Uses And Benefits Of Dandelion

Uses and advantages of dandelion

Dandelion contains the following nutrients:

Which parts of the dandelion can you consume?

Spring is the best time of the year to pick this plant if you want to consume it fresh in a salad. You can also let the plant dry in a cotton bag. The roots of this plant are best collected towards the end of summer or in winter. Then store these roots in glass pots, with hermetic closures. The parts of the plant that are usually consumed are:

The leaves

These leaves are similar to spinach and can be eaten raw in salads or cooked, for example in stews. The taste of these leaves is quite bitter, especially when the plant is a little older. That is why we recommend using young flowers. Some people use dried dandelion petals to make infusions that would have medicinal properties.

The flowers

You can pick the flowers before they open and store them in a little salt and vinegar, just like capers. Then you can fry these buds or add them fresh to salads.

The roots

When the plant is two years or older, you can start cutting away parts of the roots. These roots can then be roasted and used as a substitute for caffeine to make infusions.

What's Dandelion good for? Medicinal properties.

By now you know exactly which plant we're talking about, so now is the time to learn a little more about the health benefits this plant offers... and then of course to include it in your diet!

A remedy for diabetes

In Europe, dandelion is often used by diabetics. The roots of this plant contain sugars that are easy to digest.

Helps treat kidney problems

In France this plant is often called 'pisslit' (directly translated this means 'peeing in bed'). This is because dandelion has been used for a long time to stimulate the kidneys.

The plant can help to:

Soothing for the liver

It's a beauty tonic

This plant has been used for many years to treat pimples, eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions. Use a handful of dandelions and a cup of boiling water to make an infusion. Allow the infusion to cool and then use it to clean wounds. Soak a cotton swab with the infusion and rub it over the affected areas of the skin.

Treat anemia

Dandelion leaves contain a considerable amount of iron and can be used to help prevent or reduce anaemia. In addition, the leaves can help the body recover when there has been an iron deficiency for a long time. The plant is great for pregnant women, who often suffer from anemia during pregnancy.

Agent for treating varicose veins and haemorrhoids

Side effects and counter-indications for dandelion

In general, the chance of negative side effects is quite small, apart from skin allergies or eczema. If you consume too much dandelion, you may suffer from diarrhea, heartburn or abdominal pain. Fresh stems could be poisonous for children. In addition, due to the high alcohol content, it is not recommended to use dandelion tinctures during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. In this case it is best to consume just a little bit of Dandelion, either dried or fresh.