Go For a Natural Remedy - Go For Dandelion

Herbal remedies are 100% natural and they are less likely to result in side effects as compared to modern drugs. In addition to that, they are also proven to be effective even if it takes time. Taking a single herb will just relieve the illness or ailment that you have but also it will have other benefits for your body. Let's take Dandelion as an example.

Dandelion is a plant with flat leaves and a bright, yellow flower. It turns into a dandelion clock when it matures. Dandelion clock spreads the Dandelion spores on the wind. At around 1373, it has been used as an herbal remedy and its use was first documented. Dandelion is high in Vitamin C and it has made a vital food for settlers, ship crews, armies worried to avoid Scurvy, an illness brought by a deficiency in Vitamin C.

It is an unusual multiplier and it has become popular because of its medicinal value. It has become the most common, convenient and beneficial herbal medicine. It has been used for many centuries by customary Chinese medication. It is for liver detoxification and natural diuretic for reduction of inflammation. It contains potassium and it may normalize blood sugar. Unlike any other commercial diuretics, dandelion does not result in potassium deficiency because it is very rich in potassium. It is considered safe diuretic suitable for many especially children.

Dandelion is a mild herb that can be used regularly. It will attack irritating free radicals floating around your bloodstream because it is an antioxidant and a source of first class Vitamin C. It will also make your skin healthy by making you look younger. It is best known for its diuretic properties because of its ability to increase waste products in urine. People who have able to take this as their supplement testified that it has stimulated their digestive system and increased their appetite. It is also an effective liver cleanser. It is a source of nutrients and a mild stimulant for your colon and urinary tract.

As a matter of fact, it contains more nutrients than Spinach. It appears commonly in salads and soups of European cuisine. Dandelion & Burdock, a popular drink in UK is still available in supermarkets. Dandelion can be made into a soft drink. It has the addition of some Citrus flavoring.

Aside from taking Dandelions in drinking wine or soft drink or in a salad, you can also find it in a variety of forms like pills and capsules.

Precautions:

Dandelion is considered safe but it may also trigger some side effects. Some people may develop allergic reactions and some may have mouth sores. You should avoid dandelions if you have an allergy in chrysanthemums, ragweed, chamomile, marigold, daisies or iodine. If you apply topically, it may irritate your skin. Consult your doctor for more information.

Visit http://www.goodherbalremedies.com/ to learn about more natural and perhaps healthier remedies!

Robin O. enjoys writing about many fascinating topics.

Dandelion: Gift of Miracle of mother earth

The name Latin of dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, translates "official use in the case of disorders". Dandelion is a native of Europe and the name comes from the French term "dimethylbutanoyl", dent de lion meaning, which refers to the green leaves dark, strongly toothed characteristics of this plant. A prominent herbalist, Gregory Tilford is quoted as saying, "Dandelion is one of the most complete foods of plant on Earth." All essential nutrients are conveniently contained in one source, in quantities that the body can easily process and fully absorb. "A single source, that I consulted in the research for this article suggests that" Dandelion is so good for you that would do you well to dry them and their powder and place the powder in a salt to be sprinkled on all your food as a nutritional supplement.
Called the "King of weeds" by veterans, the Chinese have known on the antibacterial properties of the juice of dandelion since the 7th century. In fact, it is one of 6 top plants in Chinese medicine chest. In Chinese medicine, it is considered a cleansing tonic, digestion of blood, and used in the treatment of diabetes. It is ground and applied as a poultice for snake bites. The Canada, are considered as the leaves of dandelions be consumed without danger and dandelion root is already marketed as a diuretic drug registered by Health Canada. Canada imports most of its dandelion of the United States although it can be easily grown in the Canada.
The plant is valuable as a general tonic, as a general stimulant of the system, particularly the urinary organs. Can be considered an infusion of the sheet, extraction of juice, a root decoction, fluid or dye. Fresh leaves can be added to salads. The extraction of the juice is the most powerful for medicinal purposes. The Milky latex of dandelion can be used as a mosquito repellent.
Dr. Peter a. Gail, in his book, "The dandelion celebration - the Guide to unexpected Cuisine" written that dandelion eaten as part of your daily food prevents or cures the liver disease; helps weight reduction; cleans the skin and prevents acne; Removes or drastically reduces acid indigestion and the accumulation of gas by cutting the heaviness of fatty food; lowers serum cholesterol by as much as half; prevents or lessens the blood pressure; prevents or cures the various forms of cancer; and prevent or control diabetes mellitus, then that at the same time have no negative effect aside and acting selectively on only headaches than you.
Dandelion leaves is a good natural source of potassium and reconstruct the entire potassium which may be lost because the diuretic action of the grass on the kidneys. The leaves are the source of the richest in beta-carotene green vegetables, contain more iron and calcium than spinach, are rich in fibres, sodium, magnesium, vitamin B-1, B - 2, 5-B, B - 6, 12-B, C, E, P and D, iron, phosphorus, a good source of protein and rich in micronutrients such as copper, cobaltzinc and molybdenum. You can buy the dandelion sections of specialty-products of most grocery stores; the leaves, dyes and organic products grocery stores and food stores, or develop your own.
WARNING if you are harvesting dandelions, to ensure that plants have not been sprayed herbicides, pesticides or as they will contain poisons. Get rid of lawn dandelions with pesticides may jeopardize health for adults, children and animals.



Gwen Nyhus Stewart, Blenis, M.G., H.T., is an educator, freelance, Garden consultant and author of The Garden of healing: a place of peace ? gardening soil, gardening for the soul and non-toxic Alternatives booklet for daily cleaning and gardening chores. She is the owner of the Web site of the garden of healing of Gwen?s where you will find lots of free information on gardening for the soil and gardening for the soul. To learn more about the book and subscribe to his free newsletter, visit [http://www.gwenshealinggarden.ca] Gwen Nyhus Stewart © 2004 ? 2006. All rights reserved.

The truth about dandelions!

Dandelions are not weed! They are wild vegetables. Greek mythology, Hecate fed dandelions Theseus for 30 days so that he would
become powerful enough to defeat the Minotaur. Even if it is just the stuff of legend, this story gives us a glimpse as to the powerful properties of the humble dandelion.

In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said that the dandelions are more nutritious than broccoli and spinach. Attractive to birds and deer, these wild vegetables are excellent food for gerbils, pigs, cows, horses and poultry.

Do you know that in Pueblo, Colorado, it is illegal to grow dandelions? These people are certainly much. Dandelions may taste bitter, but if harvested and cooked to the right, they can be delicious while they are downright nutritious.

And here are a few more little known facts. Dandelions have a medicinal value as a diuretic. fats and cholesterol cutter; analgesic gas; treatment of renal calculi; Hunter of cancer and diabetes; cleaning of blood; reducing weight; Sharpener vision; treatment of skin and acne. regulator of intestinal functions; blood pressure controller; and the solution of the problem of anaemia.

Dandelions may season beverages and juices; and can be used in recipes for salads, omelettes, gelatins, quiche, soup, pasta dishes, breads, pizza, sauce, dips, spreads, pies, cookies, jellies, waffles, Donuts, and pudding. And did we mention the ice cream?

All parts of the dandelion are useful. The leaves can be cooked as vegetables table; flowers transformed into wine and jelly; and last but not least, root can be transformed into coffee. Then the next time you pass by a field of dandelions, note just out how yellow the whole place looks - choose some along the way and try them for lunch!

Learn more about the other use [http://www.123-nutrition.com]

The advent of the plant of dandelion as a Chinese medicinal herb now recognized by Western medicine

Although Westerners view commonly dandelions as a type of weed, this plant has several beneficial effects on human health, which Western medicine has just begun exploring. Dandelion was used for centuries both internally and by Asian cultures as a drug used for appendicitis, digestive disorders and problems of the chest (such as inflammation or the absence of the flow of milk) externally. Now, we find this plant studied by Western science for its medicinal value.

The most recent study is a study of German, completed in 2009. This and other German studies dandelion root was approved in Germany, "... the anorexia, dyspepsia and biliary abnormalities," (Garner-Assistant 2009). In the jargon non-medical, dyspepsia is indigestion and biliary abnormalities are disorders of the bile ducts. Bile is essential for digestion. It is a liquid secreted by the liver and gallbladder to emulsify fats for digestion. The researchers found dandelion has increased the flow of bile from 3 to 4 times.

Dandelion root is also used as a diuretic. In addition, a case study on 24 patients found that dandelion can be used to significantly reduce the pain associated with chronic colitis, as well as to help standardize the stool. This plant was also found to have anti-cancer properties, and the ability to decrease, ""... high liver enzymes in patients with hepatitis b."Wow, powerful weed control, no single Western medicine does exist can make these claims in a single pill."

The active substances of the roots of dandelions (those which have medicinal effects) include: sesquiterpene lactones, Phenylpropanoid, polysaccherides, triterpenoid saponins and inulin. Sesquiterpene lactones are found many species of plants and have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Phenylpropanoid appear to have properties of the modulation of inflammation, while triterpenoid Saponins are that act like adaptogen (combat stress), a property of many Chinese plants. The present polysaccherides in the dandelion may have positive effects on the immune system, as polysaccherides are in General, "... intermediate key immune interactions," (Garner-Assistant 2009). Inulin is a type of dietary fibre and we can all use in our food. If this was not enough to make your head spin, roots of dandelions have also been found for a property soothing indigestion. Current studies are underway by using of extract of dandelion for patients with diabetes-results have not yet been finalized, but hoped that the study of regulating the age or advanced finished gycation, harmful chemicals produced by those who have high blood sugar.

The dandelion plant extracts have been labeled as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) for use in the supplements and foods, and the root and the leaves can be eaten as food (up to 50 grams per dose). This plant is common in the world and is currently in no danger of overexploitation. However, many people spray with herbicides dandelions in urban areas. Therefore it is better to avoid the dandelions in these areas, which is the case of a plant-based product. So the next time you see this dandelion growth between sidewalk cracks, you know as one of the wonderful medicinal plants of nature, not only unpleasant weed control.

References:

1 Garner-assistant Mr. Re: monograph of dandelion. Integrative. Med. April-May 2009. 8 (2): 34-38. http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbclip/378/review050496-378.html.

Cathy Margolin is an advocate for health licensed acupuncturist and consumer with a passion to teach people to improve their health through Chinese herbal formulas. She enjoys having an impact on the lives of readers from around the world that have not yet experienced phenomenal the ancient wisdom of Chinese herbal medicine health benefits. Currently, she maintains a practice of herbal medicine Acupuncture & Chinese, written formulas herbal for his patients and works in PACHerbs.com.

Dandy Dandelions

You have a choice. You can be a horticultural fascist, using toxic chemicals to botanically "cleanse" your yard of the lowly dandelion, or you can sink on your knees and thank the universe for this free and abundant harvest of nutritious food and medicine. You can go a step further and plant a crop. And think of the fun you'll have when you calmly announce to your neighbor that you're about to do just that.

Bury a dandelion in the northwest corner of your house and favorable winds will blow your way. Send a message to a distant loved one by blowing the seed head in his or her direction while visualizing the message. If you succeed in dispersing all the seeds at one blow, your message will be received. The root, when dried and roasted, makes a nutritious coffee substitute. This same beverage placed steaming beside your bed will summon the spirit world.

The word "dandelion" derives from the French dent-de-lion, or "lion's tooth" after the plant's serrated leaves. The French themselves call dandelion pissenlit, or "pee-in-bed", a reference to the diuretic properties of the herb. The botanical name, Taraxacum officinale, evolved via the Arabic tarakhshaqun from the Persian talkh chakok, meaning "bitter herb" or from the Persian, tark hashgun, or wild endive. Another theory derives the name from the Greek taraxos, meaning disorder and akos, meaning remedy.

The genus Taraxacum is native to the northern temperate and arctic zones and includes over 60 species of perennial or biennial herbs, all members of the aster family.

There is an engaging legend about the origin of the dandelion. Centuries ago, a miser found a pot of gold. He decided to bury it where no one else would find it. He took the gold home, placed it in a sack and went to bed. During the night a mouse gnawed a hole in the sack. The next morning the miser took the sack into the woods to bury it. He was unaware of the hole in the sack and the gold dropped out, coin by coin. When the miser realized this he retraced his steps, intending to pick up the gold coins. However, he found that the coins had been turned into beautiful yellow flowers and were rooted to the ground. The wood sprites had overheard his plan to bury the gold and to punish him for his selfishness they had turned the gold into dandelions for everyone to enjoy and share.

Dandelion leaves are more nutritious than spinach. James A. Duke, Ph.D., herbalist and botanist, has built a phytochemical database for the U.S. Agricultural Research Service. For the humble dandelion he lists the following compounds:

Sesquiterpene lactones, which stimulate digestion and relax the sympathetic nervous system; Triterpenes, which include phytosterols called stigmasterol and sitosterol. These compounds may inhibit the growth of tumors and help regulate blood lipids. Others are associated with the regulation of thyroid function; Polysaccharides, especially inulin, a polymer of fructose. Inulin helps stabilize blood sugar levels in hypoglycemia. It also has diuretic and immuno-stimulant properties.

Lecithin, which protects the liver; Phenolic acids, which are anti-inflammatory; Carotenoids such as lutein and violaxanthin, which are powerful antioxidants. Lutein in particular has been identified as a preserver and enhancer of good vision and may prevent macular degeneration; Coumarins, which enrich the blood; Vitamins A, B, C, and D and the minerals calcium, chromium (helps metabolize fat and reduces cholesterol and triglycerides), copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, sulfur and zinc.

In addition to its nutritional qualities, the dandelion leaf is a powerful diuretic and is used as a cleanser and to treat high blood pressure by reducing the volume of excess body fluids. Unlike pharmaceutical diuretics, which cause a loss of potassium, dandelion leaves contain high amounts of this important mineral and provide a net gain. The leaf is best harvested in spring or early summer and preferably before flowering. Later in the year the leaves become tough and bitter. Even young the leaves are bitter and some recommend blanching or soaking overnight in cold water to reduce the astringency. Cooked or served raw in salads, it is advisable to combine dandelion with other greens. Do not cut or tear dandelion leaves until you're ready to use them. When cut, the cells are damaged, releasing an ascorbic acid oxidase. This chemical destroys the herb's vitamin C.

Herbalists endorse dandelion root as one of the most effective detoxifying herbs. It works primarily on the liver and gall bladder to remove waste and toxins. German research, published in 1959, validated dandelion root as an effective liver cleanser and bile stimulator. Because of these qualities, the root has helped clear up many eczema-like skin problems. The roots are best harvested in the fall when the nutritional compounds are returning to the root. For example, autumn-harvested roots contain about 40% inulin compared to only 2% in spring-harvested roots. However, frost will diminish dandelion's nutritional content. Dandelion leaf and root are sanctioned by herbalists for the prevention of gallstones and may even help to dissolve already formed gallstones. The fresh latex from dandelion stems has also been used to banish warts if applied several times daily.

Dandelion flowers make a clear, rich, sherry-like herbal wine. The flowers can also be used as a nutritional garnish - when young they have a sweet, honey-like flavor - and to impart a beautiful yellow hue to herbal vinegars.

Only harvest dandelion leaves or roots well away from traffic and industrial areas and where you know they haven't been sprayed. Following are two recipes for dandelion: one culinary and one medicinal.

Dandelion Fritters

7 cups of fresh, young dandelion leaves, washed, lightly steamed and chopped;
2 cloves of garlic, minced;
1 small onion, finely chopped;
2 eggs, beaten;
2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil;
Salt and pepper to taste;
Oat flour, enough to bind the mixture into patties.

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, mix well and form into patties. Fry in the oil until golden brown.

Diuretic Tea

2 tsp. fresh, washed dandelion root, finely chopped; ½ tsp. each of nettle leaf (fresh or dried), oat straw, fennel seed and corn silk; 1 liter of boiling water.

Pour boiling water over the herbs. Steep in a pot for 20 minutes. Strain the herbs and drink one or two cups as needed.

Bruce Burnett is an award-winning writer, a chartered herbalist and author of HerbWise: growing cooking wellbeing. Bruce and his wife Delaine own Olivia’s Fashion, Furnishings & Gifts ([http://www.olivias.ca/]) in Ladysmith, BC Canada. Read more published articles by Bruce Burnett on his websites: [http://www.bruceburnett.ca/] and http://www.herbalcuisine.com/

Dandelion Leaf Can Purify Your Blood and Body Organs

The first line of a little known song asks the question, "How many dandelions this year will grow?" Indeed, in some parts of the North America hills are yellow with dandelion flowers in the spring. Most are either ignored or poisoned as a nuisance. If we had known what this article will reveal, we might have gathered them instead of treating them as a curse.

The name dandelion comes from the French phrase 'dent de lion,' meaning 'lion's tooth.' This refers to the jagged-edged leaves of this weed. The fancier scientific name is Taraxacum officinale. Unlike calendula (marigold) which is not the same annual flower found in American gardens, dandelion the herb is exactly what you think of growing in your yard or on a hillside. What makes this common weed so great?

All the dandelion plant is useful. The roots can be eaten as vegetables or roasted and ground to make a type of root "coffee." A quick look through the internet reveals the flowers are used to make wine, in cooking (dandelion flower cookies?), a syrup, jam, and an oil to rub on sore joints. But the leaves have the most diverse list of uses.

First, dandelion leaf is an excellent source of sodium, iron, vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, and especially calcium. Dandelion might have been one of the "bitter herbs" mentioned in the Bible. The leaves add bitter flavoring to salads or can be cooked like spinach. The best leaves are those bright green ones that appear before the dandelion flowers in the spring.

One of dandelion leaf's greatest claims to fame is its ability to purify the blood and body organs. It is a wonderful liver cleaner and increases the output of the liver, the flow of bile into the intestines and the activity of the pancreas and spleen. This makes it a great treatment for hepatitis, yellow jaundice, and other liver related problems. By purifying the blood, it helps with some types of anemia. The acids in the blood that build up with weight loss are destroyed by dandelion. It also helps with low blood pressure, and builds energy and endurance.

Dandelion is good for female organs. It enriches breast milk in nursing mothers and this, in turn, benefits both mother and child. It is good for women both before, during, and after pregnancy. Women suffering from premenstrual syndrome may find that the diuretic action of dandelion helps relieve some of the symptoms. In short, dandelion is safe and healthy for men, woman, children, and even animals.

Dandelion flowers are an excellent source of lecithin, a nutrient that elevates the brain's acetylcholine. As a result, it may help retard or stop regression of mental ability caused by Alzheimer's disease. Lecithin also helps the body maintain good liver function as mentioned before. Dandelion also opens the urinary passages as part of its cleansing work.

Native Americans used it to treat kidney disease, indigestion, and heartburn. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses dandelion to treat upper respiratory tract infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia.

Dandelion leaves and flowers are best when freshly picked. If this is not possible, the leaves can be refrigerated up to five days when wrapped in a plastic bag. Be sure to wash the leaves thoroughly before using. Leaves may also be frozen for longer periods of time. You can also dry the flowers and leaves yourself and store them in a dark, dry, and cool place. Use them in the bath to treat yeast infections, or to make your own dandelion tea (steep about 1 tablespoon of dried leaves in 1 cup hot water). Dandelion may also be purchased in capsules, tinctures, and powdered form.

Dandelion is generally regarded as safe, but some people report allergic or asthmatic reaction to this herb, especially those with allergies to ragweed or daisies. Traditionally dandelion is not recommended for patients with liver or gallbladder disease but some feel this advice is erroneous.

There are more benefits of cut dandelion leaf to be discovered. Visit More Than Alive, an online store for bulk herbs and a trusted resource where you can get cut dandelion leaf and cut dandelion root and learn about the great advantages your body will receive from this and many other herbs.

Making a Good Dandelion Wine

For gardeners and landscapers alike, the dandelion represents a threat unparalleled by other pests. These little yellow flowers can invade a lawn or garden in a matter of days and spell ruin for a lovingly tended piece of your landscape. However, viewing them as an obstructive menace might be a little misguided. There are many, many uses for dandelions that far outweigh there negative reputation. In addition to a use as food, dandelions have many medicinal properties, and their roots can even be used to make a drink that is much like coffee.

For generations, though, dandelions have been harvested and used in one of our favorite beverages: Wine. May families possess a particular recipe that has been handed down from generation to generation. In recent history, though, dandelion wine has gone down in popularity. This is mainly due to the increased urbanization of people. More and more of the population is concentrated in urban centers, and going out to pick a basket or bucket full of dandelions is not as convenient as it once used to be.

Dandelion wine is a product of the yellow flower petals of the plant. Unfortunately, the greens of the plant, though they have many other beneficial properties, would lend a bitter, "green" flavor to the wine that has very little appeal. The wine produce from the petals has a sweet, refreshing taste that is just as, if not more, satisfying than many of the white wines on the market today. Like white wines, it is best served chilled on a hot day, and goes well with lighter foods.

Most recipes for dandelion wine are very similar to each other. The main ingredients are always dandelion petals, water, sugar and yeast. The amount of dandelions petals that is used varies from recipe to recipe, though it is generally between six and ten cups. When plucking flower petals off the flowers, this is a lot of dandelions! What determines the amount of petals used is generally the amount of sugar used. The sugar part of the recipe is usually just ordinary, granulated sugar, though there are recipes that use honey instead (this will be discussed in a moment). Sugar is the part of the wine that is fermented and turned into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Higher amounts of sugar result in higher levels of alcohol, which can overwhelm the flavor of the little flowers. This is probably why some recipes contain a much higher proportion of flowers. Finally, the yeast is the part of any wine making recipe that does the work of turning the mix into wine. Though any kind of yeast will do the desired work of turning sugar into alcohol, winemakers have been using specific varieties of yeast to ferment wine since the craft began thousands of years ago. In modern times, these varieties of yeast can be located in any wine making supply shop. Yeasts that are best used for dandelion wine are often the same yeasts that do well in making white wines.

Traditional dandelion wine recipes produce a clear, yellow wine that has much of the same characteristics as the popular white wines on the market today. They are best served chilled, white lighter foods that will not overwhelm the flavor of the wine. Dandelion wine also tends to be lower in alcohol content than most traditional wines as well.

Dandelion wine recipes have come a long way from just the basic recipe, though. You can find recipes for dandelion wine that contain a wide variety of ingredients from other flowers, fruits and even herbs and spices. Flowers that are commonly combined with dandelions to produce magnificent wines are roses, lavender and chamomile, just to name a few. Examples of fruit wines that benefit well from a pairing with dandelions are those made with melons, strawberries or any other fruits that have a lighter flavor and will not dominate the flavor profile of the wine.

Probably the most popular of ingredients to pair with dandelions in wine making, though, is honey. When combined with honey, dandelions make a wine that is commonly called a "metheglin." A metheglin is any mead (honey wine) that is made with one or more herbs (such as dandelions) as a main part of its flavoring component. Metheglins are incredibly versatile, and almost any herb or spice can be used to make a wine. In addition to just a drinking wine, metheglins are often made as wines that are used solely for cooking and as marinades. When used as part of a metheglin recipe, dandelions produce a wine that is both complex and flavorful and pairs well with a wide variety of foods and occasions.

One can easily see that even in the field of wine making, dandelions have vast amounts of potential. The beneficial use of this plant has been largely overlooked, and it has come to be viewed as a pest and an enemy. Perhaps the time has come that we reconsider our views of this little herb and begin to work with, rather than against it. If you would like to see two prime examples of how dandelions can be used to make wine, please visit the site Dandelion Wine Recipes .

Thanks for reading, and Blessed Be!