The dandelion is a well-known plant, although with a bad reputation among gardeners and market gardeners, since it grows uncontrollably in fields and gardens. In many places it is considered a weed, however, natural medicine has been using it for many years to treat different ailments.
What is dandelion tea for?
Taraxacum officinale, also known as meacamas or bitter chicory, belongs to the Asteraceae family and its leaves, flowers and roots can be eaten. The former are used to accompany salads, while the latter are used to prepare a tasty infusion with medicinal properties or even eaten after frying. However, it is its root that contains the greatest nutritional compounds. This is used in some countries to brew beer.
Before telling you what discomforts this infusion can help you relieve, you should know that dandelion is rich in polyphenols, soluble fiber, minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium, and vitamins A, B , E and K.
Diuretic properties
Natural medicine has used dandelion for centuries to prevent kidney stones and relieve urinary tract infections, due to its diuretic properties.
A study confirmed this effect, finding that those who had drunk dandelion tea during the study period urinated larger amounts than those in the control group. Although this does not prove its usefulness in the treatment of infections and kidney stones, it could indicate that it would help eliminate substances that are harmful to the body, thus relieving its symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Its anti-inflammatory action makes it a good choice for relieving minor inflammation as well as symptoms of chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatism, and other joint disorders.
Fight anemia
At the beginning of this article we told you that dandelion has iron among its nutrients. Thanks to this, and added to vitamins A, B, C and D, sodium, zinc and potassium, its consumption is recommended for those who suffer from anemia. In fact, the consumption of this infusion is usually recommended for pregnant women suffering from gestational anemia, according to data.
Improves insulin secretion
Another of its traditional uses is in the treatment of diabetes. It is believed that two of the acids present in this plant (chlorogenic and chicoric) improve insulin secretion, which is essential for the correct absorption of glucose. More studies in this regard would be necessary to test this use.
Potential anticancer effects
Although the data to date are not conclusive, some research has indicated that dandelion root extracts have anti-cancer potential. Notably, a study found that dandelion extract helped destroy colon cancer cells. However, further research is required to draw conclusions about its efficacy.
Treatment of rashes
Dandelion tea can be drunk or used as a tonic. Dandelion is also used topically to relieve skin conditions such as rashes, eczema, and even psoriasis. To do this, wet compresses with dandelion infusion are applied to the affected area.
Counteracts liver conditions
Alternative medicine experts maintain that dandelion would be useful for treating liver conditions, such as liver conditions, as well as edema and jaundice. We have not found scientific support for this property.
Relieves constipation
One of the components of dandelion is inulin, a substance with a prebiotic effect that helps relieve mild or chronic constipation.
The properties of dandelion to relieve colic are also known .
Improves symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
Due to its anti-inflammatory functions, dandelion infusion could be useful to combat the pain of premenstrual syndrome, in addition to being commonly used to reduce the inflammation of the breasts in lactating mothers. But that’s not all, popular tradition says that it could increase the amount of breast milk and regularize the period. As you can see, there are infusions that can help you during pregnancy and also afterwards.
Drinking an infusion of dandelion can be very beneficial for your health, not only to relieve ailments but also in a preventive way. To prepare it, you only have to infuse a tablespoon of dandelion (you can use the leaves, the root, the flowers or a mixture, well washed if they are fresh) for each cup of water for 5 minutes. Use boiling water to extract all the properties of the plant. Strain and sweeten with honey if you wish. To enjoy!