Dandelions, according to their botanical description, are common weeds. I have a huge number of them in my backyard.
Moreover, dandelions grow both on dry soil and almost in water:
Many people try to get rid of them, but in reality, it's not worth it. Dandelions are used medicinally for humans, dogs, and cats, and as food for rabbits and poultry. But they can also be used in vegetable gardens, cooking, and cosmetics. In short, they're a versatile weed. Today, I'd like to briefly discuss the health benefits of dandelions. I'll also mention the potential risks.
I collect dandelions and dry the leaves separately from the flowers, which I first fluff up.
I won't go into detail about the plant's chemical composition; it's long, tedious, and of little interest to anyone, but the rich composition has the following properties:
- antipyretic;
- choleretic;
- expectorant;
- laxative;
- antispasmodic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- calming;
- sleeping pill (though very mild);
- accelerating metabolism, etc.
It's simply impossible to describe all the different types of action, but I know for sure that both pharmaceutical and home-made herbal preparations are used for the following problems and illnesses:
- indigestion, heartburn, constipation, poor appetite and other gastrointestinal problems;
- increased blood clotting, anemia, etc.;
- diabetes mellitus, general weakness of the body;
- poor immunity;
- lactation disorders;
- rheumatism and gout;
- gallbladder problems;
- cough.
We can talk about diseases for a long time, but one thing is clear: dandelion is almost universal.
Now about the contraindications. Dandelion should be used with caution in the following cases:
- stomach ulcers and gastritis;
- high acidity;
- presence of stones;
- dandelion allergies;
- diarrhea;
- during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
These are all limitations, so dandelion does far more good than harm. And don't forget to harvest the plant only in ecologically clean areas—away from roads, garbage dumps, and factories.
Every spring, we pull up dandelions by the roots. I wash and dry the roots thoroughly. I brew and drink the infusion. I mix it with burdock root and couch grass root. It's used to treat osteochondrosis and back pain. I picked some dandelion flowers and wanted to dry them, but they turned into white balls and went limp. I had to throw them out. I also made a vodka rub from the flowers.