Dandelion is a weed that grows in many of our backyards and it contains a multitude of health benefits. There are two parts to dandelion that are often used in herbal medicine: the root and the leaf.
Root:
- Purifies the blood and helps the body to eliminate toxic waste
- Increases production of bile by the liver and stimulates the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder, which is needed to stimulate fat digestion
- Protects the liver and improves liver function. The liver is a powerhouse organ for the processing of hormones. Thus, dandelion can be helpful for PMS, secondary amenorrhea, PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, menorrhagia, and hot flashes
- Stimulates the release of digestive enzymes, assimilation of nutrients and improves peristalsis (movement of food through the intestines). Thus, it can be helpful for dyspepsia, hypochlorhydria (low amounts of stomach acid), gastritis, non-obstructive gallstones, tenderness over the liver/gall bladder, liver congestion, hepatitis, jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, and constipation.
- Especially indicated for individuals that have sluggish digestion, difficulty digesting fats and tend toward constipation.
Leaf
- Potassium-sparing diuretic
- Purifies the blood
- Contains the following: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, B vitamins, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus
- Both the leaf and root are bitter, so it will also help to stimulate digestion.
You can place dandelion leaves in a salad or cook them like other green leafy vegetables. Do NOT pick them out your backyard, as they have most likely been sprayed at some point with weed killer, which is not something you want to eat. They can often be found in your local grocery store. I have also frequently juiced a whole head of dandelion leaves and found it wonderful for my digestive system. When juicing, be sure to purchase organic to avoid consuming a large amount of pesticide content on your vegetables.
If you have found this information helpful, please forward this post to three people you know who are interested in finding relief from digestive symptoms and hormone imbalances.
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