Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

DETOXIFIER; Gastrointestinal (Gi), Cleanser, Antioxidant, Skin, Osteoporosis, Blood sugar, Anemia, Blood pressure, Antibacterial, Anti-fungal, Lactation, Anti-inflammatory

Gi – roots – bitter, rich in inulin, used for GI (acts as prebiotic, stimulant – take before meal); liver (stimulates bile production that aid in fat digestion and toxin removal and electrolyte restoration); non-alcoholic jaundice; fatty liver disease; root – constipation

Cleanser – roots – bitter, used for kidneys; leaves are powerful diuretic (retain potassium) – flush kidneys and urinary tract; blood purifier; tonic; high in vitamins, minerals

Antioxidant – high in antioxidants (reduce free radicals – fights cancer) 

Skin – sap (dandelion milk) – apply directly to skin – itchiness, ringworm, eczema, warts, corns, acne; tea – wounds (fight bacteria and fungi) 

Osteoporosis – due to calcium, vitamin K, taraxasterol (root)

Blood sugar – controls DM, stimulates insulin production, diuretic – removes extra sugars

Anemia – high level of iron

Blood pressure – leaves – diuretic properties – get’s rid of extra salt and fluid which lowers BP

Lactation – milk production, mastitis

Anti-inflammatory – antioxidants, phytonutrients, essential fatty acids, arthritis

Can be used as remedy for hangover. Works great in combination with Milk thistle to detoxify the liver. It eliminates uric acid that is responsible for kidney stones and gout.

Use: all parts – fresh or cooked; older leaves are more bitter; root is bitter (collect after 2 years of life of the plant); tea, tincture (root), infused honey; leaves are high in potassium and act as diuretic; root significantly increases tumor necrosis and cell death (anticancer)

Contraindication: allergy to sap can cause dermatitis (try skin test), pregnancy (discuss with your doctor), biliary blockage