Small yellow dandelion is a real healer that has a golden reserve of useful substances. It has been considered the "elixir of life" since ancient times. After all, a small plant has analgesic, diuretic, choleretic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, tonic properties. A variety of medicines are prepared from dandelion leaves that can fight many ailments. At the same time, not only leaflets are useful. Both roots and flowers are endowed with healing properties.
Description of the plant
Everyone knows the perennial herbal culture called dandelion officinalis. The plant has yellow-golden reed flowers, reminiscent of the shape of a basket. The long, hollow stem contains a milky sap.
What do dandelion leaves look like? Initially, it should be noted that for medicinal purposesonly young shoots are used. These leaves are bright green. They are formed in the basal rosette. The length of the leaflet can vary from 5 to 25 cm. They are of plow-like type, with serrated lobes visible along the edges.
The plant has a short branched rhizome, which goes down into a tap long root. Its size can be about 60 cm, and its diameter is 2 cm.
Plants harvesting
The medicinal properties of dandelion help to cope with various ailments. And often such therapy is a long process. That is why it is recommended to prepare the plant in advance so that the course of therapy is not interrupted in winter.
The ground part (leaves, flowers) is recommended to be collected during the flowering period. If you plan to harvest for the winter, then the plant should be dried. This process is carried out outdoors. However, avoid sun exposure to the dandelion.
Harvesting of roots is carried out in autumn (September - October), when the leaves have already withered. The excavated part is thoroughly washed. Large roots should be cut. Then they are dried in a dry room until the milky juice ceases to stand out.
Plant composition
Dandelion leaves are widely used in folk medicine. Useful properties are justified by the unique composition.
Leaves are rich:
- tannins;
- mucus, proteins (approximately 15%);
- resin;
- phytonutrients;
- sterols,fat;
- organic acids;
- choline;
- inulin;
- taraxacin;
- vitamin C;
- vitamin B6;
- provitamin A;
- beta-carotene.
In addition, the plant is rich in trace elements: manganese, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, cob alt, boron, copper.
No less useful is dandelion root. Medicinal properties and contraindications (which will be discussed below) have long been known to healers and are often used in the fight against ailments.
Dandelion root contains:
- Terpene compounds. Substances perfectly bring down the temperature, have an antibacterial effect.
- Bitterness. They contribute to the production of gastric juice, improve appetite. Bitterness has a choleretic effect. It provides sputum discharge in case of obstructive bronchitis.
- Inulin. The product is a natural polysaccharide. It reduces the amount of sugar in the body. The substance strengthens the walls of all internal organs. Improves adsorption properties.
- Glycerides of fatty acids. Such substances perfectly reduce the level of cholesterol, as well as fat-soluble waste.
- Carotenoids. The components are precursors of carotene. Accordingly, they improve vision, contribute to the normalization of metabolism in the body.
- Choline (better known as vitamin B4). It ensures the production of hemoglobin. The substance takes part in the breakdown of cholesterol. Vitamin improves immunity. In addition, it protects the liver from damage from frequent consumption of fatty foods and alcohol. It is an excellent prevention of the development of diseases of the nervous system.
- Sterin. This component has excellent diuretic and choleretic properties.
- Microelements. They support the immune system, ensure the proper absorption of nutrients, and regulate the acid-base balance in the blood.
As you can see, both the root and leaves of dandelion are endowed with healing power.
Useful properties
Unpretentious dandelion has become a real favorite of traditional medicine. This is confirmed by the many different recipes in which the plant is the main ingredient.
And this is not surprising. After all, the medicinal properties of dandelion are almost limitless.
The plant has the following properties:
- choleretic;
- blood purifying;
- laxatives;
- antispasmodic;
- antiviral;
- diuretic;
- antipyretic;
- antihelminthic;
- bactericidal;
- sweatshops;
- tonic.
Using the plant
Dandelion is a true gift of nature. Many people treat it like a common weed. It's a pity, because the plant is very useful. All parts of it have healing power. For its ability to cure many ailments, the plant is often called "yellow ginseng".
Traditional medicine recommends using dandelion for a variety of ailments:
- Roots have excellent choleretic and soothing properties whenliver pathologies. They are in demand for hepatitis, gallstone disease. Used for renal colitis.
- The flowers have whitening properties. They are used in cosmetology to get rid of age spots, freckles. Dandelion leaf mask moisturizes, rejuvenates the skin, saturates it with nutrients.
- The juice of a plant or a decoction has a tonic effect. They contribute to the production of insulin, rid the body of harmful toxins, stimulate metabolism. In addition, the drink helps to restore strength.
- The plant is used for various nervous disorders. It can act as an effective sleep aid and sedative.
- Decoctions, tinctures from the root help fight atherosclerosis, hypertension. They are used to lower cholesterol.
- With gout, kidney ailments, dropsy, rheumatism, urolithiasis, a humble dandelion will come to the rescue.
- In case of pathologies of the joints, the plant is used both internally and externally. In case of fractures, the juice accelerates the fusion of bones. It is also in demand for rickets in babies.
- The root is used for ailments of the thyroid gland. Its healing power helps fight toxic goiter.
- Tincture of dandelion roots or leaves stimulates appetite. It stimulates the functioning of the digestive tract. This drink has an antihelminthic effect, perfectly treats gastritis.
- The plant is used for tuberculosis as an anti-febrile medicine.
- A decoction of the roots is used for baths. Such water procedures are shown ateczema, skin rashes. Corns, warts are recommended to be lubricated with fresh juice. Oil extract helps with burns.
- Dandelion cleanses the blood and activates the formation of leukocytes in the body. That is why it is used for anemia, beriberi, inflammation of the lymph nodes, oncology, poisoning.
The plant is used not only in traditional medicine. Many housewives have long been making tasty and he althy dishes based on it. Popular: dandelion leaf salad, soups. Often, fresh foliage makes a great addition to other greens.
Contraindications
Unfortunately, not all people can resort to therapy with this plant. After all, both the leaves and the dandelion root have some limitations. Medicinal properties and contraindications must be carefully studied. And only after making sure that the plant will not harm your body, you can resort to treatment.
If you want to use dandelion leaves, consider the following contraindications:
- gastritis with high acidity;
- ulcer;
- blockage of the bile ducts.
It is strictly forbidden to exceed the dosage of this drug. Otherwise, diarrhea, vomiting may be provoked.
These restrictions also apply to treatment with the root of the plant. In addition, it is important to consider individual sensitivity. People who cannot tolerate the plant may experience various allergic reactions.
Healing recipes fromleaves
Traditional healers offer many remedies that can fight even with severe ailments. However, before using them, in order not to provoke unpleasant consequences, it is recommended to discuss their use with a doctor.
Duration of treatment is almost always 3 weeks. If improvements are noticeable, but the symptoms have not yet been completely eliminated, then therapy can be continued. Of course, after consulting a doctor.
So, the most effective means:
- With beriberi. You will need juice from dandelion leaves. It must be combined with alcohol. Proportions - 1:1. For three weeks, the remedy is infused in the dark. This medicine helps to cope with increased fatigue, eliminates spring beriberi. It is recommended to use it twice a day for 1 tbsp. l.
- In the fight against anemia. Crushed dandelion leaves in the amount of 1 tsp. pour boiling water - 1 cup. For 15 minutes, the remedy is infused. The drink is filtered through a strainer or gauze. Take the medicine throughout the day. The tool effectively maintains the overall tone.
- To improve digestion. Dandelion leaves (crushed) must be mixed with the roots of the plant. Both components will need 1 tsp. The mixture is poured with boiling water - 2 cups. After cooling, the product is filtered. It is recommended to take twice a day for 1 tbsp. l.
- From insect bites. Young dandelion leaves must be crushed until a slurry is obtained. It is applied to the bite site. This tool is great for getting rid offrom pain and eliminates inflammation.
- To improve lactation, with abscesses. Perfectly improves metabolism, cleanses the blood infusion of leaves. You can use dry grass. The crushed raw materials (1 tablespoon) are poured with boiling water (250 g). For 3-4 hours, the medicine is infused, preferably in a thermos. The strained remedy must be taken before meals for 50 g. Use the infusion 6 times a day.
- With low acidity. Young leaves must be thoroughly washed. For 30 minutes they are dipped in saline. Then again washed and scalded with boiling water. The raw materials are carefully crushed and the juice is squeezed out. Such a drink should be diluted with water (1: 1). Boil for 5 minutes. In a cooled form, the medicine is used three times a day, half an hour before meals, 50 g each. The resulting juice has a bitter taste. To neutralize the unpleasant aftertaste, you can drink the medicine with sweet syrups or seize with a spoonful of honey.
- To stimulate the immune system. A decoction of dandelion leaves is used. It is necessary to take raw materials - 5 tbsp. l. Grass is poured with boiling water - 300 ml. Then the agent is boiled for 5 minutes. After insisting for 3 hours, the medicine must be filtered. Consume it 1/2 cup 30 minutes before meals, twice a day.
The use of the root in traditional medicine
As you know, not only dandelion leaves are used to fight diseases. Applying the root is an effective method to improve he alth.
The following recipes are popular:
- Toning up. The crushed root (2 tsp) is filled with water (400 ml). The composition should languish in a water bath for about 30 minutes. Take it before each meal for 1/3 cup.
- Liver treatment. In the evening, pour cold water (250 ml) over crushed root (20 g). In this form, the mixture remains all night. In the morning, the product is put on a small fire. Bring it to a boil and remove. It is recommended to drink the drink 30 minutes before breakfast. After eating, you can drink another portion of the broth.
- Blood purification. In this case, the root (20 g) is poured with boiling water (250 ml). This medicine is infused in a thermos. It is recommended to take 250 ml before meals. The tool perfectly increases hemoglobin.
- Adenoids, chronic rhinitis. It is recommended to make the following infusion. The crushed root (1 tsp) is brewed with boiling water (200 ml). The mixture should be covered with a lid and insisted for 20 minutes. Consume chilled strained. It is recommended to drink 3-4 times daily for ¼ cup.
- Stress, fatigue. Take the crushed root (1 tablespoon). Fill it with alcohol or vodka (1 tbsp.). The product should be infused exclusively in a dark bowl for 2 weeks. It is recommended to take 30 drops. The agent is diluted in a spoonful of water. For a therapeutic effect, it is necessary to use the infusion three times a day.
- Hypertension. Cold water is added to the crushed raw materials (100 g). It will need 300 ml. The product boils for 25 minutes. The decoction should be drunk 2 times a day, 150 ml. It is recommended to take the remedy beforefood. This decoction helps to cope with insomnia. In this case, it is useful to take the drug before bedtime.
He althy salads
Dandelion leaves are used to prepare many different dishes. Salads are especially in demand. They help to increase immunity, ensure the improvement of the whole organism.
For salads, it is recommended to use green foliage only during flowering. If the plant has already acquired seeds, then it is not at all suitable for cooking. These leaves are very bitter. Therefore, the salad of these greens is not tasty.
Young leaves contain almost no bitterness. To completely eliminate the unpleasant taste, you need to soak the greens in s alted water for 30-40 minutes.
Best Dandelion Leaf Recipes:
- May. To prepare the salad, you will need dandelion leaves (100 g), green onions (100 g), celery or parsley (50 g). For the dish, you need to boil 1 egg. All ingredients are finely chopped and mixed. For dressing, sour cream is used with the addition of sugar (1 tsp), diluted in 5% vinegar (1 tbsp) and s alt.
- Dandelion leaf salad with lungwort. This is another delicious dish that contributes to the overall strengthening of the body. It is necessary to take equal amounts of dandelion leaves, lungwort. Grind these ingredients. Chopped parsley, dill, green onions are added to them (to taste). You can add cumin seeds to the salad. The cut components are sprinkled with s alt. Then they should be crushed tountil the plants give juice. The dish is seasoned with sour cream or vegetable oil with the addition of vinegar.
Conclusion
An amazing sunny flower - dandelion - is able to give not only a joyful mood. It perfectly heals and supports the body. An unpretentious plant can become an effective medicine for various ailments. The main thing is to know and correctly use the healing power of dandelion.
