DANDELION

Scientific name: Taraxacum officinale

Fuente

Dandelion is probably one of the most popular and well-known medicinal plants, it contains vitamins and minerals: A, B and C, folic acid, potassium, silicon, iron and tannins. It is a plant that acts as a great depurative to cleanse the body of the toxins that we accumulate due to poor diet, bad habits, sedentary lifestyle, etc.

It grows generally on the edge of many fields and gardens, reaches 40 cm in height and is characterized by its serrated leaves and yellow flowers. Many people do not know that this plant they have at their disposal is very beneficial for health.

Medicinal properties

• Cleanses our body of toxins.

• Helps to eliminate liquids and prevent their retention.

• Protects the liver and gallbladder naturally stimulating their function, so it can be very beneficial in cases of hepatitis.

• Improves the functioning of the kidneys, facilitating health and helping to prevent cystitis and urethritis.

• Improves the digestive process and arouses appetite, ideal for cases of inappetence or anorexia.

• Acts as a laxative.

• Improves the condition of the skin in problems such as pimples, acne, urticaria, psoriasis, etc. and also enhancing the healing of wounds.

• It is useful in cases of varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

• Keeps our hair and skin healthy thanks to its silicon content.

• Its iron content makes it an excellent remedy to prevent and treat anemia.

• Contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which are nutrients that help reduce the risks of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Ways to consume it

• In the form of infusion: We boil a spoon of fresh or dried dandelion in a saucepan with water. Then 3 minutes boiling, you just have to put out the fire and let rest another 3 minutes, to finally strain the drink and drink it. You can take up to 3 traces of this infusion a day, after the main meals.

• Capsules: It is another quite comfortable and simple option. You can find dandelion capsules in herbalists and specialty stores. Although the ideal is to follow the recommendations indicated on the packaging that compresses, since its dose depends on the amount of dry extract that incorporates each capsule, it is common to take two capsules with each meal.

• In the form of a tincture: it is another equally comfortable option. You can also find a dandelion tincture in many herbalists, and its form of consumption is simple and you just have to add a few drops to a large glass of water or natural juice.

• You can also prepare local bathrooms with the decoration of the plant, very useful to calm hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

Contraindications

• It is not recommended in people who have gall stones. Because they can cause biliary colic.

• Not suitable for people with stomach or reflux disorders.

• If you are allergic to some of the components, you should not consume it.

• Dandelion leaves contain a large amount of oxalates. Therefore, it is not suitable for people with kidney stones.

• Prohibited its consumption to pregnant or lactating women.

• Its use is not recommended in case of people taking lithium medications or using them to increase the amounts of potassium in the body.

• If you are taking antibiotics, do not consume any of their presentations.

Side effects

• Its prolonged consumption can cause gastritis.

• The contact of the fresh plant with the skin can cause irritation.

• Its consumption can cause allergic reactions in some people.

It is recommended to consult with a doctor or therapist before performing treatments with this plant, as it has contraindications or some side effects if consumed in excess.

Fuente