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Dandelion is also known as ‘Simhadanti’ in Telugu, ‘Dudal’ in Hindi, ‘Dugddhapheni’ in Malayalam, ‘Kaadu Shaavanthi’ in Kannada, ‘Kuttu’ in Marathi, and ‘Pitachumki’ in Bengali. They are species of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family. They are packed with vitamins such as A, B, C, D & K, and minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. They also consist of flavonoids such as luteolin and apigenin. Thus, it’s not surprising that they have been used widely to make wines, syrups, and teas. Occasionally, their leaves are used in salads, soups, sandwiches, etc. In fact, the beauty and health benefits of dandelion are endless. Curious to know? Check out its amazing benefits on TrueRemedies.
Medically reviewed by Alexandra Dusenberry, MS, RDN:
Dandelion: Beauty And Health Benefits, Uses, And Side Effects
I. Benefits Of Dandelions & Its Uses For Health & Beauty
Thanks to its high minerals and vitamins, it’s not surprising that dandelion has been used for centuries to treat many conditions related to health such as skin infections, viral infections, UTI, edema, stomach problems, inflammation, gallstones, menstrual cramps, eczema, high cholesterol levels, low blood circulation, muscle and joint aches, and even tuberculosis. Besides, you can also use dandelion to deal with acne, remove dandruff, stimulate hair growth, etc.
A. Health Benefits Of Dandelion
1. Control Blood Pressure
Dandelion helps to increase urination, thus reducing high blood pressure because it’s a diuretic. According to a study, the fiber found in dandelion decreases cholesterol while its potassium replaces sodium[1]. Therefore, consuming Dandelion leaf tea (1 cup) daily may be useful for this condition.
2. Treat Kidney Disorders
A study found that dandelion can prevent the microbial growth in our urinary system[2]. Particularly, dandelion root is rich in sodium that helps to remove the toxins accumulated in the body. Also, it helps to protect kidney health by eliminating salt, waste, and excess water, replacing the loss of potassium and purifying blood.
3. Reduce High Cholesterol
According to preliminary studies on animals, dandelion can help to decrease total cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol[3]. It’s recommended to drink Dandelion leaf tea (1 cup) daily for this condition.
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4. Cure Edema
Being a diuretic, dandelion can aid in increasing the amount of urine[4]. If you are suffering from water retention or edema, more frequent urination is helpful. Thus, consuming dandelion leaf tea (a cup) every day may be an excellent treatment for edema.
5. Help With Weight Loss
Using dandelion in your cooking or consuming dandelion tea before your meal will give effective results for reducing weight since it’ll boost fat and cholesterol breakdown[5].
6. Treat Liver Problems
According a research dandelion leaf extract can aid with acute liver conditions[6]. You can promote a healthy liver by consuming a cup of dandelion leaf tea every day.
7. Alleviate Inflammation
A study in 2008 showed that the dandelion plant comes with flavonoids that contain anti-inflammatory activities that may help to ease inflammation related to skin infections, boils, menstrual cramps, and arthritis[7]. For the treatment of these conditions, you should consume 1-2 cups of dandelion tea regularly.
8. Treat Constipation
Dandelion root is enriched with dietary fiber making it helpful for digestion and intestinal health. Plus, dandelion consists of laxative and detoxifying agents that can treat constipation[8].
9. Improve Brain Health
Dandelion can make the brain work properly. Especially, dandelion is loaded with vitamin K. A study pointed out that vitamin K in the dandelion roots can deal with the damage of neurons in the brain, inhibiting Alzheimer’s disease[9].
10. Treat Gallbladder Problems
Dandelion can protect the gallbladder from the harmful effects of infections and oxidants. A recent study shows that dandelion may increase bile production and reduce inflammation, thus preventing gallbladder problems[10]. This herb also aids in healing different infections affecting the stomach, dyspepsia, intestine, and urinary system. Hence, drinking dandelion leaf tea (one cup) daily can be helpful for preventing gallstones.
11. Treat Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
According to a study, the disinfectant properties present in dandelion help to take toxic substances out of the urinary system and prevent bacterial growth, thereby preventing urinary tract infections[11]. Therefore, drinking dandelion root tea (1- 2 cups) along with water (8 – 10 cups) throughout the day can help to increase urine flow and eliminate bacteria from the bladder and the urinary tract.
12. Combat Digestive And Stomach Problems
Dried or fresh dandelion leaves are able to stimulate appetite, reduce flatulence, and improve digestion[12]. Drinking dandelion leaf tea (a cup) after a meal can assist in treating indigestion and flatulence.
13. Relieve Stress
B vitamins may help reduce stress, according to a study[13]. Dandelion is packed with B vitamins and has indicated to be a great remedy for stress removal. After a long and hectic day, consuming a cup of dandelion tea may help to ease stress.
14. Cure Colds & Coughs
Antioxidant properties found in dandelion are beneficial for people suffering from a cold or cough[14]. Consuming dandelion tea (1-2 cups) may help to boost the immune system of the body when suffering from such problems.
15. Prevent Cancer
Dandelion comes with apigenin and luteolin, which have antioxidant agents that may help to prevent various types of cancers. A study indicates that dandelion is particularly beneficial for preventing prostate cancer[15]. Therefore, drinking Dandelion tea (1 to 2 cups) daily can help to control the proliferation of cancerous cells.
16. Improve Your Vision
Dandelion composes of zeaxanthin, a carotenoid, which can give the retina protection from the UV rays. Daily consumption of dandelion juice is useful for preventing macular degeneration.
17. Prevent Diabetes
Dandelion juice can regulate the blood sugar levels because it enhances the insulin production from the pancreas. Along with that, it helps to eliminate sugar from the body by increasing urination. A dandelion water extract supplement is effective at preventing diabetic complications from free radicals and lipid peroxidation in diabetic rats, as stated by a study in 2002.
18. Improve Bone Health
The high calcium content in dandelion is important for the strengthening and growth of bones. Besides, antioxidants like Luteolin[16] and vitamin C in this herb can give bones protection from age-related damage. Daily intake of this herb in any form may prevent bone disorders.
19. Prevent Anemia
Being rich in iron, vitamin and protein, dandelion can combat anemia[17]. Vitamin B and protein in this herb are important for forming red blood cells and other components of blood. Thus, dandelion is highly beneficial for preventing anemia.
B. Beauty Benefits Of Dandelion
20. Treat Acne Breakouts
Being loaded with minerals and vitamins, dandelion can give you a clear and radiant skin[18]. To prevent acne and enhance vibrant skin, you simply use a cotton ball to apply cold dandelion tea all over your face nightly before your bedtime. You can also use a dandelion mask to get healthy, acne-free skin. Make this mask by grinding 3-4 dandelion flowers and mixing in ¼ cup of plain yogurt and 1 teaspoon of raw honey. Start applying this mask all over your face & neck and wait for thirty minutes. After that, massage the mask in circular motion to remove it and wash your face by using warm water. Alternatively, you can consume dandelion root tea (1 cup) daily to treat acne breakouts & skin infections.
21. Treat Skin Diseases
Dandelion sap is effective in combating skin diseases caused due to microbial and fungal infections[19]. It’s highly alkaline in nature. Also, it exhibits potent germicidal, insecticidal and fungicidal properties. Thus, it can be used efficiently to treat eczema, itchiness, warts, ringworm, athlete’s foot, and other similar conditions without leaving any side effects.
22. Anti-Aging Benefits
Because it’s high in antioxidants, dandelion can prevent aging by lowering the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles around your eyes and lips[20]. Along with that, it helps to tone and firm up sagging and unbalanced skin.
23. Treat Burns And Stings
Dandelion composes of the anti-inflammatory property that makes it feasible for treating topical burns. That is why its roots and leaves have been used to treat sunburns, poison ivy, and hives in Chinese medicine.
24. Stimulate Hair Growth
Dandelion root is full of vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, C, and E. This herb also consists of choline, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, calcium and biotin, all of which help to make your hair healthy and stimulate hair growth.
25. Treat Greasy Hair
You can easily eliminate sebum or excess oil accumulated in the scalp by using dandelion. For this treatment, you steep dandelion roots or leaves for around twenty minutes. Strain this mixture afterward and use it as a final rinse on your hair. Condition your hair to inhibit loss of moisture.
26. Remove Dandruff
The iron found in dandelion helps to keep dandruff at bay. For this remedy, you can use some dandelion leaves in salad dressing or add them to your tea or take dandelion supplements.
II. Side Effects Of Dandelion?
When used in moderation, dandelion is considered safe. If you’re using any medication such as blood thinners or antiplatelets, antacids, diuretics, lithium, ciprofloxacin, and/or taking medication for gallstones or gallbladder, kidney, remember to consult a doctor or an herbalist before taking dandelion because this herb has similar medicinal activity. Also, those who are allergic to chrysanthemums, ragweed, marigold, yarrow, daisies, chamomile, or iodine should stay away from dandelion since they can be allergic to dandelion as well. If you’re currently taking any medication, do not consume any form for several hours before and after using your medication since dandelion contains diuretic activity. Young children, breastfeeding and pregnant women should also avoid this herb.
III. Where And How To Buy Dandelion?
You can buy dandelion at any natural or herbal food store. It’s available in capsules, tea bag form and liquid extract. Remember to check the ingredients when purchasing dandelion tea because there are 2 popular types of teas including Dandelion Leaf tea and Dandelion Root tea. Select the one working best for your conditions because the leaves and roots contain different health benefits.
After reading the whole article, you already knew all about the beauty & health benefits of dandelion. We just hope it was helpful for you. Please share your thoughts or experience with us by leaving your comments in the box given below.
