Dandelion root: medicinal properties and contraindications, recipes for decoctions, infusions, reviews

Dandelion root is one of the most useful and effective remedies in folk medicine. Do home recipes advise using the root for dozens of diseases? It is interesting to take a closer look at medicinal raw materials and learn about their properties.

The value and chemical composition of dandelion root

To evaluate the benefits of the roots, you need to familiarize yourself with their composition. The following elements are present in medicinal raw materials:

  • vitamin A;
  • vitamins B1 and B2;
  • vitamins E, K and PP;
  • ascorbic acid;
  • mucus and bitterness;
  • fructose;
  • sterols;
  • saponins and tannins;
  • flavonoids;
  • linoleic, oleic and lemon balm acids;
  • essential oils and wax;
  • rubber;
  • iron, calcium and potassium;
  • phosphorus.

Of particular value in dandelion roots is the substance inulin, which acts as a natural prebiotic.

From the point of view of nutritional value, the composition of the raw material is represented mainly by carbohydrates, 9.2 g of which are present in the root. Proteins account for 2.7 g, and fats occupy only 0.7 g of the total volume. The calorie content of medicinal raw materials is extremely low - only 45 kcal per 100 g of product.

What does dandelion root help with?

Due to their rich chemical composition, plant roots and products based on them help with many diseases. Raw materials are used for treatment:

  • hepatitis and cholecystitis;
  • pancreatitis and diabetes;
  • anemia and anemia;
  • bowel dysfunction - constipation and diarrhea;
  • tuberculosis and colds;
  • fever;
  • arthritis, osteoporosis, arthrosis and other joint ailments;
  • gout

Dandelion root helps cope with fungal infections and bacterial diseases, and counteracts viruses. Eating the roots is useful for disorders of the nervous system, and the medicinal raw material also has anti-cancer properties and protects the body from the development of tumors.

What are the benefits of dandelion root for the body?

Useful raw materials have many valuable properties. Among them, we can especially highlight the fact that dandelion root:

  • cleanses the blood and significantly improves the functioning of the vascular system;
  • has a bactericidal effect and helps the body fight inflammation and viruses;
  • has diaphoretic, diuretic and antipyretic effects;
  • promotes the outflow of bile;
  • has an antispasmodic and analgesic effect;
  • acts as a natural sedative;
  • replenishes the lack of vitamins in the body;
  • strengthens the cardiac system and has an antisclerotic effect.

Taking the medicinal root is useful as a laxative. In addition, dandelion, in principle, normalizes the functioning of the stomach and intestines and relieves any unpleasant symptoms in the digestive organs.

Benefits of dandelion root for men

The cleansing and strengthening properties of the root have a very beneficial effect on the male body. First of all, dandelion protects men from the development of early heart attacks and strokes, lowers cholesterol and helps restore and strengthen the liver. It should also be noted the positive effect of medicinal raw materials on the reproductive system; dandelion roots improve potency and restore healthy libido.

Benefits of dandelion root for women

The benefits of dandelion root for the female body are very diverse. Products based on medicinal raw materials help with cystitis and genital infections, as they relieve inflammation and soothe pain. Eating dandelion is useful for the prevention and treatment of breast tumors.

Also, the beneficial properties of dandelion root are very much in demand during menopause. The root not only balances hormonal levels and improves well-being, but also strengthens the skeletal system and ligaments; during menopause, women become especially susceptible to joint ailments.It is useful for women to consume dandelion root during heavy periods; dandelion reduces unpleasant symptoms and helps restore vigor.

Is it possible to take dandelion root during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

During pregnancy, dandelion root is allowed for use. It can bring considerable benefits to a woman’s body, for example, prevent constipation and improve digestive processes, eliminate symptoms of toxicosis and relieve swelling. The beneficial substances in the plant help avoid the onset of vitamin deficiency and anemia during pregnancy.

However, pregnant women need to remember to be careful. Like many herbal remedies, dandelion root will only provide benefits in small dosages. It is recommended to use it only when really necessary.

As for the lactation period, medicinal raw materials can provide great benefits; root-based products enhance the production of breast milk. At the same time, we must not forget about a possible allergic reaction in the baby; you need to use the roots very carefully, carefully monitoring the baby’s well-being.

Can dandelion root be used for children?

The beneficial root is approved for children's use; it can provide significant assistance for colds, reduced immunity and digestive disorders. But you can only offer dandelion to a child after 5 years of age; at an early age, the risk of developing an allergic reaction is too great.

Attention! The beneficial dandelion root has strict contraindications. To prevent medicinal raw materials from harming the child, you should consult a pediatrician before the first use.

Use of dandelion root in folk medicine

Dandelion root helps with illnesses, and home medicine uses it for a wide range of different ailments. Many healing remedies are prepared based on dandelion root, among which are:

  • decoction - it is beneficial for tuberculosis, gastritis and constipation;
  • alcohol tincture - it helps with skin ailments and inflammation of the genital area;
  • infusion - it is used to stimulate appetite and to treat diseases of the stomach and liver, to strengthen and cleanse blood vessels, and to improve heart health.

Infusions and decoctions based on the beneficial root are used not only internally, but also externally - for lotions and compresses for eye diseases and skin ailments, for burns and frostbite.

A homemade healing ointment is made from the powder prepared from the root; it also has benefits in that it helps heal eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and accelerates the healing of cuts and other injuries. Juice obtained from fresh dandelion roots is used to lubricate insect bites; the benefit is that the substances in the medicine relieve itching, burning and swelling.

Advice! You can make tea or coffee from the roots of the plant; they will have an invigorating effect, but will not cause harm to health. For brewing tea, ordinary dried roots of the plant are suitable, and for making coffee, the roots must first be lightly fried.

How to brew dandelion roots correctly

Recipes for decoctions and infusions of dandelion root may differ, but there is a classic algorithm for preparing a healing drink. According to the basic recipe, you need to prepare dandelion roots like this:

  • measure 1 large spoon of chopped roots;
  • pour a glass of boiling water over them and boil for a minute;
  • leave covered for an hour.

The finished product is filtered and then consumed half a glass twice a day. A decoction of the roots brings the greatest benefit if taken on an empty stomach, no later than half an hour before eating.

How to drink dandelion root

The beneficial properties and contraindications of dandelion root are used to treat acute and chronic ailments. Traditional medicine offers proven recipes based on this simple but effective medicinal raw material.

For diseases of the genitourinary system

The anti-inflammatory properties of the root are of great benefit for cystitis, urethritis and other genitourinary ailments in men and women. The raw materials are used as follows:

  • dandelion roots are crushed;
  • 10 g of raw material is poured into a liter of water;
  • Boil the root for 10 minutes, and then leave for another hour.

Mix the finished product with 3 small spoons of honey and drink a glass three times a day, preferably warm.

Dandelion root also helps with ovarian cysts, the recipe looks like this:

  • a small spoon of crushed roots should be poured with a glass of hot water;
  • leave for 15 minutes covered;
  • strain before use.

Take dandelion root twice a day on an empty stomach in a few sips. You should drink the infusion for 5 days before each period, then dandelion root will have the desired effect.

For prostate adenoma

Dandelion roots provide benefits and relief for prostate adenoma in men. The remedy is prepared as follows:

  • mix dandelion and mint in equal proportions - 1 small spoon each;
  • add 3 small spoons of fireweed and 2 spoons of chopped meadowsweet leaf;
  • Pour boiling water over the healing mixture and leave for half an hour.

The finished product is filtered and drunk half a glass twice a day. The drink can be consumed not only for treatment, but also for preventive purposes.

For pancreatitis and cholecystitis

Dandelion root is one of the few remedies approved for use in the treatment of pancreatitis and cholecystitis. The medicinal drink is prepared as follows:

  • the root is crushed in the amount of 1 tbsp. and pour into an enamel container;
  • pour 200 ml of water and boil for 10 minutes;
  • remove from heat and leave for another 10 minutes under the lid, then filter.

You need to take half a glass three times a day. If consumed correctly, the decoction will be beneficial and can improve pancreatic secretion and bile secretion.

For the stomach

Dandelion root has a good effect on poor appetite, low stomach acidity and sluggish digestion. It is recommended to use the following infusion:

  • 2 small spoons of crushed root should be poured with a glass of hot water;
  • leave for 8 hours covered;
  • strain the infusion through tightly folded gauze.

You need to drink the product on an empty stomach, 1/4 cup three times a day. Dandelion will have a laxative effect and improve the secretion of gastric juice, return appetite to normal and promote the rapid absorption of nutrients from food.

For gallstones

For small gallstones, dandelion root may also be beneficial. You need to prepare the following:

  • Pour 1 small spoon of chopped roots into a glass of water;
  • boil and cook for 20 minutes;
  • strain and cool slightly.

When warm, drink 50 ml of the decoction twice or thrice a day on an empty stomach.

Important! For large stones in the gallbladder and ducts, the drug can only be used in consultation with a doctor, otherwise the movement of stones can lead to severe pain.

For gastritis

Reviews of treatment with dandelion root indicate that the raw material is good for gastritis with reduced secretion of gastric juice. You need to prepare the following:

  • pour 1 small spoon of crushed roots with a glass of boiling water;
  • leave covered for an hour;
  • strain through folded cheesecloth.

Drink the infusion 1 large spoon three times a day, on an empty stomach.

For diabetes

Dandelion root can lower blood glucose levels, so it is highly recommended for use in diabetes. The following remedy is beneficial:

  • 1 small spoon of ground roots is poured into a glass of boiling water;
  • leave for 20 minutes closed under the lid;
  • filter.

You need to take 2 large spoons on an empty stomach, shortly before eating, three times a day.

For arthrosis

For arthrosis and other joint ailments, homemade ointment made from dandelion root is used. To prepare it, crushed raw materials are mixed with an equal amount of butter and left for 2-3 days, and then a small amount of ointment is lubricated on the sore joints.

For hemorrhoids

The benefits and beneficial effects of dandelion root on blood circulation and blood vessels allow you to get rid of hemorrhoids. The following remedy is used in treatment:

  • 2 teaspoons of powder are poured into a glass of cold water;
  • leave for 8 hours;
  • strain the finished drink.

You need to drink the cold infusion 4 times a day in a volume of 1/4 cup until improvement occurs.

For melanoma

Traditional medicine considers dandelion root an effective anti-cancer agent.If you regularly consume a pinch of crushed root diluted in a glass of water on an empty stomach, this will have a good preventive and therapeutic effect. But of course, for melanoma, the folk remedy must be combined with official medications.

For cholesterol

Dandelion root is beneficial for the liver. If you consume only 2 g of crushed raw materials every day, washing down the powder with a glass of water, then cholesterol levels will quickly decrease, and the liver will be cleansed of toxins and restore all its functions.

Application in cosmetology

Dandelion root treats not only internal ailments, but also external defects. Using products based on natural raw materials, you can cleanse the skin and improve its elasticity, strengthen the hair and make it silkier.

For acne

Since dandelion roots effectively fight inflammation, they can be used to cleanse the skin of acne. Usually such a decoction is prepared - a spoonful of roots, ground into powder, poured with water and boiled for about half an hour, then cooled and filtered. Wipe your face with a cotton pad soaked in the broth twice a day - morning and evening.

If you carry out the procedure on a daily basis, the acne will quickly decrease, and the skin will also acquire a lighter shade.

For hair

The vitamins and minerals contained in the roots nourish and strengthen the hair follicles. Therefore, it is very useful to rinse your hair with a regular decoction of dandelion roots after each wash.

The decoction can be used in its pure form, or can be combined with decoctions of nettle, burdock or oats. With regular use, dandelion will quickly bring benefits, hair will acquire a beautiful shine and become more manageable, and hair loss will stop.

Benefits of dandelion root for weight loss

The benefits of dandelion roots are that they speed up metabolism and promote faster absorption of food. In addition, plant materials have a mild laxative effect, so reviews of dandelion root for weight loss are mostly positive.

On a diet, you can use the following drink based on healthy roots:

  • pour a large spoonful of ground roots into 250 ml of boiling water;
  • Boil the raw materials in a water bath for 25 minutes;
  • then cover the container with a lid and leave for another hour.

You need to drink half a glass of the decoction three times a day on an empty stomach. Dandelion is beneficial because it has a diuretic, laxative and cleansing effect. The roots of the plant quickly remove toxins from the intestines and free the tissues from excess fluid. This is what guarantees rapid weight loss.

Restrictions and contraindications

The benefits and harms of dandelion root are determined, among other things, by the individual condition of the body. Contraindications for natural raw materials are:

  • increased level of stomach acidity;
  • peptic ulcer in a state of exacerbation;
  • large stones in the gallbladder or ducts;
  • children under 5 years of age;
  • the presence of an individual allergy to dandelions or any components in the roots.

The use of dandelion root and its contraindications also depend on the proportions and dosages indicated in the recipes. Excessive consumption of raw materials can lead to the development of allergic reactions, diarrhea and nausea.

Conclusion

Dandelion root is a very common, affordable and extremely effective medicine.In the absence of contraindications, drinks and decoctions based on dandelion roots can improve a person’s well-being and appearance.

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