What is a dandelion?
Dandelions are herbs that grow as weeds. Dandelions are full of vitamins and minerals, but side effects include that they may interfere with certain medications.
Dandelions are typically considered a lawn weed. They can grow just about anywhere, including gardens, forests, fields, or even wastelands. They grow more readily in the sun than in the shade and can often be found in troubled areas like burned forests, avalanche sites, or marshlands. But, though often blown off as a weed, the dandelion has been used in several forms of medicine for centuries.
Dandelions are herbs that grow as weeds. They're a very difficult weed to control since the seeds blow quickly and spread with the wind. The seeds don't need to be planted in soil and in most conditions can germinate on their own.
Dandelions have flowers that open with the morning sun and close at night or when the weather is dark. The brown roots can be described as brittle and fleshy. They're filled with a milky white liquid that's smelly and bitter. The dandelion grows year-round but can go dormant in a cold climate.
What are dandelions used for?
There are many reasons why dandelions are so recognized. In the past, dandelions were used for medicine, wine, and food. Dandelions were brought to the “New World” in the 17th century. They were used by Puritans for medicine. They were not valued as food but were appreciated for having many health benefits. The Puritans did not understand why the root, leaf, and flower produced such good results in getting rid of ailments.
Dandelion leaves and roots were used to treat problems with the liver. Native Americans boiled water with dandelions and drank it to treat swelling, heartburn, skin problems, and kidney disease. In traditional Chinese medicine, the dandelion was used to treat gastrointestinal problems, breast problems, and appendicitis.
Are there health benefits to eating dandelion?
Many people consider the dandelion a pesky weed, but it's full of vitamins A, B, C, and D. It also has minerals like potassium, zinc, and iron. The leaves, flowers, and roots can add a decorative aspect to a dinner plate and can also be added to teas and supplements that benefit the liver, skin, and heart.
There have not been any quality scientific studies on human dandelion consumption. Most studies have been done on animals, and the preliminary data suggest that the dandelion aids in normalizing blood sugar levels and decreases total cholesterol and triglycerides. This is in addition to raising good HDL cholesterol in diabetic mice. But not all animal studies showed a beneficial effect on blood sugar. More research is needed, especially on people.
Today, dandelion roots are usually used to stimulate the appetite and for gallbladder and liver problems. Dandelion leaves are used for diuretic purposes to help get rid of excess fluid. Dandelion is also used as a digestion aid because of its bitter properties that stimulate the salivary glands and gastric juices. The roots can increase bile flow, which helps with liver congestion, bile duct inflammation, hepatitis, and jaundice. The diuretic properties can contribute to noticeable weight loss. Some also argue that it helps produce antibodies that fight cancer and buffers glucose levels.
Dandelion greens are a good source of folate, calcium, and vitamin K. Components of dandelions have anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation within the body contributes to serious health problems like heart disease, and cancer. The dandelion can be a healthy addition to an anti-inflammatory diet.
How are dandelions consumed?
Every part of the dandelion plant can be eaten and can be added to salads, mixed in pancakes, made into tea, wine, or coffee, or eaten alone in a fried or roasted form. The dandelion taste is compared to chicory, but with a bitter spike.
Dandelion leaves add flavor to sandwiches, salads, and teas. The greens are bitter but have a spicy kick like arugula. The leaves act as a diuretic and help with appetite and digestion. They also aid in kidney function.
Dandelion flowers are also added to salads in fresh or dried form. They can be used to make dandelion tea or dandelion wine. The flower has antioxidant properties and can aid in immune system improvement.
The dandelion root can be roasted and used in drinks similar to coffee. Health food stores carry dandelion-based coffee substitutes. Herbalists use the root to detoxify the gallbladder and liver. Lastly, dandelions can be consumed in supplement form.
What are the side effects of dandelion use?
The herbs of the dandelion can cause side effects when combined with other herbs, medications, or supplements. This is why you should take herbs under the suggestion and supervision of a medical professional.
Overall, the dandelion is safe. Some people can have an allergic reaction from touching it, and others may get mouth sores. People who are allergic to daisies, marigold, chrysanthemums, chamomile, yarrow, ragweed, or iodine should avoid dandelion contact. Dandelion consumption can lead to increased stomach acid in some people, and this can cause heartburn. Skin irritation can also occur.
Dandelion consumption may interfere with the following medications:
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelets: Dandelion can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in those who take blood thinners like coumadin or aspirin.
- Diabetes medications: Dandelion can interfere with diabetes medication and lower your blood sugar to extremely low levels.
- Diuretics: If you take prescription drugs for excess fluid and urination, eating dandelion, with its diuretic properties, puts you at risk for electrolyte imbalance.
- Medications metabolized by the liver: Dandelion can mix with several medications, so doctor monitoring is recommended.
- Antacids: Dandelion can increase the volume of acid in your stomach. This can prevent antacids from working very well.
- Lithium: Bipolar disorder is treated with lithium. Studies on animals have shown that dandelion can increase lithium's side effects.
- Ciprofloxacin: One type of dandelion can lower the absorption of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin in the gut.