Dandelion honey: health benefits and harms

Dandelion honey is a fragrant, sweet and healthy product with healing properties. It is easy to cook according to simple recipes. The main components of honey are inflorescences (flower baskets) plants and sugar. The product is also called dandelion jam.

Composition and calorie content

Bees visit all flowering plants, and dandelion is no exception. But the nectar of this flower contains bitter substances, so insects do not often sit on it. Real bee dandelion honey is not easy to find, most likely, it will be collected on herbs.

Artificial dandelion honey has a complex, diverse composition and contains a large number of useful compounds. The composition of the home-made product includes all the substances contained in the flower baskets of the plant. Inflorescences contain:

• glycoside taraxanthin;
• natural pigment flavoxanthin;
• vitamins PP, K, E, a large amount of ascorbic acid;
• beta-carotene, retinol (A), riboflavin (B2), choline (B4);
• arnidiol;
• riboflavin (vitamin B2);
• tryperthenic alcohols;
• vitamins B1, B5, B6 and B9;
• faradiol;
• saponins;
• resins;
• vegetable protein (5%);
• pigment lutein;
• macronutrients - salts of iron, calcium, phosphorus and potassium;
• trace elements - sodium, manganese, selenium, copper, zinc.

All macro- and microelements are in demand by the human body. Physical and mental health depends on these compounds.

1. Iron is responsible for the high hemoglobin in the blood.
2. Manganese is involved in chemical reactions that promote rapid recovery after physical, mental and emotional stress.
3. Magnesium is necessary with constant drowsiness, low mood and depression.
4. Calcium is needed to strengthen bone tissue and recover from fractures.
5. Selenium is involved in the processes of regeneration, prevents the appearance of tumors, strengthens the muscles of the heart.
6. Phosphorus strengthens tooth enamel and bone tissue.
7. Potassium is needed to normalize heart rate.
8. Sodium helps strengthen blood vessels, restore tissue elasticity.
9. Copper is involved in many chemical processes in the body and contributes to the proper functioning of cells.
10. Zinc reduces the secretion of sebum and ensures healthy hair and skin.

Vitamin C is important for metabolic processes. This substance maintains good immunity and strengthens bone tissue. The amount of vitamin C in dandelions is comparable to the content of this compound in lemons. Retinol is important for visual acuity and skin condition, as is vitamin E. Nicotinic acid is necessary to normalize cholesterol levels. B vitamins provide a normal metabolism, have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and play an important role in the processes of cell renewal and regeneration.

Home-made honey contains a lot of sugar. The main ingredient of this substance is sucrose, the amount of impurities in the refined product does not exceed 0.1%.In the body, sucrose breaks down into two compounds - glucose and fructose, which quickly enter the bloodstream. Glucose is not only the main energy supplier to the body. It stimulates the protective (barrier) functions of the liver, participating in the synthesis of acids of the glucuronic group, which protect the body from toxic substances.

100 ml of dandelion honey contains:

• proteins - 0.62 g;
• carbohydrates - 0.15 g;
• vegetable fats - 0.14 g.

Calorie content of the product depends on the concentration of sugar and is 190–220 kcal per 100 ml of product. Dietary fiber and fly ash are also present in honey.

Useful properties of dandelion honey

General benefit

The substances contained in the flower baskets of the plant have nutritious and healing properties that are recognized by both folk and scientific medicine. Plant components:

1. They have a vasodilating effect and increase blood circulation in the capillaries.
2. Lower heat.
3. Stimulate kidney function.
4. They cleanse the body of toxic substances in case of poisoning.
5. They have a healing effect on the liver.
6. Restore connective tissue.
7. Act as a mild sedative and sleeping pill.
8. They have an antispasmodic effect.
9. Enhance metabolism.
10. Restore iron balance in anemia.
11. They inhibit the fermentation processes in the intestine, which decreases gas formation.
12. Restore the thyroid gland.
13. Increase appetite.
14. They have a gentle laxative effect.
15. They help to recover faster in the treatment of infectious diseases.
16. They have a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect.
17. Destroy helminths and their eggs.
18. Saturate the body with useful trace elements and vitamins.

Trace elements and salts are in easily digestible form. Their number is large enough to have a healing effect.

Honey is used to combat sluggish digestion, stimulate peristalsis with constipation, bloating (flatulence), to expel worms. In addition to medicines, the product is indicated in the treatment of hepatitis, inflammation of the bladder, pancreatic dysfunction, as a choleretic agent. Home-made medicines based on flowers treat joint inflammation in osteochondrosis, rheumatism, exacerbation of polyarthritis and arthritis.

In Chinese medicine, dandelion preparations are used as an antipyretic that stimulates the immune system. They also treat a purulent rash, furunculosis, inflammation of the lymph nodes, many skin diseases, snake bites.

For women

Women can use dandelion honey as a remedy for cystitis, other infectious diseases of the female genital area and the entire body. 1-2 teaspoons of dandelion honey are included in the diet daily until the symptoms of the disease disappear.

For men

Men, as well as women, are recommended to eat this herbal product for cystitis, other diseases caused by pathogens (including acute prostatitis). Honey is useful as a restorative and restorative remedy for severe physical and emotional stress, sleep disturbance during shift work.

During pregnancy

Russian traditional healers and doctors recommend that pregnant women treat the product with caution. The composition of flower baskets includes many active substances, the effect of which is not fully understood. To avoid unpleasant consequences, it is better to exclude a dandelion product from the diet or eat it in small quantities. Honey has a mild laxative effect and will help get rid of constipation, which affects many pregnant women.

When breastfeeding

Chinese traditional medicine recommends that women take dandelion-based drugs to increase breast milk production. The same opinion is shared by European medicine. Honey should be consumed a little and observe the effect obtained, since the reaction to active organic substances is always individual.If the result is positive, the amount of product can be increased.

For kids

For children over 5 years old, dandelion honey can be given as a healthy treat and alternative medicine to strengthen immunity. Dandelion jam is useful as a sedative and antibacterial for colds. It is taken to prevent complications caused by viral infections. But this product contains a lot of sugar and can cause decay of milk and molars. Plant concentrate sometimes causes diathesis.

When losing weight

Infusions and decoctions based on dandelion are used for weight loss. All parts of the plant, including inflorescences, contain substances that have a diuretic effect. They contribute to the removal of excess fluid and the breakdown of fats. Dandelion also gives a laxative effect, which is associated with increased contractions of the intestinal walls. Honey made from flowers has the same effect, but the effect of weight reduction is unlikely to be significant, since the product is a sugar syrup with plant extract. When losing weight, it is better to eat sugar-free foods.

How to take honey from dandelions

In the classic recipes of traditional medicine, dandelion honey is consumed three to three teaspoons per day. The product is added to ordinary tea, boiled water or rides from a spoon.

There are other dosage recommendations. They relate to recipes in which dandelion jam is used in conjunction with other medicinal plants. If the list of ingredients includes dry flower baskets, then it is quite possible to replace them with honey, the basis of which is plant material.

Remedy for constipation

1. For a laxative effect, a tablespoon of honey is added to a glass of warm boiled milk. The tool is recommended to be taken in the morning or at lunchtime.
2. Dandelion syrup (50-60 ml) is mixed with freshly squeezed turnip juice (100-120 ml). The mixture is drunk on an empty stomach in the morning. After 20-25 minutes, bowel cleansing will occur.
3. Corn stigmas (1 part) are crushed and added to dandelion honey (2 parts). The tool is eaten in the morning and at noon, bowel cleansing occurs after 2-3 hours.

Blood Pressure Reducer

In a cup, mix dandelion jam, fresh juice of beets and horseradish (in a tablespoon). Add the juice of one small lemon, whisk. The mixture is taken three times a day, a tablespoon. The course of administration is 2 months, before continuing treatment, consult a physician.

Hepatitis infusion

To prepare the product, they take honey from dandelion, carrot, horseradish and beet juice in equal quantities (0.5 cups each). You will also need 2 large lemon and vodka - 15-20 ml.

The ingredients are mixed in glass, ceramic or enameled dishes, the product is hermetically sealed and placed on the lower shelf of the refrigerator. Take three times a day, ¼ of a glass (or a tablespoon), 30-40 minutes before breakfast, lunch and dinner. Treatment is continued for 1.5–2 months. Then they take a break for 2–2.5 months and repeat the course.

Soothing tea for insomnia

To prepare the plant mixture, you need the plant fees bought at the pharmacy, and honey from dandelions. Since the product will have to be taken for a long time, a mix of dry raw materials is made in advance. In a container of sufficient volume mix:

• motherwort grass (10%);
• thyme (5%);
• plantain leaves (5%);
• valerian root (10%);
• rosehip berries (30%);
• blackberry leaf (40%).

Herbs are chopped with hands or a pestle to make grass dust (flour). The resulting plant material is poured into a jar or box and used to make medicinal tea. The tool is prepared as follows.

In a glass, put a tablespoon of herbal flour (1 part) and pour freshly boiled water (20-25 parts). The glass is closed with any lid and left until the liquid becomes warm. Tea is filtered and stirred in it a tablespoon of dandelion honey. Take at bedtime for a month or more.

Infusion to improve bowel function

To prepare the product, dry yarrow and dicotyledon nettles (per tablespoon) are taken. In a thick-walled ceramic vessel, herbs are steamed with a glass of water, tightly closed with a lid and allowed to infuse. After 2–2.5 hours, add half a glass of dandelion jam and mix the liquid. It is recommended to take the drug 4 times a day, 2 dessert spoons.

Tea for the treatment of liver diseases

Milk thistle and dandelion extract help restore the body with cirrhosis, poisoning, after surgery. The substances contained in these plants are involved in tissue regeneration processes. To restore liver cells, it is recommended to add dandelion syrup to black or green tea (a tablespoon per glass). Thistle infusion is also added to the liquid or the powder is taken in dry form.

Infusion for colds

With colds, it is important to activate the metabolism and reduce inflammation in the body. For infusion, take a sheet of wormwood simple, flaxseed, crushed leaf of eucalyptus (a teaspoon). The collection includes sage leaf, rosehip berries, pine buds, birch leaf (2 parts each). Herbs are crushed and mixed. To prepare the drug, it is enough to take half a glass of herbal flour. Plant materials are steamed with boiling water in a liter thermos and insisted for 3 hours. After that, add 3-4 dessert spoons of dandelion jam and stir the liquid. The drug is drunk three times a day, half a glass, before meals.

Infusion for the treatment of cholecystitis

To prepare the product, you need to purchase several medicinal herbs at the pharmacy and cook dandelion honey. The collection includes immortelle flowers, chamomile, centaury grass, St. John's wort and a three-leaf watch. Measure the same amount of all types of plant materials, grind and mix. For a decoction, take a tablespoon of a mixture of plants, pour boiling water (200 ml) and insist under the lid for an hour and a half. After the liquid becomes warm, add a spoonful of dandelion honey. The drug is drunk in the morning before meals. Every day a new portion is prepared, continuing treatment until the condition improves.

Cough medicine

With a painful cough that occurs with colds, it is recommended to take honey and drink it with warm tea. Every 2 hours they eat 2 dessert spoons of syrup until the condition improves.

In the treatment of colds, accompanied by dry and wet coughs, complex plant mixtures are prepared. They include eucalyptus leaf, licorice root, peppermint leaf, thyme, licorice, marigold flowers. A mixture is prepared from dry raw materials. In a ceramic mug, a tablespoon of herbs is brewed, the liquid is insisted for half an hour under the lid and a tablespoon of dandelion honey is added. This tool is drunk 3-4 times a day, a tablespoon.

Application in cosmetology

Dandelion honey has anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and sedative effects. Therefore, traditional medicine actively uses this product to improve skin condition.

Pigmentation Dandelion Honey

To whiten pigment spots, massage with dandelion honey. The product is poured into a small cup, fingers are dipped into it. Then, in a circular, tapping and stroking movements, massage the skin. Plant extract penetrates the epidermis and contributes to its rapid exfoliation and renewal. Such a massage is an effective procedure against age spots and pigmentation that appears during pregnancy. Freckles can be bleached in the same way.

Mask for aging skin

A few fresh dandelion leaves are put in a mortar and knead with a pestle, and a spoonful of boiled chilled water is added to the resulting mass. Add the same amount of dandelion honey and stir the ingredients.

The paste is applied to the face with a uniform layer. After that, they lie quietly for 15 minutes, then the mask is washed off and a hydrated cream is applied. If the skin is very dry, before applying the paste, the face is smeared with olive, refined sunflower or corn oil.

Acne mask

A teaspoon of pea flour and the same amount of dandelion honey are thoroughly mixed in a cup and the mixture is applied to the skin covered with eels. It is better to do this not locally, where the eels have already shown themselves, but on the whole face. After 10-12 minutes, the paste is washed off. If the skin does not tighten after the procedure, the nourishing cream may not be applied. The mask has a calming and anti-inflammatory effect.

Such a mask can be done not only on the face, but also on the neckline and back. In this case, you will have to cook a fairly large amount of pasta.

Mask for dry and aging skin

Dandelion honey is mixed with unsweetened yogurt in equal parts. A teaspoon of oil obtained from wheat germ is added, the ingredients of the mixture are thoroughly whipped. The washed paste is applied to washed, clean face skin and decollete. The mask is held for 25-30 minutes, when washed, the skin is massaged. After the procedure, apply any oily cream.

On sale there are masks with dandelion honey from manufacturers of medical cosmetics. They contain up to two dozen ingredients. So, a soothing mask Ziaja Polish cosmetics company is recommended to do in the fall and in the winter. The mask itself is in a bag and is a transparent, viscous yellow liquid.

Dandelion honey for hair

To improve the condition of the hair, the head is rinsed with a decoction of leaves and flowers of dandelion (dry raw materials). Honey taken orally is an additional treatment. Herbal ingredients are bought in a pharmacy or procured independently. Decoctions and infusions are made according to the manufacturer's recipe indicated on the package.

Harm and contraindications

Honey made from dandelions is not useful to everyone. There are a number of contraindications that prevent the use of the product in food and for treatment.

1. Honey is forbidden to eat for patients with diabetes.
2. Dandelion jam is used with great caution if a person is diagnosed with digestive diseases. The substances that make up the flowers can irritate the mucous membranes of the intestinal tract and stomach.
3. The product is excluded from the diet for an individual allergic reaction, diarrhea, congestion in the gallbladder and obstruction of the ducts.
4. Dandelion syrup should not be eaten by people at any stage of obesity, as it contains a large amount of sucrose.

How to store

Dandelion honey is poured into pre-sterilized jars, packed with sealed plastic lids and stored in the refrigerator or in the cellar. You can roll up cans with metal lids. The shelf life of the product is 8–9 months.

If dandelion honey is not intended for long-term storage, it can be stored in plastic containers with lids or glass jars. The containers can be covered with thick paper and tied with twine. Jars and containers are not kept open, as the water will actively evaporate, and the product will thicken greatly.

When and How to Collect Dandelions for Honey

Dandelion honey is made in late May or early June, when the plant blooms massively. In some regions, these flowers appear in early May. The collection cannot be carried out on city lawns, roadsides and near enterprises. Grass species absorb heavy metals, including lead, well. It is better to get out of town and find a field remote from enterprises and industrial zones.

You will need fresh, clean, freshly opened baskets of flowers that are plucked without a stem. The stems contain a large amount of bitter milky juice. A clear, sunny day is suitable for collecting. Flowers are best picked in the morning when the baskets have just opened and are full of fresh, fragrant nectar.

The heads are carefully torn off and folded onto a newspaper sheet or cloth. Then the raw materials are allowed to lie for 10-15 minutes, so that insects get out of the flowers. Usually these are small black bugs or flies that collect nectar in yellow tubes that grow densely in the receptacle. If the path to the house is not short, you should use aerated containers so that the plants do not overheat and do not dry out. At home, flowers are placed in a colander in portions and washed with water. There are recipes in which the authors do not recommend washing the raw materials so as not to remove pollen. After preparation, you can start cooking honey.

How to make honey from dandelions: recipes

Dandelion honey is made on the basis of bee honey or sugar syrup. The cooking process does not take much time. Honey is cooked in a metal enameled pan; a wooden or plastic spoon is used to stir. The use of steel and aluminum pans and tools is undesirable, since active organic substances can react with metals.

Recipe 1

To prepare a liter of honey, you need to collect 300-350 flowers. The raw materials are washed in the shower and poured with cold water (1 l). The pan is placed on the stove, a small fire is turned on and dandelions are cooked for an hour at a slow boil, under a lid. Then the pan is removed and the contents are poured onto a sieve, under which another vessel is placed. The plant mass is squeezed and discarded. 600 g of sugar are poured into the broth, the syrup is mixed and the container is again set on fire. The liquid is constantly stirring, brought to a boil, then boiled on low heat for at least an hour. 10-15 minutes before the end of cooking, squeeze in half the fresh lemon syrup. Honey is removed from the stove, the lid is removed and the vessel is left to cool completely. After that, the product is poured into a sterilized jar, hermetically sealed with a lid, placed in storage.

Recipe 2

This recipe differs from the previous order in the preparation of raw materials. Collected baskets (300-400 pieces) are soaked for 24 hours to reduce bitterness. Water is changed 4–5 times. After a day, the flowers are thrown onto a sieve, collected and squeezed, and the water is poured. Pour 1-1.2 liters of water into a saucepan, boil it and put all the flower raw materials. Bring the liquid to a boil and boil for at least 15 minutes, over low heat. After that, the vessel is removed from the stove, the solution is filtered through a sieve. Dandelions are squeezed and thrown away, and honey is prepared from the resulting liquid. Fresh medium juice of 2 medium lemons is squeezed into the broth and 1 kg of sugar is poured. After thoroughly mixing the ingredients, the pan is placed on the stove and cooked until the liquid reaches a honey consistency. It takes 50–80 minutes. After cooking, honey can add 15-20 rosehip petals, which also blooms at this time of year.

Recipe 3

In this recipe, dandelion baskets are not washed. Flowers are placed in a small saucepan and pour 1 liter of hot water. The vessel is closed and left to cool completely. Then the infusion is filtered, the plant material is removed. Add 1 kg of granulated sugar and boil the syrup for 25-30 minutes. The contents of the pan are constantly stirred, removing white scale. Before removing from heat add half a glass of lemon juice. Boiled honey is poured into sterilized jars and rolled up. Fresh lemon can be replaced with crystalline citric acid.

Recipe 4

This product is made from dandelion flowers and natural floral honey collected in the same season. Gather 100-120 baskets and chop them well. A blender is suitable for this, but the best result is scrolling through a meat grinder. The resulting mass is placed in a half-liter glass jar and filled to the brim with liquid honey, heated in a water bath. The components are mixed, the container is closed with a plastic or screw cap and placed in a cool, darkened place.In 1.5–2 weeks, you will get a delicious product that combines the useful substances of dandelion and the first summer honey.

Recipe 5

Oranges will improve the taste of honey from dandelions. The product is aromatic and very tasty. The collected flowers (500 pieces) are washed under running water and laid out on paper towels to dry them a little. 4 juicy medium-sized oranges are washed with a brush, as the fruit will be added to the peeled syrup. Citrus is first cut into 4 parts, then into thin slices, across the fibers. In a wide pan put dandelions, an orange and pour them with water (1.5 l). Bring the water to a boil and cook on low heat for at least an hour. Then pour 1.2 kg of sugar and half a teaspoon of crystalline citric acid into the pan.

With constant stirring, bring the liquid to a boil and incubate in this state for 30–40 minutes. During this time, the solution will acquire a brownish-orange color and thicken. The finished product is filtered through a sieve, poured into small sterilized jars and sealed with plastic lids. Orange honey with dandelions can be rolled up under the covers.

Interesting facts about dandelions

1. Medicinal dandelion is used not only as a healing plant, but also used in food. There are many recipes for dishes where the leaves and flowers of a plant are mentioned as ingredients. But for medicinal purposes, the root and the milky juice contained in the stems are more often used.
2. The leaves of the plant are added to salads. So, in grocery stores in Europe you can buy semi-finished products called pisanli. When preparing them, dandelion leaves are soaked for 35–40 minutes in a strong saline solution to remove bitterness. It is interesting that the youngest, juiciest leaves are almost not bitter.
3. Leaves can be put in spring green soups and borsch. The bitter greens feel like a spice and give the dishes an unusual but pleasant taste. Leaves can be boiled and added to main courses in the same way as spinach and other greens.
4. In the UK, from ancient times, wine is made from dandelion inflorescences. This low alcohol drink has a peculiar tart taste. After fermentation, the drink is clarified. Well-prepared dandelion wine looks like champagne. In preparation, plant flowers, raisins and sugar are used. Often add orange or fresh orange juice, in modern recipes there are tangerines and other citruses. Other alcoholic beverages are also made from dandelion flowers - sweet liquors and elixirs.
5. Roasted roots of the plant are a great substitute for coffee. Now it is used by adherents of a healthy, environmentally friendly diet, but centuries ago such a drink was not uncommon in European countries, especially in rural areas.
6. Dandelion leaves marinate with vinegar and sour like cabbage. This product is added to main dishes, gravy, soups, or eaten as an appetizer for alcoholic beverages.
7. In Chinese cuisine, all parts of the plant are used. The roots, flowers and leaves of dandelion can be the main and additional ingredient in the dish.
8. Infusion on the roots of dandelion is used in veterinary medicine. This is a good sedative for cats in preparation for the trip or on the eve of a visit to the veterinarian. To calm the animal, a few drops of infusion are enough.

Photo of dandelion honey