A Weed with Suprising Health Benefits-Dandelions
Did you know that dandelion, that weed growing in the backyard which everyone wants to kill, is actually a herb with many surprising health benefits?
Dandelions are much more than just weeds in your garden.
The entire dandelion plant is edible, from the golden blossoms to the roots to the leaves.
Dandelion is filled with vitamins A, B, C and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium and zinc.
The taste of dandelion resembles a slightly bitter green like that of arugula. You can eat them fresh in salads, or cook them on the stove.
Freshly dug dandelion roots are dried, chopped, roasted, and ground into a fine powder. Often steeped to make a delicious coffee substitute, this would also make a wonderful Dandelion Hot Cocoa!
Earthy and slightly bitter in flavor, dandelion roots aid digestion and support liver health.
Dandelion root offers large quantities of the bone-building mineral boron.
Its flower is a source of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant than can help protect your cells from damage. Dandelion flowers make great wine.
The leaves and flowers contain Vitamin C.
The root, flower and leaves contain fiber, which is a digestive aid.
The root contains potassium.
The leaves contain iron which is known to help with anemia.
The root and leaves contain calcium and phosphorus, which are essential to bones and teeth.
The root, leaves and flowers contain magnesium, which can help relax the muscles.
The root contains zinc, which can help fight colds and flu.
The entire plant is high in B complex.
The leaves contain more protein than spinach.
Its root acts as a diuretic and can help rid the body of excess fluid and waste products. It can also be made into a tea, which can help to inhibit bacterial growth in the urinary tract.
The leaves are a bitter, which can help improve liver function to remove toxins and help to improve hydration. Its leaves can be torn and used on bites and scratches.
All parts of the plant are rich in antioxidants, which can help to combat cancer and other ailments along with other phytonutrients found in the plant.
Sources:
http://wellnessmama.com/5680/dandelion-herb-profile/
http://www.diynatural.com/dandelion-benefits-greens-roots-tea/
http://theheartysoul.com/dandelion-root-kills-cancer/?t=CE&W=Viral
And just imagine everyone trying to kill them off with Round Up (Agent Orange).