What is Dandelion? Healing with Dandelion

The root of Dandelion has been shown to help stimulate bile flow and prevent gallstones. In some countries, doctors prescribe it for gallstone disease. Dandelion wine has been shown to help with gallstones. Dandelion root can also act as an appetite stimulant. For some, Dandelions are known as the detox flower because it flushes out the liver, kidneys and gallbladder. Because it's so effective at improving liver health, Dandelion is sometimes used to treat jaundice. The root also can be used to improve upset stomach, constipation and flatulance.

Dandelion leaves are a known diuretic (meaning they make you pee). As a diuretic, it can help with many health issues. It can lessen the symptoms of PMS. It can help lower blood pressure. Dandelions can even help aid in the treatment of congestive heart failure. It can also be used for short term weight loss (due to water weight), but using it as a diuretic for a long period of time isn't recommended.

Normally a diuretic causes potassium levels to drop because it flushes the potassium out with the urine. But due to Dandelions extremely high level of potassium, it's able to keep potassium levels in the normal range.

Dandelions anti-inflammatory properties have been proven to aid in the treatment of arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout. Some consider Dandelion to be a cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Dandelion infused oil massaged onto skin can be used to soothe sore muscles and decrease joint pain.

Dandelions are great for certain skin conditions. It's antiviral properties help clear acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Using an astringent or cleanser made with Dandelion root extract can help improve skins texture by toning the blood vessels in the skin. The milk in dandelions can be applied directly to bug bites and spider bites to speed up healing. Studies show that Dandelions are able to inhibit the growth of certain fungi, namely, the fungus responsible for yeast infections. Adding Dandelion flowers to your bath water can help clear up a vaginal yeast infection. Using a compress soaked in a Dandelion root decoction can help relieve the pain of mastitis.

Dandelions helps reduce the amount of sugar in the blood by stimulating the production of insulin in the pancreas. As a result, it may be helpful in managing diabetes. It's diuretic properties also help since more sugar is flushed out with the urine. Many people eat Dandelion greens as part of their everyday diet to help maintain their health.

Dandelions are very tasty in an herbal recipe. Tea made out of the root of Dandelion has a taste very similar to coffee. Dandelion wine, when made correctly, has a delicate sweet taste.

Of course, not all herbal recipes are made to ingest. In addition to the healing Dandelion drink recipes, I've also included a recipe for Dandelion oil.