Dandelion Health Benefits

RachelB | Sep 21, 2011 |

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As it turns out, dandelions are much, much more than mere “weeds” to be plucked from your lawn and tossed away. They can actually provide you with many different health benefits. Typically, dandelions are consumed in tea or capsule form. To learn the different ways you can benefit from consuming dandelion tea or dandelion supplements, read this article.

Much like milk thistle, dandelions (and particularly the roots of dandelions) appear to have a detoxifying effect on the whole system, including the liver. Because everything you consume is processed through your liver, it is always important to maintain a strong, clean, detoxified, and well functioning liver. Consuming dandelion tea (or dandelion supplements) is just one way that you can strive to accomplish this worthy goal.

Dandelions also have diuretic properties, meaning that they can help to reduce bloating. More specifically, dandelion tea and dandelion supplements seem to be particularly helpful for reducing the bloating associated with premenstrual syndrome (also known as PMS) and with menstruation. (In fact, some people like to consume dandelion tea and/or supplements for their PMS bloating as a healthier, detoxifying alternative to over the counter bloating and pain relievers, some of which can overwork the liver.)

Dandelion supplements (and dandelion tea) also appear to have a healing effect on the digestive system. In particular, dandelion can be used to relieve constipation. (Some people contend that dandelion supplements and/or dandelion tea can help relieve diarrhea as well.)

A fair amount of anecdotal evidence indicates that consuming dandelion supplements or tea can also help some (though not all) people clear up their acne. Once again, this result is probably due to the detoxifying properties of dandelions.

Also, some people report that dandelion tea (and/or dandelion supplements) has helped them to reduce their “bad” cholesterol numbers. Numerous claims have also been made that dandelion tea (or dandelion supplements) can help diabetic individuals keep their diabetes under control.

Dandelions, which contain fiber, Vitamin A, potassium, pectin, fiber, numerous B vitamins, and many other valuable nutrients, also appear to reduce inflammation in various parts of the body.

It’s important to mention that more studies must be conducted by researchers to confirm all of the many claims made by consumers and herbalists about the health benefits of dandelion supplements. Anecdotally, however, a number of people swear by the simple dandelion as a “miracle cure” for many different ailments.

As always, you will want to speak to your doctor before trying dandelion tea, dandelion supplements, and/or any other herbal remedies. (Of course, the same holds true for non-herbal, over the counter remedies as well.)