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Since ancient times, dandelion has been widely used in folk medicine. The main feature of the plant is its unpretentiousness. A lot of useful products are prepared based on dandelion, from decoctions to oil mixtures and tinctures. Making dandelion oil at home is not that difficult. It is enough to follow the algorithm of actions.
What are the benefits of dandelion oil?
Dandelion is a perennial plant with elongated leaves and bright yellow flowers. In mid-summer, the flower basket transforms into a cap of ripened seeds. With strong gusts of wind, the seeds scatter, giving rise to new plants. The length of the plant varies from 10 to 30 cm. The flowering period begins in late spring and ends with the onset of autumn.
Dandelion has a rich chemical composition. This allows it to be used for the manufacture of traditional medicine. The beneficial properties of the plant are especially valued in alternative medicine.Due to its high benefits, the plant is harvested for future use in large quantities. To prepare useful compositions, both root and above-ground parts are used. The plant not only has general strengthening properties, but also saves from serious diseases. The composition contains the following substances:
- sterols;
- amino acids;
- flavonoids;
- ascorbic acid;
- phytoncides;
- macroelements (iron, phosphorus, boron, cobalt, manganese, calcium);
- tannins;
- carotenoids;
- glycosides.
Due to its composition, the oil medicine is famous for its beneficial properties. It is used in the fight against colds, depressive disorders and pathologies of the digestive system. Preparing a healthy product does not require significant financial investments. At the same time, the oil mixture is not inferior in effectiveness to biological additives and some medications. The benefits of dandelion oil include the following properties:
- antiviral;
- laxative;
- expectorant;
- anthelmintic;
- diuretic.
How to make dandelion oil
The particular benefits of dandelion oil are noted in cosmetology and pharmaceuticals. It is used to treat burns and rub sore joints. In some cases, it is taken orally. The taste characteristics of the medicine include slight bitterness. Dandelion flower oil is infused for several weeks.
To make the benefits more pronounced, it is better to collect the plant on sunny days. The inflorescences are first inspected for damage and then cut off. Carefully selected flowers are dried and then infused with olive or sunflower oil. Drying is carried out in direct sunlight.It is advisable to spread the raw materials on a paper towel or natural fabric.
To extend the shelf life and preserve the benefits, vitamin E is added to the oil mixture. Using apricot kernel or flaxseed oil as a base is highly not recommended. In this case, the product will go rancid ahead of time. There are several ways to prepare a healthy product. The main ingredient can be both leaves and flowers of dandelion.
In a water bath
The properties of dandelion oil do not change depending on the preparation method. The fastest way for the oil to reach readiness is in a water bath. To obtain 250 ml of useful product you will need the following ingredients:
- 250 ml sunflower or olive oil;
- 100 g dandelion flowers.
Cooking algorithm:
- Flowers are cleaned under running water from dirt and insects.
- They are placed in a small glass container and filled with oil.
- Place a jar of dandelions in an enamel pan and fill it with water. The diameter of the pan should be wider than the glass container.
- The remedy is simmered in a water bath for 1 hour.
- After removing from the heat and cooling, the resulting liquid is filtered and poured into a dark bottle.
Dandelion infusion in oil
Dandelion medicine can be prepared in another way. The benefits and composition of the finished product will not change. The infusion-based dandelion oil recipe involves the use of the following components:
- 100 g dried dandelion roots;
- 400 ml sunflower oil.
Cooking process:
- Dandelion roots, crushed in any way, are poured with oil and put in a dark place.
- The duration of infusion is 2 weeks.
- Before use, the oil mixture is filtered.
For ease of use, it is advisable to store dandelion oil in small, dark bottles. It is important to sign the date of their manufacture. This will allow you to monitor the quality of the useful product. Supplies are stored in a cool, dark place.
From frozen flowers
The benefits and harms of dandelion oil prepared from frozen flowers are determined on an individual basis. The product is used to treat diseases of the digestive system and liver. This oil is often used for dressing vegetable salads. The cooking principle is the same as for classic butter. The only difference is that frozen inflorescences are used as the main component. The main advantage of the recipe is that it can be prepared at any time of the year. But collecting and freezing plants should only be done in summer.
The beneficial properties of the product are not lost when frozen. The plant is thoroughly washed and dried. Only after this is it packaged in plastic bags and placed in the freezer. The inflorescences must be separated from the root part in advance.
Use of dandelion oil in folk medicine
Knowing the properties and method of using dandelion oil, you can get the maximum benefit from it. In most cases it is used for topical application. The product is often used as an emergency treatment for burns and various injuries to the skin surface.The regenerative, beneficial properties of dandelion oil make it possible to use it when it is necessary to reduce the likelihood of scar formation. In folk medicine, the use of dandelion oil is most often practiced in the fight against the following ailments:
- cholecystitis;
- skin diseases;
- metabolic disorders;
- hypertonic disease;
- thyroid diseases;
- gallbladder pathology;
- toxic poisoning;
- excess weight;
- abnormalities in the urinary system;
- diseases of the reproductive system.
Dandelion-based products are often used for general strengthening of the body. Their benefits are comparable to the effect of vitamin complexes. But it is important to remember that any alternative treatment must be used in limited quantities. If side effects occur, you must stop treatment.
How to use dandelion oil
Dandelion oil is considered a healer for many ailments. To get the maximum benefit from it, you must follow the instructions for using the product. The oil is taken internally after diluting it in clean water or tea. For 1 tbsp. drink will require 1 tsp. oils Oral administration is indicated for diseases of the digestive system and toxic poisoning. The duration of treatment is determined by the nature of the disease. Before starting a treatment course, it is advisable to consult a specialist.
For skin ailments, dandelion oil is applied directly to the problem area 1-2 times a day.No less pronounced benefits are observed when using the medicinal product for making applications. For headaches, sprains and joint pain, the oil is used for local rubbing. For colds and coughs, experts recommend rubbing the remedy into the chest area with massaging movements.
Restrictions and contraindications
Dandelion oil, reviews of which are mostly positive, has a number of contraindications. If you do not take them into account, undesirable consequences are possible. Existing symptoms may intensify and general well-being may worsen. In this case, the beneficial properties of the product are neutralized. It is strictly prohibited to use it in the following cases:
- poor patency of the bile ducts;
- individual intolerance to the constituent components;
- pregnancy;
- diarrhea;
- age up to 7 years;
- gastritis and peptic ulcer.
During the lactation period, women should use the oil mixture with caution. It promotes increased production of breast milk. It is also not recommended to exceed the prescribed dosage. In this case, nausea, headache and stool upset may occur. If it is necessary to combine a beneficial product with medications, you should consult a specialist.
Conclusion
Dandelion oil should be used with caution at home. Only in this case the beneficial properties of the product will be fully revealed. If it is impossible to make a medicinal product yourself, doctors advise buying ready-made dietary supplements with dandelion extract at the pharmacy.
