Uses Of Dandelion
The bitter
compounds in Dandelion leaves and root help stimulate digestion
and are mild laxatives. They also increase bile production in
the gall bladder and bile flow from the
liver.
This
makes Dandelion a great tonic for people with sluggish liver
function due to alcohol abuse or poor diet. The increase in
bile flow can help improve fat (including cholesterol)
metabolism in the body.
The whole plant is valuable as
a general tonic. It may be taken as an infusion of the
leaf, a juice extraction, a root decoction, a fluid
extract or a tincture. Fresh leaves may be added to
salads. The juice extraction is the most potent for
medicinal purposes.
Dandelion has reportedly been
used to eradicate warts and to soothe calluses, bee
stings, or sores.
Many
herbalists view the Dandelion
as an effective
treatment for liver disease, even in extreme cases such
as cirrhosis. It can also benefit the pancreas, kidneys,
stomach, and spleen. The dried leaf, taken as a tea, is
used as a mild laxative to relieve
constipation.
Dandelion
leaf is a good natural source of potassium, and will replenish
any potassium that may be lost
due to the
herb's diuretic
action on the kidneys. This means Dandelion is a safe
diuretic in cases of water retention due to heart
problems.
The herb is useful in cases of
anaemia and hepatitis, and may help to lower high blood
pressure. Dandelion may also provide relief for
rheumatism and arthritis.
Dandelion
therapy, consisting of
therapeutic doses of dandelion preparations taken over
time, may help reduce stiffness and increase mobility in
situations of chronic degenerative joint
disease.
Dandelion as a Diuretic - for the Kidneys
Most women experience
pre-menstrual water retention. The familiar symptoms of weight
gain, bloating, breast tenderness, and irritability can make
the week prior to menstruation miserable.
A Diuretic helps the body with
the elimination of urine. Synthetic diuretics flush
important minerals such as potassium from the body.
Potassium, together with sodium, helps to regulate muscle
and nerve function. The loss of these minerals (called
electrolytes) can cause dangerous muscle weakness and
loss of co-ordination, and even heart rhythm
disturbances. Dandelions are remarkable sources of
natural potassium, and offer all the advantages of a
balanced diuretic in natural form.
There are many other herbs for
women to help monthly
periods as
well as to help menopause
symptoms.
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