A small yellow dandelion is a real doctor who has a gold reserve of nutrients. Since ancient times, it has been considered the "elixir of life." After all, a small plant has inherent painkillers, diuretics, choleretic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, tonic properties. A variety of medicines are prepared from dandelion leaves that can deal with many ailments. Moreover, not only leaflets are useful. Both roots and flowers are endowed with healing properties.
Plant description
Everyone knows the perennial herb culture called the dandelion officinalis. The plant has yellow-golden reed flowers resembling a basket in shape. A long hollow stem contains milky juice.
What do dandelion leaves look like? Initially, it should be noted that only young shoots are used for medicinal purposes. Such leaflets are distinguished by a bright green color. They are formed in the basal socket. The length of the leaf can vary from 5 to 25 cm. They differ in a plow-like type, serrated blades are visible at the edges.
The plant has a short, branched rhizome, which goes down to a long, root root. Its size can be about 60 cm, and a diameter of 2 cm.
Harvesting plants
The medicinal properties of dandelion help to cope with various ailments. And often such therapy is a long process. That is why it is recommended to prepare the plant in advance so that in winter the course of therapy is not interrupted.
The ground part (leaves, flowers) is recommended to be collected during the flowering period. If harvesting is planned for the winter, then the plant should be dried. This process is carried out in the fresh air. However, avoid sun rays on a dandelion.
Harvesting roots involved in the fall (September - October), when the leaves are already wilted. The dug part is washed thoroughly. Large roots should be cut. Then they are dried in a dry room until the milky juice ceases to stand out.
Plant composition
Dandelion leaves are widely used in folk medicine. Useful properties are justified by a unique composition.
Leaflets are rich:
- tannins;
- mucus, proteins (approximately 15%);
- resin;
- phytonutrients;
- sterols, fats;
- organic acids;
- choline;
- inulin;
- taraxacin;
- Vitamin C
- vitamin B6;
- provitamin A;
- beta carotene.
In addition, the plant is rich in trace elements: manganese, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, cobalt, boron, copper.
No less useful is dandelion root. The healing properties and contraindications (which will be discussed below) have long been known to healers and are often used in the fight against ailments.
Dandelion root contains:
- Terpene compounds. Substances perfectly bring down the temperature, have an antibacterial effect.
- Bitterness. They contribute to the production of gastric juice, improve appetite. Bitterness is distinguished by a choleretic effect. It provides sputum discharge in case of obstructive bronchitis.
- Inulin. The product is a natural polysaccharide. It reduces the amount of sugar in the body. The substance strengthens the walls of all internal organs. Improves adsorption properties.
- Fatty acid glycerides. Such substances perfectly reduce cholesterol, as well as fat-soluble slag.
- Carotenoids. The components are precursors of carotene. Accordingly, they improve vision, contribute to the normalization of the body's metabolism.
- Choline (better known as vitamin B4). It provides the production of hemoglobin. The substance is involved in the breakdown of cholesterol. Vitamin improves immunity. In addition, it protects the liver from damage with frequent consumption of fatty foods and alcohol. It is an excellent prevention of the development of diseases of the nervous system.
- Sterin. This component has excellent diuretic and choleretic properties.
- Trace elements. They support the immune system, ensure the proper absorption of nutrients, regulate the acid-base balance in the blood.
As you see, the root and leaves of dandelion are endowed with healing power.
Beneficial features
Unpretentious dandelion has become a real favorite of traditional medicine. Confirmation of this is the many diverse recipes in which the plant acts as the main ingredient.
And this is not surprising. After all, the medicinal properties of dandelion are almost limitless.
The plant has the following properties:
- choleretic;
- blood purifying;
- laxatives;
- antispasmodic;
- antiviral;
- diuretics;
- antipyretic;
- anthelmintic;
- bactericidal;
- sweatshops;
- fortifying.
Plant application
Dandelion is a real gift of nature. Many treat it like an ordinary weed. It's a pity, because the plant is very useful. All its parts have healing power. For the ability to cure many ailments, the plant is often called "yellow ginseng."
Traditional medicine recommends using dandelion for a variety of ailments:
- The roots have excellent choleretic and soothing properties in liver pathologies. They are in demand for hepatitis, gallstone disease. They are used for renal colitis.
- Flowers are characterized by bleaching properties. They are used in cosmetology to get rid of age spots, freckles. A mask of dandelion leaves moisturizes, rejuvenates the skin, nourishes it with nutrients.
- The juice of a plant or a decoction has a restorative effect. They contribute to the production of insulin, rid the body of harmful toxins, stimulate metabolism. In addition, the drink helps to restore strength.
- The plant is used for various nervous disorders. It can act as an effective sleeping pill and sedative.
- Decoctions, tinctures from the root help fight atherosclerosis, hypertension. They are used to lower cholesterol.
- With gout, kidney ailments, dropsy, rheumatism, urolithiasis, a modest dandelion will come to the rescue.
- In the case of joint pathologies, the plant is used both internally and externally. With fractures, the juice accelerates the fusion of bones. It is also in demand with rickets in babies.
- The root is used for ailments of the thyroid gland. Its healing power helps fight toxic goiter.
- Tincture from the roots or leaves of dandelion helps to stimulate appetite. It stimulates the functioning of the digestive tract. Such a drink has an anthelmintic effect, perfectly treats gastritis.
- The plant is used for tuberculosis, as an anti-fever medicine.
- A decoction of the roots is used for baths. Such water procedures are indicated for eczema, skin rashes. It is recommended to lubricate corns, warts with fresh juice. An oil extract helps with burns.
- Dandelion cleanses the blood and activates the formation of white blood cells in the body. That is why it is used for anemia, vitamin deficiency, inflammation of the lymph nodes, oncology, poisoning.
The plant is used not only in traditional medicine. Many housewives have long made delicious and healthy dishes based on it. Popular uses: salad from dandelion leaves, soups. Often, fresh foliage is a great addition to other greenery.
Contraindications
Unfortunately, not all people can resort to therapy with this plant. After all, there are some limitations to both the leaves and the dandelion root. The therapeutic properties and contraindications must be carefully studied. And only after making sure that the plant does not harm your body, you can resort to treatment.
If you want to use dandelion leaves, consider the following contraindications:
- gastritis with high acidity;
- an ulcer;
- clogging of the biliary tract.
It is strictly forbidden to exceed the dosage of this drug. Otherwise, diarrhea, vomiting can be provoked.
These restrictions apply to root treatment. In addition, it is important to consider individual sensitivity. People who cannot tolerate the plant may experience various allergic reactions.
Medical recipes from leaves
Traditional healers offer a variety of tools that can even fight severe ailments. However, before using them, in order not to provoke unpleasant consequences, it is recommended to discuss their use with a doctor.
The duration of treatment is almost always 3 weeks. If improvements are noticeable, but the symptoms are still not completely eliminated, then therapy can be continued. Of course, after consulting a doctor.
So, the most effective means:
- With vitamin deficiency. You need juice from dandelion leaves. It must be combined with alcohol. Proportions - 1: 1. Three weeks, the remedy is infused in the dark. Such a medicine helps to cope with increased fatigue, eliminates spring vitamin deficiency. It is recommended to use it twice a day for 1 tbsp. l
- In the fight against anemia. Shredded dandelion leaves in an amount of 1 tsp. pour boiling water - 1 glass. 15 minutes, the remedy is infused. A strainer is filtered through a strainer or gauze. Take the medicine throughout the day. The tool effectively supports the overall tone.
- To improve digestion. Dandelion leaves (shredded) must be mixed with the roots of the plant. Both components will need 1 tsp. The mixture is poured with boiling water - 2 glasses. After cooling, the product is filtered. It is recommended to take twice a day for 1 tbsp. l
- From insect bites. Young dandelion leaves must be ground until gruel. It is placed on the site of the bite. This tool perfectly relieves pain and eliminates inflammation.
- To improve lactation, with abscesses. Perfectly improves metabolism, cleanses blood infusion from leaves. You can use dry grass. The crushed raw materials (1 tbsp. L.) Are poured with boiling water (250 g). For 3-4 hours, the medicine is infused, preferably in a thermos. A strained product must be taken before meals of 50 g. Use the infusion 6 times a day.
- With low acidity. Young leaves must be washed thoroughly. For 30 minutes they are dipped in saline. Then it is washed again and scalded with boiling water. Thoroughly grind the raw materials and squeeze the juice. Such a drink should be diluted with water (1: 1). For 5 minutes, the product is boiled. When cooled, they use the medicine three times a day, half an hour before meals, 50 g each. The juice obtained has a bitter taste. To neutralize the unpleasant aftertaste, you can drink the medicine with sweet syrups or jam with a spoon of honey.
- To stimulate the immune system. A decoction of dandelion leaves is used. It is necessary to take raw materials - 5 tbsp. l The grass is poured with boiling water - 300 ml. Then, the product is boiled for 5 minutes. After insisting for 3 hours, the medicine must be filtered. Use it 1/2 cup for 30 minutes before meals, twice a day.
The use of root in folk medicine
As you know, not only dandelion leaves are used to combat diseases. Using root is an effective way to improve health.
The following recipes are popular:
- Raising the tone. The crushed root (2 tsp) is filled with water (400 ml). The composition should languish in a water bath for about 30 minutes. Take it before each meal 1/3 cup.
- Liver treatment. In the evening, it is necessary to add crushed root (20 g) with cold water (250 ml). In this form, the mixture remains all night. In the morning, the product is put on a small fire. It is necessary to bring it to a boil and remove. It is recommended to drink a drink 30 minutes before breakfast. After eating, you can drink another portion of the broth.
- Blood purification. In this case, the root (20 g) is poured with boiling water (250 ml). Such a medicine is infused in a thermos. It is recommended to take 250 ml before meals. The tool perfectly increases hemoglobin.
- Adenoids, chronic rhinitis. It is recommended to make the following infusion. The crushed root (1 tsp) is brewed with boiling water (200 ml). The mixture should be covered with a lid and insisted for 20 minutes. Use in a chilled strained form. It is recommended to drink daily 3-4 times in ¼ cup.
- Stress, fatigue. Take chopped root (1 tbsp. L.). Pour it with alcohol or vodka (1 tbsp.). The product should be infused exclusively in dark dishes for 2 weeks. It is recommended to take 30 drops. The tool is diluted in a spoon of water. For the therapeutic effect, it is necessary to use the infusion three times a day.
- Hypertension. Cold water is added to the crushed raw materials (100 g). She will need 300 ml. The product boils for 25 minutes. The broth must be drunk 2 times a day, 150 ml. It is recommended to take the product before meals. Such a decoction helps to cope with insomnia. In this case, it is useful to take the drug before bedtime.
Wellness Salads
Dandelion leaves are used to prepare many different dishes. Salads are especially in demand. They help increase immunity, provide healing for the whole body.
For salads, it is recommended to use green foliage exclusively during flowering. If the plant has already acquired seeds, then it is not at all suitable for preparing a dish. Such leaflets are very bitter. Therefore, a salad of this greens is not tasty.
Young leaves practically do not contain bitterness. To completely eliminate the unpleasant taste, it is necessary to soak the greens in salted water for 30-40 minutes.
The best recipes from dandelion leaves:
- May. To prepare the salad, you will need dandelion leaves (100 g), green onions (100 g), celery or parsley (50 g). For the dish you need to boil 1 egg. All ingredients are finely chopped and mixed. Sour cream with sugar (1 tsp) diluted in 5% vinegar (1 tbsp.) And salt is used for dressing.
- Dandelion leaf salad with Lungwort. This is another tasty dish that contributes to the overall strengthening of the body. It is necessary to take in equal quantities the leaves of dandelion, medunica. Grind these ingredients. To them is added (to taste) chopped parsley, dill, green onions. You can add caraway seeds to the salad. The cut components are sprinkled with salt. Then they should be crushed until the plants give juice. Season the dish with sour cream or vegetable oil with the addition of vinegar.
Conclusion
An amazing sunny flower - dandelion - is able to give not only a joyful mood. It perfectly heals and supports the body. An unpretentious plant can become an effective medicine for various ailments. The main thing is to know and correctly use the healing power of dandelion.