Among the best valued purifying plants we have the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), a traditional herbal remedy with proven diuretic and detoxifying properties which provides great benefits to preserve and enhance kidney and liver health.

Dandelion is mainly used in the treatment of liver disorders and to combat the presence of gall and kidney stones, as well as to promote urine. In traditional uses, it was intended to restore appetite and purify cures.

For medicinal purposes, the root and also the mild-flavored leaves are used.

What is the plant like, where does it grow and how to collect it

The dandelion, specifically the variety Taraxacum officinale Weberis a well-known plant that grows in meadows, pastures and lawns; also on riverbanks, orchards and open fields, in environments with a certain humidity.

This present throughout Europebut it is a cosmopolitan plant, and we can also find it on other continents, such as America and northern Asia.

Their yellow flower heads They cover the meadows and, when they bear fruit, they become feathery spheres known as pappalesa down that allows the plant to disperse its seeds far away with the help of the breeze or wind.

The basal leaves are highly segmented, either split or toothed. It blooms almost all year round.

We can harvest dandelions ourselves in the environments where it grows wild and bring home a supply for our needs. But it’s important avoid fields where pesticides have been used, roadsides or paths where cars travel, and the proximity of landfills.

You can also try grow dandelion at homeknowing that it needs moderate humidity and abundant watering in summer.

Dandelion properties

The dandelion stands out for its diuretic, purifying and detoxifying properties. And also, above all, for its hepatoprotective properties.

It also has antioxidant, choleretic (makes the liver secrete bile), cholagogue (facilitating the expulsion of retained bile), vasodilator, digestive, laxative and appetite stimulant properties.

Many of these properties are supported by scientific studies and are due to its particular composition. Dandelion contains a carbohydrate – inulin –, bitter beginnings such as taraxicin, flavonoids, mucilages, sesquiterpene lactones, phenolic acids, phytosterols (beta-sitosterol), lipids, carotenoids and potassium salts galore.

It is also present in the leaves coumarins and vitamins A, C and group.

Benefits of dandelion for the liver

Dandelion, due to its hepatoprotective, choleretic and collagenous properties, is intended for natural treatment of different liver disorderssuch as inflammation or liver failure.

It is also used to prevent the formation of gallstones and in purifying and detoxifying curesafter periods of excesses, binge eating or liver overload.

Other benefits of dandelion

Dandelion is also attributed benefits for women, for digestion, for the heart and for the skin and hair.

• Benefits for women: Dandelion is incorporated into diuretic and antiseptic remedies to cure frequent urinary infections in women, such as cystitis. It is indicated to combat edema, fluid retention and overweight due to fluid accumulation.
• Skin benefits: Due to its purifying and detoxifying effect, as well as its antioxidant effect, dandelion combats deterioration and aging of the skin and is a good remedy to facilitate the impurity removalsuch as eczema, dermatitis, acne, boils, hives and herpes, in internal and external applications.
• Heart benefits: As a powerful diuretic and vasodilator, dandelion is a valid support to maintain the blood pressure levels in check and to prevent the appearance of vascular disorders in the long run. It is also included in treatments for diabetes mellitus type 2.
• Benefits for digestion: It behaves as a laxative and associated with other herbs with similar properties, it is used to relieve chronic constipation. Because of its bitter potential, dandelion has traditionally been used to stimulate appetite.
• Benefits for hair: Due to its contribution of vitamins A and group B, dandelion is also used to strengthen the roots hair and as a natural remedy for prevent your fall prematurely.

Dandelion infusions

The dandelion It is mainly taken in the form of a decoction of the root and leavesgenerally associated with other herbs, as a purifying herbal tea. It can be taken on an empty stomach or also after meals as a detoxifier. Below we propose three formulas:

1. Cleansing dandelion infusion for the skin

This dandelion infusion is intended to facilitate the elimination of impurities in the skin. You can drink it throughout the day, even cold from the refrigerator.

Ingredients: Dandelion root, burdock root, hops, thyme, sarsaparilla and star anise.

Preparation: Mix the plants in equal parts and separate two tablespoons of the mixture for each half liter of water that you are going to prepare. You boil it for two minutes, keep it infused for 10 more and strain it. You can add a little lemon juice.

2. Detoxifying infusion

This other dandelion infusion is ideal to take after a feeling of hunger or food poisoning, as a liver tonic. Drink a cup after each main meal, until the feeling of hunger disappears.

Ingredients: Dandelion, barberry, lesser centaury, boldo and peppermint.

Preparation: Mix these plants well in equal parts on a flat surface (for example, 20 grams of each plant). Separate one tablespoon of the mixture per glass of water that you are going to prepare. You boil it for a minute, let it rest for 8 more minutes and strain it. To mitigate the very bitter taste of the formula, you can add maple syrup or the flavor corrector of your choice.

3. Infusion for fluid retention and cystitis

This infusion, with antiseptic and diuretic properties, is intended to treat urinary infections such as cystitis, and fluid retention. It is suitable for pregnant women.

Ingredients: Dandelion, elecampane, buchú, heather, olive leaves, plantain and green anise.

Preparation: The different plants are mixed in equal parts (for example, 20 grams of each) and a level tablespoon of the mixture is separated for each cup of water. Boil it for two minutes, let it rest for another ten minutes and strain it.

Two cups are taken a day, preferably on an empty stomach.

Other ways to take dandelion

In herbalists and some pharmacies you can easily get dandelion in other presentations, beyond the dried plant for decoction.

It is located in liquid extract, to take about 50 drops in three daily doses, with water or fruit juice. Also dandelion in preparations, in the form of tablets or capsules.

The decoction is applied in the form of a wash or in compresses on irritated or inflamed skinor to help make impurities disappear. Also the decoction to apply in friction on the scalp to strengthen the hair roots.

Dandelion is part of the formulation of some shampoos, creams and some ointments, sometimes associated with rosemary, calendula or thyme.

Dandelion contraindications

Very bitter plants, such as dandelion, can cause gastric rejection or irritation in some especially sensitive peoplewhen taken internally. The ideal would be to combine it with mucilaginous plants such as mallow, plantain or marshmallow.

If you are hypertensive and follow pharmacological treatmentconsult your doctor before starting supportive treatment for high blood pressure with diuretic remedies that contain dandelion and other highly diuretic plants.

in the kitchen

We can take advantage of fresh dandelion leaves in the salads or incorporate them into creams and soups vegetables.

Flowers can be used to decorate and give color to these recipes. They can also be preserved in vinegar, as if they were capers.