Some Relative Comments On Dandelions
Dandelions belong to the big sunflower family Asteraceae , along with over 10% of the worlds flowers. Blossoms are organized into an involucrate pseudanthium in the form of a head . This immediately recognizable characteristic-even from a distance-makes dandelions and their relatives the easiest, and possibly largest, family of flowering plants to identify.
The successful floral configuration surprises almost everyone indeed, a dandelion is not simply one flower, but perhaps a hundred. Each flower makes a dry-seeded fruit attached to a downy parachute, forming the fluffy white puffball every child likes to blow away into the wind .
Composite blooms are mostly two types of flowers: ray flowers and disc flowers . This exclusive asteraceous inflorescence likely ensures being the best-represented plants in any chosen backyard.
Dandelion relatives include herbs, shrubs, and some trees, food and ornamental plants such as:
ARTICHOKEYARROWZINNIA
With Kevins Lows kind permission, we will show you here his photographs of a dandelion relative that is growing wild all over the place in Malaysia:
We look forward to learning the name of this plant and if it is edible/medicinal, perhaps like chamomile tea If you know, please write us your comments! Thanks! We look forward to hearing from you!
Can You Eat Dandelions
The potential health benefits of dandelions in your diet
Dandelions pop up overnight to blemish a perfect green lawn and crowd out the petunias in your flower garden. But instead of going to war with the ubiquitous yellow weeds, you might want to welcome them into your kitchen.
Dandelions are herbs, and herbs have many health and nutritional benefits, says registered dietitian Nancy Geib, RD, LDN.
Why should you add them to your diet? Let us count the ways.
Supports Healthy Liver Function
The research literature here is extensive, with multiple, well-designed, and rigorous methodologies. A summary analysis points to the overwhelming evidence of use of dandelion in traditional and natural medicine worldwide but a lack of sufficient data from well-conducted clinical trials to justify use in treating chronic liver disease.
Its hard to dismiss not just this accumulation of research but the related history of dandelion root in medicine. It extends across millennia, continents, ailments, and treatments.
These range from Kashmir , India and 10th century Arabia , France , and Native Americans
Fun fact: the scientific Latin term of taraxacum is of Ancient Greek origin and shows that dandelion has always been seen as medicinal in its basic nature and identity: taraxos means trouble or disorder and akos remedy.
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Dandelion Tea Benefits For Fibroids
Statistics indicate that up to 80% of women develop fibroids by the time they reach fifty years of age. These are non-cancerous growths that form in or near the uterus , typically made up of muscle and fibrous tissue that vary in size. Fibroids dont often cause symptoms in most women. However, there is still a chance of experiencing heavy periods, abdominal pain, constipation and general discomfort.
Due in part to its wealth in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, Dandelion Tea might act as a treatment for fibroids. Specifically, it appears to maintain hormonal balance and reduce the oestrogen levels in blood circulation. Anecdotal evidence supports the theory, although more research is undoubtedly required for confirmation. We thus do not endorse it for such a purpose for the time being.
May Contribute To Favorable Insulin Levels By Increasing Insulin Production
Gymnemas role in insulin secretion and cell regeneration may also contribute to its blood-sugar-lowering capabilities.
Higher insulin levels mean that sugar is cleared from your blood at a faster rate.
If you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, your body tends to not make enough insulin, or your cells become less sensitive to it over time. This results in consistently high blood sugar levels.
Gymnema sylvestre may stimulate insulin production in your pancreas, promoting the regeneration of insulin-producing islet cells. This can help lower your blood sugar levels .
Many traditional drugs help increase insulin secretion and sensitivity. However, herbal therapies are gaining momentum in drug development.
Interestingly, metformin, the first anti-diabetic drug, was an herbal formulation isolated from Galega officinalis .
Summary
Gymnema sylvestre appears to contribute to favorable insulin levels by increasing insulin production and regenerating insulin-secreting islet cells. Both can help lower blood sugar levels.
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But Does It Taste Good
If you’ve ever bought dandelion leaves at your local health store and attempted to put them in a salad, you’re aware of their incredibly bitter and spicy flavor. Americans are not partial to this taste, since bitter and pungent foods are not commonly found in our diets.
While I knew I wanted to make the shift from my delicious warm cup of coffee in the morning to this superfood tea, would I have to sacrifice taste? Upon trying my first cup of dandelion tea, I recoiled. The taste was pungent and earthy, and I may or may not have had to plug my nose to finish the rest of the cup. But I was not a quitter! After several weeks of trying the tea, I realized that I wasn’t applying the same creativity to my tea that I had to my sacred morning coffee. I was not a black coffee kind of girl and always rotated a mix of ingredients like coconut butter, ghee, cinnamon, and homemade nut milks to my morning coffee. And I also realized that I had to try many coffee brands until I found a blend that I liked. Thus, I realized I needed to step up my morning tea game.
After much trial and error, I found several brands that have created rich and flavorful blends to satisfy my relatively simple American palate. My favorite is The Republic of Tea’s Dandelion Blend, which is spiked with French vanilla. I love adding a steamed cup of homemade vanilla walnut milk and monk fruit for a very sweet morning experience.
May Boost Your Immune System
Some research indicates that dandelion may have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which could support your bodys ability to fight infection.
Several test-tube studies found that dandelion extract significantly reduced the ability of viruses to replicate (
26 ).
Ultimately, more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions about dandelions ability to fight viral and bacterial infection in humans.
Summary
Early research indicates that dandelion have antiviral and antimicrobial properties, though clear applications for medicinal use have yet to be determined.
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It Removes Toxins From The Blood
One of the most common uses for burdock root has been to purify the blood.
Recent evidence has found that burdock root contains active ingredients in its root system that can remove toxins from the bloodstream.
Research also found that burdock root effectively detoxified blood and promoted increased circulation in the surface of the skin .
Growing Dandelions For Tea
Our ancestors knew a thing or two about natural health andhow to use natures bounty to heal all manner of ailments. Dandelion herbal teawas a constant in many homes and all parts of the plant are edible. It has somepotential to benefit cancer patients, improves liver health, and containsnumerous nutrients and antioxidant properties. Plus, its free and tasty.
If you arent worried about the plants taking over, growyour own dandelions. The easiest way is to let some of the flowers comeinto seed and take them off the plant. Sprinkle seeds in the selected area anddust over with some soil.
Another way of growing dandelions for tea is to only harvest a part of the root. Any leftover root in the soil will re-sprout and produce a new plant very quickly. This is a maddening trait of the weed for gardeners who do not desire the plant but makes it easy for those of us who have had a taste of homemade dandelion tea and want a ready supply.
Dont use chemicals in any area in which you will beharvesting.
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How To Harvest Dandelions For Tea
Since all parts of the plant are edible, you first need to harvest plant material. Harvest from an area that is pesticide and herbicide-free. The leaves and flowers make a delicate, lightly flavored tea, while the roots have a more potent taste. You can use leaves as a tea or fresh in salads to add a punch of Vitamin C.
The flowers need to be harvested when the petals are fresh and brightly yellow. Flowers are also tasty dipped in batter and deep-fried. Roots should be harvested in the fall and gently coaxed out of the soil. Wash any harvested plant parts carefully before proceeding to process them for dandelion herbal tea.
Are Any Of These Benefits Proven
Although there is anecdotal evidence and some preliminary studies, dandelion tea has not been proven to cure or treat any of the above-listed conditions as more human studies are needed. However, dandelion tea is a low-risk beverage with many potential benefits. If you are interested in trying dandelion tea, please consult with your healthcare provider first to ensure it is right for you.
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Using Dandelion Tea For Health
Dandelion tea benefits cross into the realms of cosmetic and internal medicine. As an astringent, it can help with acne and other issues with the skin. Used on the hair it reduces dandruff and brings the shine back to your tresses. Taken internally, healthy dandelion tea is touted as a detox, which is beneficial to the liver and kidneys. The tea can also help prevent cell damage and fight diabetes. Most astoundingly, a study conducted in 2011 found the plant had the ability to fight certain cancers.
How To Pick And Use Dandelion Flowers
If you pick your own dandelions, make sure to avoid areas where weed-killer may have been sprayed. You dont want to consume the nasty chemicals found in weed-killer!
Try to pick from an area thats free from pollution, too. You want to look for the younger and tender plants because theyre less bitter.
You can also find bunches of dandelion plants in your local health store.
If you plan on using the roots, dig down deep and pull up the entire mass sometimes its attached to several stems. Clean it with water until all of the dirt is removed.
You can use the raw root to make dandelion root tea or use roasted dandelion root to make coffee.
Once youre ready to eat your dandelions, make sure to wash them thoroughly. They can be stored in the refrigerator for a week sometimes wrapping the greens in a damp paper towel keeps them fresh longer.
Dandelion greens can be sautéed, boiled and eaten raw. You can also make your own dandelion tea, which is a healthy alternative to coffee.
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Lowers Risk Of Cancer
There have been a whole host of studies recently delving into how natural remedies can help in the fight against cancer or when it comes to reducing the risks of developing cancer. Tea has played a major role in this and dandelion tea is also making that list. A recent study looked at the effects dandelion root was having on melanoma cells in humans. It found that the dandelion was inducing the death of skin cancer cells. Of course, its early days and this trial didnt include humans but it makes for intriguing reading for sure.
Should You Detox With Dandelion Tea
There is nothing more cleansing than a dandelion detox tea, especially when youre feeling tired or bloated. But should you jump on board the bandwagon?
As mentioned, dandelion root tea is a great way to detoxify the liver, because the special compounds in the root help cleanse it by increasing bile production and improving overall digestion.
But to understand why you should detox with dandelion tea, its necessary to appreciate the importance of the liver. The liver is by far one of the most essential organs in the body due to its role in body metabolism and digestion. Its the largest internal organ in the body, and its responsible for hundreds of chemical reactions that help you survive, including cleaning your blood, manufacturing cholesterol and triglycerides, producing bile, and storing energy in the form of glycogen. The liver also stores some of the nutrients found in dandelion root, including folate, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin K.
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Dandelion Tea Cancer Study And Research
The jury is still out as to whether Dandelion Tea kills cancer cells or, indeed, has any effect on cancer. Internet outlets have previously touted correlations between Dandelion Tea and chemotherapy, without providing any evidence. Proof has since surfaced. However, even that remains in its preliminary stages, and, as a result, we must stress that we dont recommend it until science digs a little deeper.
Multiple studies have explored the possibility of it treating melanoma, leukaemia and pancreatic cancer, some projects of which appeared promising. The belief is that the extract coaxes the cancer cells to self-destruct, thus slowing the diseases overall cellular growth. Additionally, in 2016, a Dandelion Tea cancer study published in Oncotarget established more of its anti-cancer potential.
May Promote A Healthy Liver
Animal studies have found that dandelion have a protective effect on liver tissue in the presence of toxic substances and stress.
One study revealed significant protection of liver tissue in mice exposed to toxic levels of acetaminophen . Researchers attributed this finding to dandelions antioxidant content .
Other animal studies have shown that dandelion extract may reduce levels of excess fat stored in the liver and protect against oxidative stress in liver tissue .
However, the same results should not be expected in humans due to differences in human and animal metabolism.
Further research is needed to determine how dandelion impact liver health in humans.
Summary
Animal studies have shown that dandelion protect liver tissue from toxic substances and oxidative stress, but more research is needed to determine their effect on liver health in humans.
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Dandelion Tea Can Obliterate Cancer Cells
Those bright yellow weeds blooming all over suburban lawns each spring may soon be known as more than just a springtime nuisance. A proposed clinical study will look at the potential cancer-killing properties of dandelion root extract in hopes of mirroring the promising results already seen in lab studies. Dr. Siyaram Pandey, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, University of Windsor, and principal research investigator on the project, is recruiting 30 cancer patients to take part in the study, which will take place at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre. The clinical trial follows lab studies in which dandelion tea, containing dandelion root extract, showed promise in the fight against cancer.
The benefits of dandelion tea revealed
Dandelion tea has been prized for years by proponents of natural and alternative health remedies for a number of reasons. It has been shown to enhance detoxification, by stimulating urination and replacing the potassium lost in the process. Even more noteworthy, dandelion tea is widely known as a potent disease-fighter, credited with boosting the bodys immune system and helping the body to heal, while combating heart disease, combating cancer and reducing the effects of aging.
Scientific studies highlight the power dandelion tea
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Dandelion Tea For Uti
A urinary tract infection is an infection that affects your bladder, kidneys or the tubes connected to them. It is often easily recognisable by a sudden need to pee and pain or a burning sensation while urinating. The most common treatments are painkillers, drinking plenty of fluids, and, if the issue persists, visiting a GP who may prescribe antibiotics. Another option is Dandelion Tea for a UTI.
An admittedly relatively old study from 1993 discovered that supplemental use of Uva Ursi with Dandelion Tea reduced UTI recurrence compared with a placebo. The fifty-seven women involved might have had fewer occurrences of the infection due to the Teas anti-inflammatory properties. We remain hopeful that more modern evidence can soon offer clearer proof.
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What Are The Most Common Forms To Take Dandelion
All forms except for the roots of dandelions can be eaten raw or cooked and can be added to salads or used as a garnish among other uses. Dandelion leaves and flowers can also be brewed into a tea while roasted dandelion root can be ground to make a tea or as a coffee substitute. Dandelion supplements are also available in capsule, tincture, or extract forms including dandelion extract, dandelion leaf extract, and dandelion root extract.
Does It Have Health Benefits
As a vegetable, dandelion greens are rich in many vitamins and minerals, as discussed by an article published in the summer-fall 2016 issue of the_ Review of Diabetic Studies_. Dandelion greens have vitamins A, B, C, D and E, as well as minerals such as iron, magnesium, sodium, calcium, silicon, copper, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium.
Dandelion greens also contain properties called chlorogenic acid , chicory acid , taraxasterol and sesquiterpene lactones , all of which may aid in regulating diabetes.
As an herbal tea, dandelion is praised for many benefits, most commonly as a diuretic and for digestive problems, according the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. The problem is that many of the traditional claims about dandelion tea for stomach pain and other ailments is that little of it is backed up by science.
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center cites that dandelion has anticancer properties in cancer cells, though these properties have not been tested in humans. Additionally, dandelion has been hailed for its ability to lower blood sugar or promote lactation, but neither of these claims are scientifically evaluated either. The center notes that laboratory studies have, however, shown dandelion to be able to kill bacteria and other microbes.
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