Dandelion root is currently a recognized and highly effective drug in folk and classical medicine. This plant is a real storehouse of vitamins and minerals. Using it not only in traditional medicine, but also in traditional, allows us to confidently consider it a valuable medicinal plant in Russia.
Phytotherapy
In the modern pharmaceutical industry, a huge amount of drugs is produced. Some of them are vital, and the other part exists only in the interests of the manufacturer. Understanding the abundance of drugs for the average Russian is not easy. The choice is complicated by the imposed aggressive advertising. The situation is such that more and more people are turning to traditional medicine. There are serious scientific studies in the field of herbal medicine and naturopathy.
Dandelion root is actively used in Tibetan medicine. Mention of this miraculous treatment was found in ancient Chinese medicine. In our region, dandelion is growing everywhere. It is strange that this plant is now sometimes underestimated. Although before, many knew about the medicinal properties of dandelion root and contraindications for the use of this plant.
Composition and application
In medicine, they use dandelion completely. However, it is the root that contains the highest concentration of therapeutic components. Tannins, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, flavonoids, fatty and essential oils, vitamins - these are the main components of the root of the plant.
In addition to the above, inulin was found in the root of the dandelion. This substance is used to cleanse the body. Due to this composition, the healing properties of dandelion root are quite extensive. It has the following effect on the body:
- diuretic;
- antipyretic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- painkiller;
- expectorant;
- antiviral;
- antifungal;
- sedative.
Contraindications
Despite the undeniable benefits of dandelion, you need to understand that this is a medicine. Any medicine has a number of contraindications. Natural does not mean safe! Not an exception and the root of dandelion, whose contraindications are as follows:
- individual characteristics of the body, because the root contains a number of allergens;
- diarrhea - dandelion has a laxative effect and use will only worsen the situation;
- cholelithiasis;
- stomach ulcer;
- lactostasis or stagnation of milk in nursing mothers;
- during pregnancy, it is better to consult a doctor.
Do not forget about the importance of proper dosage. Like any other medicine, dandelion root in large quantities can be dangerous. The high potassium content explains its diuretic and laxative effect. An overdose can lead to problems with the kidneys and excretory system.
Indications for use
The root of the plant is used with a general weakening of the body as an immune-strengthening agent. Due to its high calcium content, it is used in the complex treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. As an expectorant, a decoction from the root is useful for bronchitis. It is useful to drink in the flu season and SARS. During breastfeeding, a decoction is used to increase lactation.
In cosmetology, the miraculous properties of dandelion root also found application. This is an excellent tool for the treatment of acne, various skin rashes and age spots. Adding dandelion preparations to creams, tonics and serums for care helps maintain skin elasticity and youth. Medicinal extract is added to hair shampoos. Decoctions are used for shine and silkiness of hair.
Diabetics are prescribed dandelion drugs to lower blood sugar. With high hemoglobin, dandelion dilutes blood. Dandelion root has established itself well as a means to reduce excess weight. Apply it as a decoction to speed up metabolism. Moreover, it acts as a multivitamin agent.
The special healing properties of dandelion root allow it to be used for a wide variety of pathologies. Indications for such treatment may include:
- gastritis, liver and gall bladder diseases, constipation, lack of appetite;
- gout, renal colic;
- SARS, rhinitis, adenoids;
- reduced lactation;
- boils, skin rash, eczema, pigmentation;
- nervous exhaustion, poor sleep, anxiety;
- helminthic infestations;
- high pressure;
- diabetes, cancer, obesity.
Use
Knowing the medicinal properties and contraindications of dandelion root, it can be used in home treatment and prevention of many pathologies. Moreover, it can be applied in various ways:
- Decoction: Pour 3 teaspoons of the powder with two glasses and boil for 10 minutes, then cool and filter. Take before meals.
- Tincture: Pour 50 grams of chopped roots with two glasses of alcohol. Close the lid tightly and put it in a dark, cool place. After 2 weeks, filter.
- Oil: mix 50-60 ml of vegetable oil and a tablespoon of chopped root. Cover the container and in a day healing oil will be ready.
- Ointment: first you need to grind the root. Then mix the powder and honey in a ratio of 1: 2. Ointment can be used for eczema and other skin diseases.
- Fortifying drink: crushed roots must first be baked in the oven, then grinded in a coffee grinder, like regular coffee. A liter of water will require a tablespoon of powder. Boil for a couple of minutes and the drink is ready. The dandelion root prepared in this way retains its beneficial properties completely, and resembles coffee to taste. But it does not contain caffeine.
- Broth for cleaning the liver: mix dandelion root and hawthorn in a ratio of 2: 1. Pour the mixture with a glass of water and boil for two hours. The broth should be drunk cold, in small portions throughout the day.
- Potion for reducing cholesterol: 100 grams of dandelion powder, 15 grams of pure alcohol and glycerin and 17 grams of water mixed in a bowl. You need to take two teaspoons during the day.
Powdered dandelion root is also added to various dishes as a seasoning.
Harvesting raw materials
You can buy ready-made drugs at the pharmacy. They are produced in the form of traditional dry raw materials, tablets and liquid alcoholic extract.
But it is better to independently prepare the dandelion root. You only need to know that you can’t collect raw materials in the city and near busy roads. The roots of dandelion are harvested until late autumn. Collecting during flowering is not recommended.
First you need to dig up the roots and rinse thoroughly. Then they are dried for several days to make the juice stand out. Slightly dried pieces are crushed and dried completely. In this way, more nutrients are stored.
You can store the dandelion root, the healing properties of which last for five years, in the form of dried roots. It is also convenient to store and use as an oil or tincture.
Oncology dandelion root
Modern traditional medicine cannot give a definite answer whether it is advisable to use this tool in complex treatment. In alternative medicine, dandelion root is actively used in the fight against cancer. In any case, you can not self-medicate. Proponents of alternative medicine claim that dandelion root kills non-invasive cancer cells. They also recommend dandelion preparations as a means of preventing cancer.
Reviews
Proper use of dandelion root allows you to make significant progress in the treatment and prevention of many diseases, this proves a lot of positive reviews about this tool. Among medicinal plants, dandelion is the most proven natural remedy.
People who used dandelion root preparations in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract noted a significant improvement in their condition. In cold regions, tinctures and decoctions help many maintain their health and immunity during colds and viral diseases.
Gynecologists who recommend that patients use dandelion root for menstrual irregularities are very pleased with the results. For elderly people, dandelion remedies help recover after prolonged treatment and general weakening of the body.
A lot of positive reviews about dandelion in patients with various skin diseases. In dermatology, this is an indispensable drug. In the treatment of eczema in patients, improvement was noted after a week of using the drug.