of plants. For example, if you combine the root of dandelion with plantain and wormwood, the composition will have an antiparasitic effect, with tansy - it will increase lactation and establish intestinal activity.

Such raw materials are not recommended to be given to rabbits immediately after production. It needs special training. First, the root part of the grass must be placed in hot water and rinsed thoroughly, and then spread out in the shade. After evaporation of moisture, the roots of the grass can be fed to rabbits.

Contraindications

Despite the many healing qualities, dandelion root still has some contraindications. Patients suffering from gastritis, blockage of the bile ducts or stomach ulcer should be careful, because preparations based on the root of this herb can lead to severe vomiting and diarrhea.

Unpleasant consequences may occur when using drugs in the presence of stones in the gallbladder. With frequent intestinal disorders, folk remedies from dandelion root should be used with caution, since the drugs have a mild laxative property.

The product is contraindicated for people who have an allergy, as well as individual intolerance.

Diseases of the stomach, accompanied by increased acidity of gastric juice, an ulcer that occurs in the acute phase, are contraindications to the use of drugs based on dandelion.

It should also be noted that the plant is able to accumulate substances hazardous to human health.For this reason, the collection of raw materials should not be carried out near busy roads, industrial plants and other objects polluting the environment.

Photo of dandelion root