You know those smallish yellow blossoms that many people consider weed? Well, that’s dandelion and you can make wonders with it. While dandelion health and skin benefits may be a bit mysterious still, the plant is very beneficial. Even though it has been thoroughly neglected, have a look at all the positive effects dandelion can have on our skin and overall health.
Dandelion love story
We used to eat dandelion leaves. I thought that was a bit weird when I was little since we’d just go out and forage dandelion leaves. They were very bitter yet ridiculously tasty, made with hot potatoes in a salad.
Years went by and I forgot about dandelion, to be honest until recently I realized again how beneficial this plant actually is. Supposedly it prevents the aging and it has been a popular natural remedy for a long time.
The common dandelion or Taraxacum officinale can be found in Europe, North America, and Asia. The leaves are edible, other parts of plants (roots, blossoms) are used to make various healing salves and other homemade medicine.
Dandelion as a source of nutrition
The leaves and roots of dandelion are a rich source of minerals and vitamins; they supposedly contain higher levels of vitamin A than carrots!
If you’ve ever tried dandelion, you know that it’s bitter, but it’s this bitterness that makes a dandelion diuretic. Traditionally it was used to treat kidney disorders and cellulite, but there are many more dandelion health and skin benefits.
- Rich in vitamin K and a good source of vitamin C. Dandelion also contains vitamin B6
- Contains minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium
- Loaded with antioxidants
Due to the high antioxidant content, dandelion is one of those natural and organic ingredients that protect our bodies from the free radical damage. The free radicals cause premature aging, skin and cell damage.
Dandelion is a good source of vitamin A, which is an antioxidant. It takes care of the healthy skin, good eyesight, and brain function. Apart from that, vitamin A is also responsible for the immune support.
- A good source of flavonoids
- Rich in fiber
Foods that are rich in fiber are very beneficial for the digestion. They prevent irritable bowel syndrome, heart disease, and even kidney stones. There has even been some evidence that women with PMS may feel the symptoms ease with high-fiber diets.
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Dandelion health benefits
With its anti-inflammatory properties, dandelion health and skin benefits are surprisingly diverse and numerous. This tiny weed has been used in herbal medicine to treat liver disorders, cellulite, and used as food. Because dandelion is a diuretic, it helps to detoxify your body, especially the liver, and it also boosts the immune system.
Lowers cholesterol levels
By lowering the levels bad cholesterol, dandelion has been proven to improve and increase the levels of HDL, the good cholesterol.
A natural liver cleanse
Dandelion has been a popular remedy for many liver disorders. While the liver is an extremely important organ in our bodies, it’s equally important to keep it healthy so that it works properly. With its beneficial compounds, dandelion helps us cleanse the liver.
Beneficial for kidneys
Being a diuretic, dandelion helps to remove the toxins from the kidney as well. It can be used to treat kidney disorders and promotes frequent urination. With its disinfectant properties, dandelion prevents any urinary tract infections and prevent the growth of bacteria.
By increasing the urination, dandelion also helps to lower the blood pressure. At the same time, the fiber reduces cholesterol levels.
Dandelion for brain health
Due to the vitamin K, dandelion naturally boosts the health of our brain.
Boosts bone health
Dandelion is very beneficial when it comes to bone health because of its high vitamin C levels. Apart from that, the vitamin K is equally beneficial for our bones; it helps to maintain strong bones and reduce bone fractures. Moreover, vitamin K is primarily known for its blood-clotting properties.
Dandelion as a beauty product
Dandelion skin benefits
With its many properties and nutritional value, dandelion is also very beneficial for the skin. Due to a high antioxidant content, it protects our skin from the free radicals. Moreover, if you’re looking for a natural remedy for skin conditions, dandelion is here for you. It can nourish and soothe the skin, while it minimizes the signs of aging at the same time.
Natural acne remedy
While acne can be caused by a number of various reasons, the dandelion is a natural cleanser and antioxidant that is a useful natural remedy for acne. The juice regulates the hormones, boosts the elimination of toxins from the body. the vitamin C speeds up the healing process, but you can always drink the dandelion tea as well, not only use the sap.
Skin disease aid
A natural aid in skin infections, dandelion can relieve itchy and irritated skin; the white sap from the dandelion stem is apparently great for the skin. It has fungicidal and germicidal properties. Apply the sap onto the skin, but avoid any eye contact when using it. It can treat itchiness, warts, eczema, and similar conditions, all naturally.
A natural aid for burns and insect bites
Remember that white sap of dandelion flower stems? That milky liquid can soothe an irritated skin in case of bug bites or burns, such as from stinging nettles (even though nettles are extremely healthy!). Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, dandelion skin benefits are also to soothe the skin in case of sunburn. It has been used this way in Chinese medicine for ages!
Anti-aging benefits
One of a number of natural and organic ingredients, dandelion is very beneficial when it comes to anti-aging. Loaded with antioxidants, it helps to protect the skin from the oxidative stress and the free radical damage. Dandelion can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as dark spots. It will not only nourish your skin but tone it at the same time as well.
Dandelion hair benefits
There may be plenty of dandelion health and skin benefits, but its uses don’t stop there. Due to a number of powerful components, dandelion is also effective when it comes to hair health. It is able to nourish your scalp and hair, and here’s what it does:
Boosts hair growth
Dandelion is rich in a number of vitamins and minerals which are all very beneficial for the hair health as well as the scalp. All of these components are important ingredients when it comes to healthy hair. What’s more, dandelion helps to boost hair growth at the same time.
Natural dandruff aid
Being rich in iron, dandelion helps to minimize and regulate dandruff. You can drink the dandelion tea, or perhaps even make a hair rinse. I haven’t tried it myself, but the same also works for greasy hair.
If you wish to remove the excess oil in your scalp, wash it with dandelion tea; you can either make it from the leaves or the roots.
Dandelion as a kitchen ingredient
Is dandelion safe to eat? Absolutely! I’ve gathered a few recipes here that will provide you with the most of dandelion health and skin benefits:
Dandelion tea
You can make the tea from the roots, greens, and flowers. You can dry all of these, but make sure to clean them properly before you do. Otherwise, you can use them fresh.
The dandelion tea can be drunk hot or cold. To make it extra tasty, you can add some freshly squeezed lemon juice to it, a sweetener of your choice (optional), and some mint leaves. It makes a refreshing yet healthy drink!
Spring salad with dandelion greens
If you feel like you need some extra color on your plate, try this unusual spring salad. It may look pretty, but it’s also quite tasty! It will surely give you an energy boost!
One-pot farfalle with dandelion
A mix of salty, tangy, and bitter, this recipe is a must if you’re looking for a fresh yet simple dinner. All of the ingredients may already be in your pantry, and you can always forage dandelion leaves, or get them fresh at the farmer’s market.
Curried lentil soup with dandelion
Looking for something healthy but warm? Try this lentil soup with dandelion greens. It is a simple recipe that would go great with a slice of toasted bread. Definitely nutritious and satisfying!
Let me know what’s your fave use of dandelion!
Stay Wild!
Hi. How do you get the sap out of the leaves or root?