Dandelions: a free medicine, food and source of vitamines and minerals !

While it may surprise some that this much maligned “weed” is beneficial to us as well as other plants and animals.  There are actually more than 50 species of dandelion around the world (some say up to 2000 microspecies).  It has also been cultivated for food and medicine for thousands of years including the use of selective breeding to grow larger, tastier, and more nutritious varieties.  Even more surprising to the average lover of monoculture lawns is that it can also make a good companion plant in the garden, attracting a variety of insects and providing a great source of nectar for pollinators early in the year.

Strictly put, dandelions aren’t weeds but dynamic accumulators, a type  of species that is generally the first to colonize areas otherwise devoid of plants due to fire or other reasons, particularly in poor soil conditions.  Although they are not nitrogen fixing plants, due to their wonderful root system they help bring up nutrients that would  be otherwise unavailable to shallow rooted plants.  Their broad leaves work wonderfully as ground cover, protecting your garden crops from actual weeds that might choke out your plants.  Dandelions may seem to spread like weeds and be difficult to get rid of or avoid in damaged and imbalanced ecosystems such as the modern lawn, but they are distinctly non-invasive and are seldom found in healthy, wild settings.

Dandelions are well known to be a highly nutritious plant rife with all sorts of vitamins, particularly vitamins K, C, A, beta carotene, choline, B1, B2, and B6, as well as iron and calcium.  It is widely used medicinally, primarily for its legendary liver cleansing abilities, diuretic properties, as well as an anti-inflammatory.  Thanks to it’s very high potassium content, it’s even a good tonic for insomnia!

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Dandelion health benefits : 
1 ) Cancer : Dandelion root extract is unique, and is one of the only things found to help with chronic myelomonocytic Leukemia and It is effective in treating Breast Tumors


2 ) Detoxification of vital organs : Because of the diuretic abilities of dandelion root, it is beneficial for flushing out the Liver, Kidneys and Gallbladder. İt works great to purify the blood and cleanse the system. This also makes it a good herb for Fighting İnfections.
It is also used for Arthritis, Osteoarthritis , Gout and Rheumatism

3 ) Dandelion tea actively ameliorates disease—it is a potent disease-fighter—and helps the body heal, helps Boost İmmunity and Heart Disease, and age-related Memory Loss.

4 ) Treating Anemia : Because of the high content of iron in dandelion root, it is beneficial for building red blood cells in the body to treat anemia.

5 ) Treating Diabetes : Dandelion root has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in patients. In Europe, it's used to treat Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes.

6 ) Digestive System : Dandelion root, when made into a tea, is beneficial for relieving constipation, flatulence and fullness.

7 ) Treating High Blood Pressure : Dandelion root is a natural Diuretic. When combined with its high potassium content, it is an effective treatment to lower blood pressure.

8 ) Dandelion tea helps reduce High Cholesterol.

9 ) High Nutritional Value : Dandelion root contains vitamins A, B-complex, C and D as well as the minerals İron, Zinc and Potassium. This combination of vitamins and minerals also makes dandelion root a High Antioxidant Food.

10 ) Mood Enhancer : Due to the high amount of vitamin B-complex, dandelion root can help to stabilize mood and Treat Depression.

11) It is very beneficial to Menopausal Women

12 ) Dandelion root is also used to treat skin disorders such as Acne, Eczema and Psoriasis.

13 ) Laxative : Dandelion root is also a mild laxative and is used to help with regularity.

14 ) Dandelion tea helps with weight control—especially with Weight Loss.

( Composting spent dandelion tea Blossoms, Leaves, and/or Roots, after drinking your dandelion tea, improves soil composition. )

( There are very few side effects linked to using dandelion root. Allergic Reactions to the herb have been reported. People taking prescription lithium, a diuretic, medication to lower blood pressure or medication to lower blood sugar should not take dandelion root. Women who are Pregnant or Breastfeeding should consult their doctor before taking this herb. )