Dandelions for health

Dandelion is a perennial herb found throughout the temperate regions of North America, Europe and Asia. Dandelion become several inches in height, with a bright yellow flower, thin stem and serrated leaves. Root, stem and leaves all contain a milky liquid.

There are more than one theory on the origins of the name of the dandelion. The most generally accepted theory is that the shape of the leaves inspired the lion tooth French expression, which means tooth of lion. This sentence has finally evolved towards the word dandelion.

However, some argue that the term dent de lion was intended to describe the way in which the leaves resembled angular jaw of a lion fully provided with teeth. Others argue that the yellow flowers can be compared with the heraldic lion Golden teeth. And yet another claim is that the whiteness of the root is the feature that provides the resemblance.

In the book of 1879 Pharmacographia, Fluckiger and Hanbury claim that the name dandelion has been given to the plant by Wilhelm, a surgeon who is so impressed by the virtues of the plant compares to Dens leonis (tooth of lion in Latin).

Regardless of the origin of the name, most people consider as a boring weed dandelions. But this "weeds" are in fact quite a nutritious grass. The dandelion is rich in nutrients include vitamins A, B-complex, C and D; railway; magnesium; potassium, manganese; zinc; copper; choline; and calcium.

The first known mention of the dandelion medicinal use is in the works of physicians Arabian of the tenth and eleventh centuries, where it is mentioned under its Latin Taraxacon name as a type of wild Endive. In the 13th century, Welsh medicine refers to the medicinal properties of dandelion.

Roots and dandelion leaves appear to have distinct beneficial effects. The root has been used in traditional medicine around the world as a treatment for a variety of liver and gallbladder disease. The effect of detoxifying aid dandelion root in the disposal of the organization. Common uses of the root include to treat diseases be caused by a slow or congestive liver, including constipation, headaches, fatigue and various skin problems.

The effect of the root of dandelion on the secretion of bile, the German Commission E recommends that those with obstruction of the biliary tract or any serious disease of gallbladder use only with the advice of a health care practitioner.

Leaves of dandelions are especially known for their diuretic effect. Their potassium content makes the leaves of dandelions a safe alternative to prescription diuretics that Deplete normally store the body of potassium.
All the available Greens, dandelion leaves contain the highest content of vitamin a. dandelion leaves can be eaten raw, used in a stir-fry or boiled.

Dandelion has no known drug interaction. However, caution should be used if combined with diuretics prescription of dandelion.

Weed dandelions

I could not let pass you telling the incredible secret life of the dandelion natural. A weed! Before starting to kill dandelions on your lawn dandelion, did you know that the benefits of dandelions include a popular grass? This humble plant, despised by all the owners and landscapers alike, is probably one of the most versatile medicinal, that you could never find perhaps. It has been described as "a plant for which we knew that once the use for, but we have forgotten".

Dandelion health benefits:

Dandelions are a rich source of vitamin A, complex B, C and D, as well as minerals such as potassium, zinc, and fair amounts of iron and manganese, which contain a high content mineral similar green vegetables like spinach. A cup of dandelion leaves amounts to 112% of the recommended dose of vitamin A, 32% of vitamin C daily, 535% of vitamin k and 218 mg potassium, 103 mg calcium and 1.7 mg of iron. Wow! When ingested, dandelions are also an excellent source of vitamin H, which contributes to the reduction of weight loss. Leaves and roots of the dandelion, or the whole plant are used fresh or dried in teas dandelions, capsules or extracts. Dandelions supplements are available in a variety of natural health food stores. But why go for dandelions supplements when you can tear off their directly from your very own garden!

Dandelion medicinal uses:

Dandelion mead (flowers, roots and leaves), have been used for centuries in the traditional medicine & Medicinal teas. In traditional medicine, leaves and roots of dandelions have been used for detoxification of the liver. Native Americans were known to have used a decoction of dandelion (liquid made by boiling in the grass in water) to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn and upset stomach. They also used the natural dandelion as a diuretic and for the reduction of inflammation. Chinese medical practitioners have used the tool dandelion to treat appendicitis, digestive disorders and problems of the chest (such as inflammation or the absence of the flow of milk). In Europe, herbalists in the dandelions remedies for fever, boils, eye, diabetes problems and diarrhea.

Today, the roots of dandelions are mainly used as a stimulant of the appetite, digestion and the function of liver and gallbladder. We think that the fresh root or its preparations is more powerful than the dried root itself. In addition, it is believed that the leaves of dandelions have a diuretic effect, as they increase salt and water to stimulate the excretion of urine by the kidneys. There is also evidence that this property of leaves of dandelions can normalize blood glucose in diabetic patients.

Dandelion Nutrition:

Wait, is not everything, because the natural dandelion flower is also edible. You can use the flowers and the leaves in salads and the natural benefits of dandelion tea are thus. Roasted roots, ground can serve as a caffeine-free dandelion coffee. The flower, moreover, makes a formidable jelly. And who has not heard of dandelion wine? The petals of the flower, with other natural ingredients have been used for the century to make dandelion wine. What great stuff! And of course, so natural!

Effects side dandelion:

Uses of dandelion are generally considered to be harmless. However, there was a rare incidence of diarrhea and stomach ailments, and some people are allergic to the plant. People with a gallbladder inflamed or infected or blocked bile ducts, should avoid dandelion natural in any form that that if ever. Experiment with a small dose first before ingestion and consult a herbal practitioner if symptoms should arise.

Art dandelion:

If this has interested you so far, to forget about dandelions supplements. The next time that your child saves a lot of dandelions you present their prices, why not teach them the dandelion herb benefit, sharing a refreshing cup of dandelion tea instead of leaving dandelions wilt in a vase on the dining room table. "" OUT OF the mouth BABES "secular words."

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Kali s winters is an author and a herbalist, who teaches others how to configure and maintain beautiful amazing gardens. Kali has written many books on gardening herb and holistic healing. Discover all 18 here bonus books! To learn more about the benefits of herbs year Here!

Kali s winters is the gardening enthusiast and author who spent most of his time to teach others how to configure and maintain beautiful, incredible gardens. Last book of Kali, see "holistic herbs ~ Herbal gardening Guide"! You will find 12 free bonus books for your reading pleasure. Learn more about the benefits to herbal

Various Types of Herbal Medicine: Used for Thousands of Years to Successfully Treat Diseases

Interest in medicinal herbs is on the rise again and the interest is primarily from the pharmaceutical industry, which is always looking for 'new drugs' and more effective substances to treat diseases, for which there may be no or very few drugs available.

Considering the very long traditional use of herbal medicines and the large body of evidence of their effectiveness, why is it that we are not generally encouraged to use traditional herbal medicine, instead of synthetic, incomplete copies of herbs, called drugs, considering the millions of dollars being spent looking for these seemingly elusive substances?

Herbs are considered treasures when it comes to ancient cultures and herbalists, and many so-called weeds are worth their weight in gold. Dandelion, Comfrey, Digitalis (Foxglove), the Poppy, Milk Thistle, Stinging nettle, and many others, have well-researched and established medicinal qualities that have few if any rivals in the pharmaceutical industry. Many of them in fact, form the bases of pharmaceutical drugs.

Research into the medicinal properties of such herbs as the humble Dandelion is currently being undertaken by scientists at the Royal Botanical Gardens, in Kew, west London, believe it could be the source of a life-saving drug for cancer patients.

Early tests suggest that it could hold the key to warding off cancer, which kills tens of thousands of people every year.

Their work on the cancer-beating properties of the dandelion, which also has a history of being used to treat warts, is part of a much larger project to examine the natural medicinal properties of scores of British plants and flowers.

Professor Monique Simmonds, head of the Sustainable Uses of Plants Group at Kew, said: "We aren't randomly screening plants for their potential medicinal properties, we are looking at plants which we know have a long history of being used to treat certain medical problems."

"We will be examining them to find out what active compounds they contain which can treat the illness."

Unfortunately, as is so often the case, this group of scientists appears to be looking for active ingredients, which can later be synthesized and then made into pharmaceutical drugs. This is not the way herbs are used traditionally and their functions inevitably change when the active ingredients are used in isolation. That's like saying that the only important part of a car is the engine - nothing else needs to be included...

So, why is there this need for isolating the 'active ingredients'?

As a scientist, I can understand the need for the scientific process of establishing the fact that a particular herb works on a particular disease, pathogen or what ever, and the need to know why and how it does so. But, and this is a BIG but, as a doctor of Chinese medicine I also understand the process of choosing and prescribing COMBINATIONS of herbs, which have a synergistic effect to treat not just the disease, but any underlying condition as well as the person with the disease - That is a big difference and not one that is easily tested using standard scientific methodologies.

Using anecdotal evidence, which after all has a history of thousands of years, seems to escape my esteemed colleagues all together. Rather than trying to isolate the active ingredient(s), why not test these herbs, utilizing the knowledge of professional herbalists, on patients in vivo, using the myriad of technology available to researchers and medical diagnosticians to see how and why these herbs work in living, breathing patients, rather than in a test tube or on laboratory rats and mice (which, by the way, are not humans and have a different, although some what similar, physiology to us...).

I suspect, that among the reasons for not following the above procedure is that the pharmaceutical companies are not really interested in the effects of the medicinal plants as a whole, but rather in whether they can isolate a therapeutic substance which can then be manufactured cheaply and marketed as a new drug - and of course that's where the money is...

The problem with this approach is however, that medicinal plants like Comfrey, Dandelion and other herbs usually contain hundreds if not thousands of chemical compounds that interact, yet many of which are not yet understood and cannot be manufactured. This is why the manufactured drugs, based on so-called active ingredients, often do not work or produce side effects.

Aspirin is a classic case in point. Salicylic acid is the active ingredient in Aspirin tablets, and was first isolated from the bark of the White Willow tree. It is a relatively simple compound to make synthetically, however, Aspirin is known for its ability to cause stomach irritation and in some cases ulceration of the stomach wall.

The herbal extract from the bark of the White Willow tree generally does not cause stomach irritation due to other, so called 'non-active ingredients' contained in the bark, which function to protect the lining of the stomach thereby preventing ulceration of the stomach wall.

Ask yourself, which would I choose - Side effects, or no site effects? - It's a very simple answer. Isn't it?

So why then are herbal medicines not used more commonly and why do we have pharmaceutical impostors stuffed down our throats? The answer is, that there's little or no money in herbs for the pharmaceutical companies. They, the herbs, have already been invented, they grow easily, they multiply readily and for the most part, they're freely available.

Further more, correctly prescribed and formulated herbal compounds generally resolve the health problem of the patient over a period of time, leaving no requirement to keep taking the preparation - that means no repeat sales... no ongoing prescriptions... no ongoing problem.

Pharmaceuticals on the other hand primarily aim to relieve symptoms - that means: ongoing consultations, ongoing sales, ongoing health problems - which do you think is a more profitable proposition...?

Don't get me wrong, this is not to say that all drugs are impostors or that none of the pharmaceutical drugs cure diseases or maladies - they do and some are life-preserving preparations and are without doubt invaluable. However, herbal extracts can be similarly effective, but are not promoted and are highly under-utilized.

The daily news is full of 'discoveries' of herbs found to be a possible cure of this or that, as in the example of Dandelion and its possible anti-cancer properties. The point is, that these herbs need to be investigated in the correct way. They are not just 'an active ingredient'. They mostly have hundreds of ingredients and taking one or two in isolation is not what makes medicinal plants work. In addition, rarely are herbal extracts prescribed by herbalists as singles (a preparation which utilizes only one herb). Usually herbalists mix a variety of medicinal plants to make a mixture, which addresses more than just the major symptoms.

In Chinese medicine for example there is a strict order of hierarchy in any herbal prescription, which requires considerable depth of knowledge and experience on the physicians part. The fact that the primary or principle herb has active ingredients, which has a specific physiological effect, does not mean the other herbs are not necessary in the preparation. This is a fact seemingly ignored by the pharmaceutical industry in its need to manufacture new drugs that can control disease.

Knowing that medicinal plants are so effective, that these plants potentially hold the key to many diseases, are inexpensive and have proven their worth time and time again over millennia, why is it that herbal medicine is still not in the forefront of medical treatments, and is considered by many orthodox medical professionals and pharmaceutical companies as hocus-pocus.... hmmm.

About The Author

Danny Siegenthaler is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and together with his wife Susan, a medical herbalist and Aromatherapist, they have created Natural Skin Care Products by Wildcrafted Herbal Products to share their 40 years of combined expertise with you.

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Put Out The Flames of Heartburn With Medicinal Herbs

Heartburn is caused when stomach acid leaks back up into your esophagus. Usually, there is a small 'trapdoor' of muscle that keeps stomach acid where it belongs, but if you eat a large meal, or certain kinds of food, then you can suffer heartburn as the trapdoor opens and lets the acid leak out. There are medications, and herbal remedies that can reduce the pain of heartburn.

How To Douse the Flames

One good herbal medicine is Dandelion - it is a common weed, and can be found in many backyards. It is a common part of both native American medicine, and Chinese medicine. Dandelion tea is a good remedy - add hot boiling water to a mixture of leaves and flowers for a bitter, but effective dandelion tea. Alternatively, if dandelion doesn't agree with your system, you can use milk thistle which is found in abundance in the Mediterranean region.

Other medicinal herbs for treating heartburn, such as chamomile and meadowsweet, can help to decrease acidity levels in the stomach. One of the oldest medicinal crop known to human species is Linseed. It is well-known for its curative properties and therapeutic values. In addition to its many medicinal usages, Linseed is also known for its ability to cure digestive and respiratory ailments.

More Good Herbs For Stomach Ailments

Flax, fenugreek, and slippery elm are good herbs that can help soak up excess stomach acid. A preparation of the herbs in a tea is an effective way to reduce stomach pain. Mixtures such as chamomile, lemon balm, catnip, and fennel can be brewed into a very soothing drink.

Probably the most well known medicinal herb for treating heartburn is ginger root. The best way to prepare it is as a tea. Add freshly grated ginger root to one cup of boiling water, steep for ten minutes, add some honey and drink. It is absolutely delicious. Most known and used for quelling the nausea caused by motion sickness, ginger also helps to relax the muscles that line the walls of the esophagus so that stomach acids don't get pushed upwards. It's a perfect medicinal herb for digestive and stomach ailments.

Herbalist Recommendations

Herbalists also recommend teas made from anise, caraway, or fennel seeds - add two teaspoons of them to a cup of boiling water, and allow to steep for about 10 minutes before straining, then drink for instant relief.

According to Ayurvedic, the traditional medicine of India, teas made from cardamom and cinnamon have powerful medicinal properties, and are very effective for treating heartburn - again, allow to steep for a while, strain, then drink.

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About Some Medicinal Herbs

Herbs are mainly grown for three reasons. The first reason is to use the herbs for One's culinary and cooking needs. The second reason is the medicinal benefits that these herbs have to offer. The third is for teas. There are herbs which provide all of these benefits while there are herbs which can only be used for cooking or healing purposes. If you want to grow herbs that will offer medicinal benefits, you must know which herbs will provide those benefits. In this article, we will look at some of the herbs which can be grown for medicinal purposes.

Chickweed

Chickweed is a medicinal herb, although like the dandelion, is consider by many as nothing other than a weed. It can be used at your table as a green vegetable and can also be used to make a tea. It is used medicinally to relieve pain and stimulate healing immediately. It can be used internally and externally. Taken internally it purifies the blood and removes toxins. Tea made from chickweed can be added to the bath to relieve sores, rashes, boils, and burns.

Cleavers

Cleavers herb soothes itchy skin due to eczema, psoriasis, and bug bites. It is also used for urinary tract infections. Prepared as a tea it is high in vitamin C which boosts the immune system.

Curled Dock

Curled dock is basically a laxative and is useful in treating problems such as constipation and bowel disorders. It has a high iron content and can help with anemia. It can also be used externally on skin cuts, swelling, rashes, burns, dog bites, and insect bites. It should be harvested during the Fall season and leaves must be dry to get the desired effect.

Couch Grass

Couch grass has many uses, it is useful against bronchitis, colds, coughing, fever, sore throat, and a tendency to infection. It is also used in the treatment of gout, cystitis and rheumatism.

Dandelion

Dandelions are high in vitamins and iron. The young leaves can be used to make a salad and the older ones can be cooked in soups. It will help to reduce water retention and also is beneficial in dissolving gallstones. If you are considering the usage of dandelions against gallstones you should consult your doctor before doing so.

Hawthorn

It is helpful in dilating the blood vessels and is generally used for high blood pressure as well as most heart and circulatory disorders. Hawthorne offers the desired effect in the treatment of middle-aged individuals showing the first signs of coronary artery symptoms. The flowers, leaves and berries can be used for the medicinal purposes and they should be used after they are dried.

One should always consult with a physician before using any medicinal herbs.

Jen Armstrong is an Herb Gardening enthusiast. She owns and manages www.secretsaboutherbgardening.com For more information about Medicinal Herbs go to Growing- Medicinal-Herbs

Dandelions - friend or foe?

Common dandelion (taraxacum officinale, also known under the name dent de Lion, Crown of the priest and pork snout) is a little difficult plant that reproduces with the slightest gust of wind. It is perhaps good to perpetuate the species, but it also means that dandelion can resume of your garden... and yard of your neighbor... and perhaps the world... in a few seasons.

History and Description

The Celts and Romans cultivated dandelions by design, making it the cornerstone of their gardens. Arabian herbalists first written on dandelion in 900 that this and the Welsh it widely used in the 1200s. In India, the plant has been used for centuries for the liver complaints. There are over 600 species of dandelion the world over, but North of Minnesota, we generally see the common dandelion, and we have to grow on purpose.

Happy yellow dandelion flowers are very sensitive to the Sun, opening early in the morning and stop when it is dark and at night. Leaves deeply cut channel rainwater to the root, and if a plant is allowed to grow it can send flower stems 12 inches or more in height and reach a circumference of 18 inches, depending on the amount of rain fell.

Mrs. Grieve, a herbalist more detailed to put pen to paper, observed that dandelion are not less of 93 different kinds of insects used to attend it. She must have had some time on his hands to observe this detail, but it is true that these plants attract bees and butterlies in addition to many other flying insects because of their high content of pollen.

Medicinal uses

Practically, grandmother of all the world knows of herbal lore that dandelion should be consumed each spring as a tonic. Their bitter taste certainly seems cleaner, all right!

Liver and gallbladder especially benefit from the medicinal value of dandelions, and this was their main use through the centuries. There are rumours that people suffering from gout and eczema can benefit, too. Breastfeeding women can more easily find assistance of dandelion tea left milk fall and relieves swelling.

As if its other herbs properties was not sufficient to praise, dandelion juice was rumored to remove warts, too. Choose a flower, break open the stem and rubbing the milk on the wart. It takes several weeks of consistent use to away warts, but try it for those really Têtu, that you can not delete another way.

Precautions: people who are allergic to grass to lice, chrysanthemum, calendula, Chamomile, yarrow, yarrow, daisies or iodine may experience skin of the side effects of dandelion as itchy, red, or even sores mouth if used too. Some people experience heartburn and stomach gastric acid increased after consuming the dandelion; If you take antacids, there may be an interaction. Persons who have been diagnosed with gallstones or gallbladder problems should seek advice from their health care provider. Pregnant women should probably not eat or drink something that either in all, while only pregnant, but no there were no side effects reported in the pregnant women, other than those who are allergic to flowers in the first place.

Now that you know how a good dandelions are for people, you can still declare war on those that grow in your garden, but don't forget that they are one of the first flowers open in the spring and it is not that nice? Of dried plants containing dandelion supplements are readily available, and it is often included in the teas, so order supplements and keep your garden weed-free.

Evelyn Fielding based his writing of http://www.10000seeds.com. Click more to see what it is until recently!

Dandelion - A Different Approach

I chose this title simply because most of us see the dandelion as a noxious weed. When you think beyond and read more about the dandelion, you'll find that this non-cultivated herb is very valuable and appreciated in a herbalist's world. Not only the dandelion, but many other herbs which are considered "weeds" have their utilitarian value in our everyday lives.

Let's take a look at the dandelion and its parts which are usable either for its medicinal or culinary properties. Fresh, dried, tinctures, powder, tea are the most common forms of dandelion on the market.

Dandelion roots grow vertically deep and are known as tap roots. To dig them out, you will need a shovel. Otherwise, they will break off. The best time to harvest the roots is early spring or late autumn because their nutrients are at their maximum. Dandelion roots are widely used and one of the most popular herbal remedies on the market today. The roots of the dandelion can be used to make a tonic for strengthening the entire body. This tonic is used to aid liver and gallbladder functions, to help digestion, stimulate the appetite...just to mention a few.

Have you heard of dandelion root coffee? It is a caffeine free substitute for coffee. Once pulled out from the ground, roots have to be washed thoroughly, chopped in a blender into smaller pieces and then slowly roasted in the oven for couple of hours. Roasted roots can be ground or used as they are for coffee or chai.

Leaves are packed with A, C, D and B-complex vitamins and minerals (iron, copper, calcium potassium, zinc). The content of iron is higher than in spinach. You can steam or stir fry the leaves, but because of their high nutritional value consider using them fresh. Eating fresh leaves in salads or sandwiches can be very beneficial for our bodies. Dandelion leaves are at their best just as they emerge from the ground. When you harvest the dandelion leaves will determine their bitterness. Their bitterness is an appealing bitterness, similar to endive lettuce. Like roots, dandelion leaves are used to treat liver problems. As a natural diuretic, dandelion leaves help cleanse kidneys by stimulating urine production and excretion of salts and water. It can help in treating anemia, boils, and breast cancer.

Flower heads are useful too. Did you know that some people use them to make wine? For wine making the flower petals are best picked during April and May in the Northern hemisphere. I have not had a chance to taste dandelion wine yet, but I've heard it is a light wine and it lacks body. To improve the body of this type of wine, people add raisins, figs, apricots. The color of the wine will depend on which one of these additives is used.

So, the next time you come across the dandelion, perhaps you will change your perception of this useful noxious weed. Even if you don't intend to use any part of this herb, at least be aware of its utilitarian value.

Jaime Wade is a passionate and dedicated herb gardening enthusiast whose burning desire is to encourage each and every one to experience the joys and rewards of starting their own herb gardens.