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All articles are commissioned by and represent the sole copyright of, The Health Network Company (NZ) Ltd. Reproduction, duplication and/or transfer by any means electronic or otherwise is strictly prohibited. Breach of copyright will be pursued to the full extent of any applicable laws. Disclaimer If you are concerned about your health or treatment, always see your own doctor.
These health guides are no substitute for proper diagnosis and treatment from your own health professional.
Dandelion
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Taraxacum officinale
This plant can be found in most gardens as a weed with yellow daisy-like flowers. The leaves are often eaten as salads. The flower heads can be made into a light summer wine. The roots, dried and roasted, are grounded and made into a drink as an alternative to coffee, and are especially good for dyspepsia and rheumatism.
Dandelion is a natural diuretic and a tonic herb. It contains a high level of vitamins and minerals; and it is used to treat minor liver ailments and toxins in the blood. It is also slightly laxative, thus is helpful in relieving constipation.
Being a diuretic, it is often taken for the relief of water retention and oedema, associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and breast pain.
Studies have shown that it can improve liver function by increasing bile flow and promotes bile release from the gallbladder, thus relieving liver congestion, hepatitis and gallstones. It is also effective in increasing milk production in lactating mothers. It can be used to treat urinary tract infections, abscesses or firm, hard sores in the breasts, and breast and liver cancers.
The leaves and roots are used to aid in slimming, by purifying the blood and reducing water retention. Dandelion flowers have a mild bleaching effect. A lotion from fresh or dried dandelion flowers is used to fade freckles. A course of dandelion tea and eating fresh leaves in salads will help to clear the skin of spots, pimples and acne.
Precaution
It is generally safe when used as directed. Overdoses could cause mild diarrhoea.
References
- Tierra M.The Way of Herbs. New York. Pocket Books. 1990.
- Black P. The Illustrated Herbal. Hamlyn. 1987
- Boxer A, Black P.The herb Book. Reed International Books Limited. 1980.
- Burch E (N.D.).The Complete Herbal Companion.Harper Collins 2000
- L’Orang D.The Herbal Healing Secrets of the Orient.Prentice Hall 1998
- Tierra M.The ways of Chinese Herbs.Pocket Books. 1998.
- Liu HC.Chinese System of Food Cures.Pelandok Publication.1989.
- Dr.Hong YH, PhD, Hsu CS, PhD. Commonly Used Chinese Herbs.Oriental Healing Arts Institute, 1980.
- Dr.Hong YH, PhD. How to Treat Yourself with Chinese Herbs.Oriental Healing Arts Institute. 1993.
- Murray M, Pizzorno J.The Encyclopaedia of Natural Medicines. Prima Pub. 1998.
- Tierra L.The Herbs of Life.Freedom, CA. Crossing Press. 1992.
- Dr.Walker M.Olive leaf extract. Kensington books. 1997
- Kloss J, Promise M.Back to Eden, revised version. Mass Market Paperback. 1989.
- Prevention Magazine (editors).The complete book of natural & medicinal cures. Health books. Berkley Publishing Group, 1996.
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