Dandelion leaves useful properties and contraindications. Dandelion medicinal properties and contraindications

Dandelion, and its useful and medicinal properties. The benefits of dandelion are manifested when it is used for liver diseases, diabetes, acne, jaundice, cancer and anemia. Dandelion is one of those plants that almost everyone talks about. It is also medicinal. Benefits of dandelion medicinal plant irreplaceable, dandelion is widely used in traditional medicine as various extracts, extracts, infusions. Dandelion ripens in May-June. The whole plant contains milky sap. Already in ancient times, dandelion was highly valued as a medicinal plant. The antioxidants found in dandelion help normal functioning liver, and also prevent it from aging. Dandelion as a medicinal plant was also used by healers Ancient Greece and Rome. Dandelion has been used for food since ancient times. Dandelion is rich in useful substances: choline, B vitamins, carotene, tocopherol, ascorbic and nicotinic acid, potassium, calcium, manganese, phosphorus and iron.

Dandeliondrug, or Dandelion field, or Dandelion pharmacy, or Dandelion ordinary (lat. Taraxácum officinále) - the most known species from the genus Dandelion Asteraceae family.
WITH therapeutic purpose use dandelion root (lat. Radix Taraxaci), leaves, grass, juice. Leaves, grass and juice are harvested in June, roots - in early spring or late autumn in the stage of wilting leaves, dried in dryers at a temperature of 40-50 ° C. Medical and beneficial features Dandelion is used to treat many ailments and diseases.

In the spring, during flowering, it gives honey bees a large amount of pollen, which contains a lot of sugar, proteins and fats. Dandelion nectar is collected by bees in small quantities and not always.

Dandelion is familiar to everyone. It is a perennial plant of the Compositae family. Leaves basal, in the form of a rosette, strongly dissected; flower baskets are golden yellow, located on a straight leafless stem-arrow. When ripe, "parachutes" are formed with seeds that are easily carried away by a breath of breeze. Hence the name. Among the people, dandelion is also called dandelion, milker, milk jug, odeuy-ilesh, grandmother, tooth root.

About 1000 species of this plant are found in nature, of which about 70 species are used by humans. Dandelion is distributed throughout the planet, except for the Far North and deserts. Central Asia.

Useful substances in dandelion

milky dandelion juice contains taraxacin and taraxacerin, 2-3% rubber substances, and dandelion flowers and leaves- taraxanthin, flavoxanthin, vitamins C, A, B2, E, PP, choline, saponins, resins, salts of manganese, iron, calcium, phosphorus, up to 5% protein, which makes them nutritious foods. In dandelion roots contains triterpene compounds: taraxasterol, taraxerol, pseudotaraxasterol, β-amirin; sterols: β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, taraxol; carbohydrates: up to 40% inulin; fatty oil, which includes glycerides of palmitic, lemon balm, linoleic, oleic, cerotinic acids; rubber, proteins, mucus, resins, etc. In flower baskets and dandelion leaves found taraxanthin, flavoxanthin, lutein, triterpene alcohols, arnidiol, faradiol.

Useful properties of dandelion

Dandelion roots and leaves contain bitter glycosides taraxacin and taraxacerin, resinous substances, rubber, asparagine, choline, organic acids, dyes, fixed oils, vitamins and other substances. The leaves contain vitamin C, saponins, calcium, phosphorus and iron. Dandelion is an excellent honey plant, honey from it turns out to be thick, golden, fragrant, with a rather sharp taste. The plant has a choleretic, antipyretic, laxative, expectorant, sedative, antispasmodic and mild hypnotic effect.

Application of dandelion

Dandelion has been used by humans since ancient times. In Western Europe, it has long been cultivated as a garden plant. From young dandelion leaves, vitamin salads, mashed potatoes are prepared, cabbage soup and soups are cooked. Dandelion salad is useful for beriberi, it improves metabolism and helps to restore harmony to the figure. Such a delicacy as pickled flower buds is also very useful - they look great in vinaigrettes and hodgepodges. Dandelion wine has long been made in England; the famous story by R. Bradbury is called “Dandelion Wine”. The blooming flowers are used to make jam that tastes like honey. Roasted roots can be used to make a coffee substitute.

In China, all parts of the dandelion are used as an antipyretic, tonic, and diaphoretic. It is prescribed at poor appetite, furunculosis, inflammation of the lymph glands, various skin diseases, with insufficient milk in nursing mothers. The leaves are considered an antidote for venomous snake bites.

In Tajik folk medicine, dandelion is considered useful in the treatment of gonorrhea. Salad from young leaves is used for anemia and general weakness.

In the Czech Republic, it is used as a choleretic, diuretic and hemostatic agent.

In folk medicine in Bulgaria, it is recommended for the treatment of inflammation of the liver, gallbladder diseases, against gallstones, with jaundice. It is believed to have a calming effect on stones, sand, and other kidney and bladder ailments. It is used for incomplete absorption of fats, flatulence, constipation, and also as an antihelminthic.

In addition to the diseases mentioned above, in Germany, dandelion root is used for insufficient spleen function.

Dandelion in folk medicine

Especially widely dandelion is used in medicine. It helps with atherosclerosis, liver diseases, kidney stones and gallbladder And inflammatory diseases kidneys. Dandelion is also used for poisoning and intoxication, liver cirrhosis, cholecystitis, low potassium levels, edema, poor appetite, gastritis with low acidity, diseases of the joints.

Dandelion juice is the most valuable tonic and tonic. raw juice dandelion mixed with turnip leaf juice and carrot juice helps with diseases of the bones and spine and gives strength to the teeth. Taken before meals, 2-3 tablespoons of dandelion juice, mixed with other healthy wild herbs will give the body almost all the substances it needs. The bitter substances of dandelion stimulate the functions of the liver, destroy stones and remove sand from the gallbladder.

An infusion of dandelion roots is a tonic, diaphoretic and blood purifier. Dandelion roots are useful for diabetics, as they are a hypoglycemic agent; they are part of the herbal preparations for weight loss. Dandelion root powder helps to restore metabolism, heal wounds, ulcers, burns, bedsores.

The plant has a choleretic, antipyretic, laxative, expectorant, sedative, antispasmodic and mild hypnotic effect.

An aqueous infusion of roots and leaves improves digestion, appetite and general exchange substances, enhances the secretion of milk in lactating women, increases general tone organism.

Due to the presence of biologically active substances, dandelion gruel passes through the intestines faster, and this helps to reduce fermentation processes in colitis.

Experimentally, in the chemical and pharmacological study of dandelion, anti-tuberculosis, antiviral, fungicidal, anthelmintic, anticarcinogenic and antidiabetic properties were confirmed.

Dried dandelion root powder is used to enhance excretion from the body. harmful substances with sweat and urine, as an anti-sclerotic agent, for gout, rheumatism.

A decoction, a thick extract is used as bitterness to enhance the secretion of the digestive glands and as a choleretic agent.

Dandelion is very popular in folk cosmetics: a mask of fresh leaves nourishes, moisturizes and rejuvenates the skin, and an infusion of flowers whitens freckles and dark spots.

Contraindications

Dandelion in nutrition

Dandelion has long been used as food by various peoples, it was consumed by both the ancient Chinese and the first settlers in the Americas.

Its young leaves are practically devoid of bitterness and therefore are often used to make salads and borscht, jam is made from dandelion flowers and wine is made, “dandelion honey” is made from opened buds, and a coffee surrogate is made from roasted roots.

In the British Isles, a very pleasant and popular wine in England has been made from dandelion flowers for a long time. This wine was sung by R. Bradbury in his story “Dandelion Wine”.

In early spring, dandelion leaves are used to make salads. In this case, the leaves are immersed for 30-40 minutes in saline solution to greatly reduce their bitterness.

In some countries, the leaves are fermented like cabbage, spring leaves are pickled.

Dandelion leaf salad

Ingredients: green onion - 3-4 arrows, parsley - 5 sprigs, dill - 5 sprigs, dandelion (leaves) - 90 g, olive oil - 2 tbsp. l., balsamic vinegar - 1 tsp, pepper, salt.

Sort the dandelion leaves, wash them and put them in a bowl of salted water for 30 minutes. cold water to take away the bitterness. Drain in a colander, letting the water drain. Dry and then chop finely. Also chop parsley and onion. Combine with dandelion leaves, put in a salad bowl, sprinkle with vinegar, salt, pepper and season with olive oil. Decorate with dill sprigs.

Dandelion Root: Benefits and Applications

Dandelion root is a vertical brown, and on the cut is white, a powerful rod. The composition of the roots different types dandelions include rubber, and in the fall, inulin accumulates there. It helps fight bile and promotes healing and strengthening of the liver.

Roots are harvested either in early spring or late autumn. Then they are well washed from the ground with cold water and cut into four pieces along. Dry either in the sun or in a dryer, where the temperature is 40-50 ° C.

Roots are used in many areas of pharmacology and traditional medicine. It can be in the form of syrup, powder and tincture. The main methods of using the roots of a flower, in all its forms, are written below.

To increase appetite, reduce spasms, cleanse the blood, it is recommended to use tincture from dandelion root. It is also a pretty good laxative. And they prepare it according to this recipe: take 1 tablespoon of roots per 200 ml of boiling water and leave for 2 hours. Drink 1/3 cup for 15 minutes. before meals 3-4 times a day. Drinking a tincture from the roots of the plant is possible not only in order to strengthen the appetite and, but also as a choleretic agent.

Dandelion root is used for gastritis with secretory insufficiency, then the bitterness of dandelion will increase secretion gastric juice, with diabetes mellitus, with chronic spastic and atonic constipation (here, decoctions are used as a laxative). Doctors advise the use of dandelion for cholecystitis, cholangitis, cholelithiasis and hepatitis, since in this case the root acts as a choleretic agent. Both doctors and traditional healers, dandelion roots are used as a means that speeds up the metabolism. Also, their use is prescribed as a remedy for sclerosis.

In folk medicine, dandelion root tincture is used to treat abdominal pain, sexually transmitted diseases, eczema, anemia, gout, allergies, to stimulate milk flow in lactating women. A decoction - for hemorrhoids, pulmonary tuberculosis, skin diseases. Lotions from the root of the plant are made for eye diseases. The powder is used for burns, frostbite, ulcers, bedsores and festering wounds.

If you have a noise in your head, you need to eat dandelion root grated on a coarse grater with carrot root and other salad greens for the whole summer, seasoning the salad with oil.

Dandelion is a small herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the large Asteraceae family. Dandelion is perceived as an unnecessary weed and is fought mercilessly with it. But this uncomplicated flower is valuable useful plant having wide range healing properties. Flowers, root, leaves and juice of dandelion officinalis (pharmacy) have long been used to treat various diseases.

Dandelion - medicinal properties

The most common inconspicuous dandelion - surprisingly effective remedy against a variety of diseases, which can serve as a good addition to treatment, or replace it. However, for serious illnesses, you should still discuss the treatment with a specialist who will study your medical history and draw the right conclusions. Dandelion potions have the following properties:

Decoctions, dandelion infusions affect the work gastrointestinal tract, increase education of hydrochloric acid- basics of gastric juice. Therefore, treatment with dandelion is contraindicated in gastritis with high acidity, with peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.

Dandelion is used with caution in acute inflammatory diseases of the biliary tract.

One of the medicinal properties of dandelion is choleretic action. In turn, increased bile secretion leads to loose stools. Therefore, you should not use the plant in case of intestinal disorders.

With a reduced ability of the gallbladder to contract ( hypotonic dyskinesia), an excess of bile intake causes its stretching and strengthening pain. Therefore, in this disease, dandelion treatment should not be used.

Do not use a medicinal plant for flu symptoms.

Flowers, pollen, and dandelion juice can cause severe allergic reaction.

Dandelion - when to harvest

For medicinal purposes, the ground part of the dandelion (flowers and leaves) and its root are used. To harvest a certain part of the plant, choose the period when it accumulates maximum amount vitamins and other beneficial trace elements.

Dandelion leaf preparation

Dandelion leaves are harvested before the start of the flowering period (in May or early June) from plants that have not yet had time to release flower arrows. Young leaf blades are carefully torn off by hand or cut with scissors and put into pre-prepared pallets or baskets, carefully making sure that the grass does not crumple and reproach. Damaged by insects, yellowed, rotten leaves and other undesirable impurities are removed from the collected medicinal raw materials.

Collection of dandelion flowers

Dandelion inflorescences are harvested during their active flowering: in May-June. During harvesting, preference is given to young, recently blossomed flowers and plants growing on dry soil away from highways and manufacturing enterprises. Flower baskets are cut with scissors or torn off by hand, trying not to sprinkle healing pollen plants. The collected medicinal raw materials are put into trays or baskets, carefully making sure that it does not shrink or wrinkle. After harvesting, the flowers are poured onto a flat, light surface (for example, on a countertop) and checked for insects and impurities among them.

Harvesting dandelion roots

Dandelion roots are harvested in mid-spring (before the leaves appear) or in autumn (in September or October). Medicinal raw materials are removed from the soil, cleaned of adhering earth, cut off the ground part and filiform lateral processes. Then the roots are washed in ice-cold running water and allowed to dry in a draft.

How to dry a dandelion

The washed dandelion roots are cut into pieces no longer than 15 cm long and dried in the fresh air until, when broken, white juice ceases to stand out from them. After that, the medicinal raw materials are laid out thin layer on thick fabric or cardboard and dried in attics, under special sheds or in dryers, carefully making sure that the heating temperature of the chamber does not exceed 45 degrees.

Dandelion flowers and leaves are laid out in a single layer on a bedding and dried in the shade under trees or in an electric dryer (the air temperature in the device chamber should not exceed 50 degrees). If desired, medicinal raw materials can be laid out to dry in well-ventilated attics, balconies or verandas. During drying, the grass must be regularly mixed, thereby preventing it from caking.

Dandelion storage rules

Dried dandelion is stored in dark, dry, warm rooms with good ventilation. Roots for storage are poured into wooden boxes, and leaves and flowers - into small linen, paper bags, cardboard boxes or glass containers. The roots of the plant retain their unique beneficial properties for up to 5 years. At the same time, dandelion grass and inflorescences can be used for cosmetic and medical purposes only during the year.

Dandelion - healing recipes

Recipes that contain dandelions are simply impossible to list. The plant is effective at chronic pathologies liver, kidneys (especially inflammatory nature), kidney stones and gallbladder. Helps with atherosclerosis. Used for poisoning, liver cirrhosis, cholecystitis, edema various genesis, reduced level potassium, poor appetite, gastritis with reduced acidity, with joint pathologies. Dandelion can be found in complex herbal teas with a wide range of applications.

Simplest, affordable way treatment with dandelion - eating the plant. In cooking, fresh, canned and dry dandelions are used. Add it to the first and second courses, snacks and drinks. Very common healthy desserts- jam, marshmallow and honey.

Dried aerial parts of dandelion are used to make tea. A kind of coffee substitute is made from the dried root.

Young, tender leaves suitable for salads, which is especially recommended for beriberi, improves metabolism and helps to lose weight. To eliminate the characteristic taste of bitterness, the leaves can be soaked in salted water for about 30 minutes. However, it is this bitterness that is beneficial for the body.

Dandelion juice is a valuable firming and tonic and a remedy recommended for beriberi. Helps to normalize the acidity of gastric juice. Assign with stones in the gallbladder and kidneys, atherosclerosis, anemia, to improve appetite, diabetes. Effective for cleansing the blood with furunculosis, allergies. Old-timers advise dandelion juice to strengthen bones for the elderly and for the treatment of rickets - for children. Also recommended in the fight against cancer. Juice is obtained from all parts of the plant, which are strongly crushed and soaked in a small amount of water (extraction). Take from ¼ cup to 200 ml daily, mixed with honey or oatmeal. Outwardly, fresh, undiluted juice is used to remove freckles, warts, corns, pigmentation, eczema, and also to reduce the severity of an allergic reaction with bee stings. To preserve dandelion juice, squeeze it without dilution with water and mix it with an equal part of vodka. Take 1-2 tbsp. l. 3 times a day

Infusions and decoctions prepared from roots, leaves and flowers. Take 1 tbsp. dry raw materials from the outer parts of the plant and 1 tsp. dried roots for 0.2 liters of boiling water. In the case of infusion, it is kept for 2-3 hours in a thermos, the broth is boiled in a water bath for 10 minutes. Take 1-2 tbsp. (dose may be increased to 1/3 cup) between meals for the main indications. When it comes to treating depression or insomnia, be sure to take the medicine at bedtime as well.

Dandelion infusion. Helps with: lack of appetite, constipation, as a choleretic agent for liver pathologies, kidney diseases and Bladder, spleen, atherosclerosis, gastritis, anemia, diabetes mellitus (activates the production own insulin). An effective remedy for venereal diseases, abdominal pain, eczema, skin rashes and allergies. It is prescribed for hypo- and beriberi, metabolic disorders, colitis, headaches, abdominal cramps, poor appetite, gout. Dandelion infusion for women is prescribed for inflammatory diseases and hormonal changes.

Dandelion decoction. It helps with chronic constipation, hypoacid gastritis, hemorrhoids, general weakness, beriberi. Outwardly: on the basis of a decoction, eye lotions are made for inflammation of the tissues, foci of furunculosis, skin rashes are treated.

Alcohol tincture of dandelion. Fresh flowers are poured with whole vodka and infused in a dark place for 3 weeks, then the raw material is squeezed out and the resulting tincture is taken 40 ml 2 times a day. It is especially recommended after severe hypothermia and at the initial signs of colds and flu.

Dry dandelion root powder. Prepared by grinding dry raw materials. Helps with atherosclerosis and is applied orally 1 tsp. 3 times a day with water. Externally used to treat skin diseases (burns, eczema).

Dandelion ointment. To obtain an ointment, the roots and leaves are washed and dried, finely chopped and poured with vegetable oil 1: 5, insisted in the dark for 15 days. The resulting remedy is excellent for burns (at the stage of regeneration), non-healing wounds, and is used in the treatment of bedsores.

Dandelion oil. Place dandelion flowers (1/3) in a container, washed and dried from water, pour vegetable oil so that it completely covers the flowers and boil on the smallest fire for 40 minutes. Indications are similar to the use of ointment.

Dandelion honey. 300 gr. free baskets from green leaves and stems, rinse and pour 0.2 liters of water, boil for 3 minutes, turn off. Add 1 crushed lemon (without peel) to the mixture and leave for 6-8 hours. From 1 glass of water, 1 kg of sugar, boil the syrup. Strain the dandelion-lemon infusion and pour into sugar syrup, cook for about half an hour on the smallest fire. Pour into sterile jars. Taken with tea and milk, 1 tsp. 3 times / day. It can be used instead of sugar, as well as confiture for a sandwich. It is indicated for the improvement of the liver, improvement of digestion, restoration of intestinal biocenosis, normalization of the gallbladder, prevention and therapy. colds(especially flowing with a cough).

Compresses, lotions from dandelion. The basis for the compress is prepared according to the recipe of the infusion and is used to reduce the symptoms of arthrosis, gout.

Welcome everyone to our blog! With the advent of spring, the first flowers delight the eye, and almost every yard and garden is decorated with sunny dandelions. Since childhood, we have been accustomed to taking them for granted, playing with them, weaving them into wreaths and blowing seeds from mature flowers. But few people know what benefits dandelion can bring - medicinal properties and contraindications, methods of application, unusual recipes cooking.

At correct application This plant can become a real panacea for many diseases. After all, all its parts are healing from yellow buds to leaves and roots. Of course, you need to be able to harvest, store and use them. We will talk about this in this article.

Let's learn more about the familiar, but mysterious plant, like dandelion - medicinal properties and contraindications, useful parts, harvesting methods and other important little things. And for starters, it’s worth briefly giving a description of it (although there is hardly a person who has not seen this flower at least once in his life).

So with biological point Dandelion officinalis is a perennial up to 60 cm high, has a long single root up to 2 cm thick, extending 50-60 cm deep. The leaves are oblong, pinnately dissected, grow from a basal rosette. The bud is placed on a hollow arrow of a cylindrical shape, flowers up to 2-5 cm in size are reed, bright yellow in color, appear in May massively, longer flowering is possible until August.

It is noteworthy that in the evening and in cloudy weather the buds close. This phenomenon is even beautiful legend, which I recently read on the blog of my friend Elena Kasatova. Read it - you won't regret it.

The fruit is a hairy, umbrella-shaped seed. With gusts of wind, it can move hundreds of meters and form a new meadow of dandelions, because up to 200 seeds can appear from one flower! It is worth adding that, despite the abundance of species, they differ little from each other. The difference is only in the size and shape of the flower, and even then it is not significant. So to say, a dandelion is also a dandelion in Africa!

No less interesting and chemical composition crops, this plant has:

• vitamins A, C, B2, PP;
• carotenoids;
• resins;
• wax;
• alcohols;
• minerals (manganese, iron, calcium, phosphorus, copper, cobalt);
• organic acids;
• terpenes;
• sterols;
• glycosides;
• tannins;
• oils.

Dandelion - medicinal properties and contraindications

Probably, it's time to mention the medicinal properties, which are unexpectedly many, although there are certain contraindications.

The plant can both prevent diseases and effectively fight them. The main thing is to be able to use healing properties of this solar medicine, among them:

• choleretic, which is often used for diseases of the liver and gallbladder;
• sedative - calms, relieves insomnia;
• diuretic, thanks to which it is possible to normalize blood pressure and body weight;
• anti-carcinogenic, this property is very important now, when there are a lot of carcinogens harmful to health in ready-made foods;
• analgesic, while dandelion can calm pain of various etiologies (tooth, head, articular, with cuts and bruises);
• anti-inflammatory - the plant is not much inferior in efficiency to modern tablets;
• expectorant, which is often used in the preparation of breast fees;
• antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial properties appear only with prolonged use;
• diaphoretic, which is especially useful when elevated temperature, as well as for the removal of toxins and with a complex decrease in blood pressure.

It is immediately worth mentioning the general contraindications:

• obstruction of the bile ducts;
• stomach ulcer or gastritis;
• individual intolerance to the product;
• diarrhea (remember that the product is a little weak, so it can aggravate the situation);
• pregnancy and lactation, although this is not direct contraindication, and, let's say, a recommendation. For example, small portions of dandelion jam even improve milk production.

Since the beneficial properties of individual parts of the plant are slightly different, we will study them in more detail.

Dandelion root - medicinal properties and contraindications

It is the dandelion root that is considered the most powerful, it is even used in traditional medicine. For the same reason, it is easiest to buy in pharmacies the underground part of the culture, of course, already ready for use.

Dandelion root has found its use in:

• reduced appetite;
• as a choleretic agent for liver problems;
• with chronic constipation;
• in oncology, given the ability of the root to fight carcinogens and cancer cells;
• due to the ability to stabilize the metabolism, the product is recommended for diabetes;
• at nephrolithiasis for crushing and removing formations;
• with flatulence, hemorrhoids due to the ability to stabilize the intestines;
• It has long been known that a plant such as dandelion helps fight against worms. different type and accommodation;
• with gout;
• pancreatitis;
• cystitis;
• skin rashes, eczema, furunculosis;
• due to the high content of vitamins, it is useful for beriberi;
• preparations from the root normalize sleep, calm the nerves, tone up, are also used for asthenia and anemia;
• product components stimulate the heart, especially useful in atherosclerosis;
• often used as a diaphoretic, expectorant for colds.

Contraindications to taking the root are the same as listed above, but before using the medicine, it is worth talking with a therapist.

Dandelion flowers - medicinal properties and contraindications

The medicinal properties of dandelion flowers are no less diverse, among them:

Basically, this medicine has found application in traditional medicine, but every year more and more doctors offer this remedy as a supplement to medicines.

The contraindications are the same, the only thing is that when feeding, you need to follow the dosage so as not to harm the baby.

Dandelion juice - medicinal properties and contraindications

Occasionally, the juice of the plant is used separately, it has the following medicinal properties:

• tonic;
• blood-purifying, improves blood composition;
• helps to normalize metabolic processes;
• removes warts, freckles, calluses, age spots;
• good in the treatment of blepharitis and eczema;
• relieves pain and swelling from insect bites.

There are no separate contraindications here, everything is the same as for other parts of the plant.

Dandelion leaves - medicinal properties and contraindications

The easiest way to use the various beneficial properties of the foliage of the plant, among them it is worth noting:

• the ability to saturate the body with vitamins after winter. To do this, a salad is made from juicy young leaves. At the same time, the younger the foliage, the tastier - bitterness forms in old shoots;
• dandelion herb increases appetite;
• gives strength, soothes with nervous exhaustion;
• helps fight skin diseases;
• heals joints;
• removes intoxication of the body;
• lowers blood pressure;
• the medicinal properties of the product are used for anemia, it improves the composition of the blood.

Contraindications are the same - ulcers, gastritis, dandelion allergy, pregnancy and lactation.

Medicinal properties and contraindications for women

There are also special medicinal properties of the plant for women, fair sex this culture helps fight against:

• breast cancer;
• cystitis;
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system, bone fragility during menopause;
• at observance of a dosage helps to improve a lactation.

Useful properties of dandelion officinalis

In addition to treatment, useful properties are used for prevention and just pleasure.

So, often the leaves of the plant are used to prepare salads, side dishes, soups, such dishes give the body a whole vitamin cocktail. And the French like to pickle young buds and add them to salads for spiciness.

A fragrant dandelion honey is also made from the plant. And if you fry the peeled roots and boil them, you can get "poor coffee", that is, a drink that is similar to an oriental drink in its richness and bitterness.

Application

The use of the plant is most widely used in medicine. It is believed that dandelion can cure more than a hundred ailments. Of course, doctors are not limited to this medicine, but they often recommend it as an addition to the main therapy, and pharmacists add it to their creations.

Pharmacy funds

Dandelion is included in many pharmaceutical products, especially herbal teas against colds, choleretic, expectorant. There are also more complex medicines in which this extract is added, for example:

• German aristachol, which is prescribed for pathology or inflammation of the biliary tract or liver;
• dandelion oil is used for joint pain, burns, skin ulcers;
• galstena, a drug to restore the liver, treat pancreatitis also includes dandelion;
• biologically active additive"Dandelion" in capsules is a source of ascorbic acid.

Application in traditional medicine

In folk medicine, the plant has been used for more than one century, while all its parts are used depending on the disease. Most often they use decoctions, infusions, tinctures and oils, how to make and use them - read on.

Decoction

Probably the most popular use of natural medicine.

To make such a drink, you need to take 1 tbsp. the top of the plant, or 10 gr. dry flowers, or 1 tsp. roots in a glass of boiling water, boil the herb for 1-2 minutes, the roots are about 10. Set aside, wait for cooling and strain, drink according to the instructions. But most often a glass of decoction should be consumed throughout the day, divided into 3 or 4 doses, taken 20 minutes before meals.

Infusion

Also quite popular, for its preparation 1 tbsp. herbs or flowers or 1 tsp. roots should be poured with boiling water in a thermos, wait a couple of hours, strain. It is very convenient to pour the medicine at night, then the resulting infusion will be as saturated and useful as possible.

Alcohol tincture

The tincture is often prepared from the flowers of the plant. It is used externally for skin diseases, joint problems and itching after insect bites, and is also drunk for internal ailments.

For its preparation it is worth taking 100 gr. dry or fresh buds and 0.5 l. vodka, insist in a glass container for a month in a dark room, after which the liquid should be drained and drunk 1 tsp. before meals in the morning and evening, or use for rubbing and compresses.

Oil

The oil made from the buds helps with gallstones, constipation, digestive problems, for this you need to use 1 tbsp. before eating. And when applied externally, wounds, scars, burns, eczema, psoriasis, rye, impetigo pass in front of it, it is enough to apply a compress with liquid to sore spots 1-2 times a day.

Preparing the oil is simple - in dry weather, young flowers are harvested, kneaded until juice is formed, placed in a jar to half, filled to the top with any vegetable oil. The neck is wrapped with gauze and placed in the sun, after 21 days the liquid is filtered, squeezed and poured into another container. Store away from sunlight at room temperature.

Dandelion root for weight loss

The product is also useful for people who want to reduce their weight. So, the roots and products from it:

• cleanse the body of toxins;
• remove excess fluid;
• weaken a little;
• improve digestion, normalize the absorption of nutrients;
• bitterness reduces appetite;
• help lower cholesterol levels.

In the process of weight loss, you can eat a variety of dandelion salads, as well as regularly drink decoctions and infusions from the root of this plant.

Dandelion in cosmetology

It has long been known that this inconspicuous weed can significantly improve appearance person. So, its components are:

• whiten the skin, cleanse the pores;
• remove dead cells, restore the skin;
• tone, moisturize, nourish the skin of the face and body;
• remove age spots (especially effective Fresh Juice just apply it on the stains and wash off after drying sour milk or serum)
• treat acne(Ideal is a mass of crushed leaves and warm milk 1 tbsp. from 1 egg yolk, use time - 25 minutes).

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It remains to talk about how to prepare and use the plant, in particular, the roots, as the most strong part dandelion. But, everything is in order.

When to Harvest Dandelion Roots

In order for the roots to be as suitable as possible for medicinal purposes, you need to choose the time when they greatest content useful substances. As a rule, this is early spring and mid-autumn, when there are no flowers that pull vitamins and minerals.

When to Collect

the state of the culture will tell, the best time will be the moment when the leaves are already well formed, and the buds have not yet appeared, that is, early spring, well, autumn after flowering.

The collection is simple - you should dig up the plant, trying not to damage the root, especially its thick part, then the top is removed, and the rhizome is thoroughly washed in water, cleaned of small roots.

How to dry dandelion root

After the preparation of the roots has been completed, it is important to dry them properly in order to save them for a long time for treatment. The raw materials are dried for a couple of days in the sun, and then dried in a warm, well-ventilated room or special dryers at a temperature of 40-60 degrees.

Naturally, for successful drying, the rhizomes must be laid out in a thin layer on paper or cardboard. Store the roots in linen or paper bags.

How to boil dandelion root

So, what is the use of dandelion, we already know, now we need to decide how to use everything desired properties plants. Naturally, it is impossible to use raw roots following the example of leaves, but the underground part is great for decoctions.

How to prepare a decoction or infusion of dandelion roots?

No more difficult than any other, for a decoction, chopped rhizomes should be poured with water and heated in a water bath or low heat for 10 minutes. For infusion, pour boiling water over the roots overnight in a thermos at the rate of 1 tsp. to a glass of water. As a rule, this portion is more than enough for oral administration, but when washing your hair or extensive compresses, you can increase the volume by 2 or 3 times.

Recipes

As I already mentioned, sometimes dandelions are used in cooking, and the scope is wide - from salads and soups to sweets. Have you tried jam or honey from this plant? No? Then it's time to learn how to cook such delicacies!

Dandelion Jam - Recipe

Still don't know how to make dandelion jam? It can be prepared by different recipes, the simplest one is:

• we take 380-400 buds, wash them;
• pour two glasses of water, put on fire;
• boil for 2 minutes;
• drain into a colander, squeeze the flowers;
• add 7 cups of sugar to the broth, cook for 7 minutes after boiling;
• pour into banks.

Dandelion honey, as jam is also called among the people, I personally like to cook with lemon, for this:

• I take 200 flowers, wash them in a sieve, let them drain;
• I put them in a saucepan, add 1 lemon, cut into large pieces;
• I add half a liter of water;
• cook for 10 minutes after boiling, stirring;
• turn off the fire and leave the container for a day;
• I filter, I squeeze;
• I throw away the flowers, and add 350 grams of sugar to the liquid;
• cook for another half an hour on low heat;
• I pour it into banks, I roll it up.

The benefits and harms of such a product are incomparable. So, a treat can cure joints, remove stones from the kidneys and gallbladder, speed up metabolism, remove osteochondrosis, stimulate the liver and kidneys. A possible harm can only be in the case when the patient has contraindications to the use of the plant (they are indicated at the beginning of the article).

Dandelion leaf salad

The benefits and harms of an unusual dandelion are probably known to a few. Agree, few people in their lives have tried dishes from this weed. In fact, the fresh foliage of the plant contains a whole vitamin cocktail, which not only helps to overcome spring beriberi, but also to improve the work of the stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines, help to remove toxins, bad cholesterol, speed up metabolic processes.

To get a tasty and healthy salad, you need to collect raw materials in environmentally friendly places, away from the dust of the city, roads, and enterprises. Also, the leaves should be young, juicy. To remove bitterness from them, it is advised to pour water over the foliage for 30 minutes or pour boiling water over it.

My friend shared several recipes for salads:

• take a handful of dandelion leaves, a couple of lemon cloves, a clove of garlic, a little carrot, lemon juice, chopped nuts and vegetable oil, chop the leaves, crush the garlic with salt, chop and combine everything else, season with vegetable fat;
• salad with cabbage and egg: 100 gr. dandelion, 50 gr. finished sauerkraut, a little green onion and 1 boiled egg, chop everything, mix with salt and sour cream;
• with cucumber: chop the leaves of the plant, green onion, cucumber, pepper, salt, mix with mayonnaise.

Dandelion Wine - Recipe

It was a surprise for me that these colors can be made Home wine, and the recipe is not very complicated. For this you will need:

• liter jar of buds;
• 4 liters of water;
• 1.5 kilograms of sugar;
• two lemons;
• 100 grams of unwashed raisins;
• 3 sprigs of fresh mint

It is necessary to remove the receptacles from the petals in order to avoid the bitterness of the drink, then put the petals in a container, pour boiling water, leave for a day. After that, strain, squeeze, discard the flowers, and combine the liquid with lemon juice and grated zest, add sugar (500 gr.), mint, raisins (do not wash it to preserve natural yeast for fermentation), put everything in a container, close the neck with gauze.

Put the wine to ferment in a dark warm place for 2-3 days, then add another 500 grams of sugar, pour the liquid into another container, leaving a third of the empty space for fermentation, cover with a special wine lid or medical glove.

And again, we leave the wine to ferment in warmth and darkness for 5-6 days, after which we add another 250 gr. sugar, after pouring out a little liquid and diluting the crystals in it, after another 5 days we repeat the procedure, mixing in the remaining sugar.

The drink will be ready in 30-60 days depending on the room temperature and yeast activity. Then the liquid can be carefully drained without touching the sediment, and stored in a cool place until consumed, if desired, you can also add sugar or fix it with vodka.

Here it is, dandelion - its medicinal properties and contraindications are diverse. This familiar flower, it turns out, can do a good job if you know how to use it. On this I will say goodbye, stay tuned for new articles by subscribing, see you soon!

Flowers, root, leaves of dandelion officinalis (pharmacy) have long been used to treat diseases. Decoctions, tinctures, juice help to reduce the level, normalize metabolic processes, blood composition in case of anemia. Salads from fresh greens, jam stimulate digestion, bile formation, treat the pancreas and liver.

What is useful dandelion

The plant has anti-inflammatory, laxative, choleretic, diuretic, antipyretic, expectorant, anti-sclerotic, antihelminthic, sedative, antitumor effect.

Infusions, decoctions are used to get rid of stones in the biliary and urinary tract, at toxic damage liver, gastritis decreased secretion gastric juice.

The bitterness included in the composition stimulates and improves the condition of the skin. Inulin is essential for diabetics. Root, flowers, leaves stimulate the separation of milk in nursing mothers.

Useful plant prevents osteoporosis, slows down tissue aging.

Dandelion officinalis is widespread, it can be found on lawns, in the garden, in meadows, in the field. The milky juice of the plant is used for bee stings, to get rid of.

From young leaves collected before flowering in late spring - early summer, prepare healthy salads They are added to soups. A special salad variety of dandelion has been bred, there is no bitterness in its leaves.

Dandelion root is about 2 cm thick and up to 60 cm long. It acquires maximum medicinal properties in autumn or early spring, before the appearance of the first leaves.

plant composition

Juice, roots, leaves, flowers of dandelion officinalis contain a lot of biologically active substances. First of all, vitamins A, B1, B2. The combined action of rutin (vitamin P) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) reduces capillary permeability and fragility.

Trace elements are represented by manganese, phosphorus. The plant contains tannins, phytoncides, fatty oils, mucus, organic resins.

Dandelion roots contain glycerides of oleic, palmetic, cerotinic acids. By autumn they accumulate up to 40% of inulin. In spring, its content is only 2%.

The composition also contains sucrose (up to 20%), proteins (15%), carotene, tannins, organic acids. The roots are able to accumulate copper, selenium.

Dandelion leaves and roots

Dandelion leaves are harvested at the beginning of flowering or at the end of summer. They acquire a maximum of medicinal properties after the birth of a young month, before sunrise. The leaves are sorted, yellowed and wilted are removed. Dry in the shade in a well-ventilated area until the milky juice ceases to stand out. If desired, the dried leaves can be ground in a coffee grinder. Store in a closed glass container for up to two years.

Dandelion roots are harvested in early spring (before leaves appear) or in autumn. The best time is at sunset in mid-September, when the moon is at its worst. The roots are dug up, thin lateral roots are cut off, washed in cold water, dried in a well-ventilated area. When the milky juice ceases to stand out, they are cut into pieces of 3-5 mm, dried. The finished product is light or dark brown in color, odorless, bitter in taste. It can be stored for up to five years.

Application of dandelion

The medicinal properties of the plant are used in the form of infusions, tinctures, decoctions, oils, juices, fresh in salads.

• Brew 1 tsp. dried dandelion roots (or 2 tablespoons of dry leaves, flowers) with a glass of boiling water, leave for two hours, strain.

The infusion is prescribed for disorders (skin rash, acne), as well as for gout, rheumatism, anemia. It is used as an antitoxic agent for insect and snake bites, thyroid diseases.

• Brew 1 tbsp. dried leaves and flowers or 1 tsp. roots with a glass of boiling water, simmer in a water bath for 5 minutes, let cool, strain.

Take 2 s.l. before meals for diseases of the liver, gallbladder, cholelithiasis, gastritis with low acidity, constipation, to improve digestion, stimulate appetite.

Vodka tincture.

• Pour 100 g of flowers with half a liter of vodka. Infuse for two months in a dark place, strain.

Alcohol tincture.

• Pour 1s.l. crushed leaves and roots of dandelion 100 ml of alcohol with a strength of 70%. Infuse for a week in a dark, cool place in a sealed container, shake the bottle every day. At the end of the plant material, remove, strain the finished product.

Apply tinctures at the first sign, rub whiskey, bridge of the nose. Cover your head with a cotton and woolen scarf, preferably all night. Inside, take 10-20 drops per 1/2 cup of water 2-3 times a day for liver diseases, as a choleretic agent.

• Dried leaves, flowers pour 3 parts of vegetable oil. Insist 7-10 days in a dark cool place, strain.

Used to treat inflammation of the mucous membranes.

The medicinal properties of dandelion are also used in the form of tea, syrup.

• Brew 1 tsp. crushed roots with a glass of boiling water, leave for 20 minutes. Take 1/4 cup 15-20 minutes before meals.

• Collect fresh dandelion flowers early in the morning in a glass dish, sprinkle each layer granulated sugar, lightly tamp, add a little water. Keep the jar in a dark place for 3-4 days. Keep refrigerated.

A brown thick liquid is formed in the jar, pleasant to the taste. Take 1 tsp. twice a day, adding to drinks, desserts. Flowers can be consumed with honey. The remedy is used for insomnia, loss of strength, to improve memory, increase efficiency.

Medicinal properties of dandelion juice

Dandelion leaf juice is best prepared before flowering, in the first half of June. From July to the beginning of autumn, the healing properties are reduced.

• Wash the grass and leaves with cold water, cut, put in a colander and scald. Grind in a meat grinder, strain through dense fabric. Add the same amount of water by volume, boil for 2-3 minutes.

To eliminate bitterness, the washed leaves of young dandelions can be placed for half an hour in a solution of table water at the rate of 3 cl per liter of water, then rinse again.

Take for 2-3 weeks or the entire spring-summer, 1 tsp. 20 minutes before meals, you can with honey. Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, then prepare a new juice.

The medicinal properties of dandelion juice are due to the high content of potassium, calcium, sodium, and iron.

In particular, only fresh plants contain organic magnesium. Inorganic compounds are not absorbed and accumulate in the body.

Some people add an equal amount of vodka to the juice, or one part of alcohol to two parts of the juice.

Juice helps to neutralize high acidity, it is used as a choleretic agent, to normalize the activity of the pancreas. It has a mild laxative effect, helps with insomnia.

Fresh juice helps to get rid of joint pain in gout, lowers cholesterol. It is used in diseases of the liver and gallbladder. Pairs well with other vegetable juices.

For cosmetic purposes, juice is used to whiten the skin, get rid of freckles, age spots, warts, lubricate the site of insect bites.

Fresh juice lubricates the defect 3 times a day or more often. Allow to dry, then rinse with water.

Dandelion Salad Recipes

The young leaves of the plant are used as salads. As a rule, they are not bitter, especially if the center rod is removed. To eliminate bitterness, greens are also placed for 20 minutes in cold salted water (1 tablespoon per liter of water).

• In a separate bowl, mix vinegar, vegetable oil, salt. Mix everything with chopped dandelion greens, parsley,.
• Mix chopped dandelion grass (leaves) with mashed with salt, add vinegar, little vegetable.
• Finely chop the leaves, mix with walnuts, add 1s.l. honey or vegetable oil.

Dandelion Jam Recipes

1. Yellow petals of dandelion flowers (400 pcs) pour 1 liter of water, add pre-cut into 4 pieces with skin, cook for 90 minutes. Allow to cool, strain, squeeze out the plant mass, it is no longer needed (throw away). Finely chop the boiled lemon, add 1 kg of sugar and cook until the consistency of liquid honey.
2. Separate from the flowers (360 pcs.) Stem, pour 2 cups cold water, boil 2 minutes. Place gauze in four layers in a colander, drain the water into a saucepan, squeeze out the vegetable mass. Add 7 cups of sugar to the water, put the pan on the fire and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Boil seven minutes from the moment of boiling.

coffee drink

• Roast dried dandelion roots until light brown. Brew at the rate of 1 tsp. to a glass of boiling water.

The drink will replace coffee for those suffering from hypertension, liver and kidney diseases.

These medicinal properties of dandelion roots are also used to cleanse the lymph:

• Insist overnight in a thermos at the rate of 1s.l. root powder in 500 ml of boiling water. Take 1 glass three times a day for a week.

Treatment with dandelion for diseases of the heart, blood vessels

Hypertension.

• Brew 1-2s.l. crushed leaves or roots with a glass of boiling water, simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, strain. Take 1s.l. three times a day.

Recovery after a heart attack, stroke.

• Prepare dandelion juice (see above). Take 50 ml 20 minutes before meals twice a day.
• Brew 1s.l. dried leaves with a glass of boiling water, leave for two hours, strain. Take up to a quarter cup three times a day before meals.
• Grind the dried root into a powder. Slightly hold half a teaspoon in your mouth, drink a sip of water. Take three times a day before meals.

Atherosclerosis.

• To lower cholesterol, take 1 tsp. crushed dandelion root powder shortly before meals. Improvement occurs after six months.

For the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis, you can take dandelion juice, gradually increasing consumption from 1 tsp. per day up to a glass. Then reduce the rate, return to the original.

Phlebeurysm.

• Brew 1 tsp. dandelion roots, brew 500 ml of boiling water, simmer for 10 minutes, leave for 10 minutes, strain. Take 2/3 cup 2-3 times a day.

Treatment of dandelion diseases of the joints

Salt deposits, gout:

• Collect dandelion flowers in May, fill the dark glass jar. Pour vodka, insist two weeks in a cool place. Rub the joints with tincture and gruel at night, cover with a woolen scarf.

Arthrosis. Dandelion roots have medicinal properties to restore cartilage tissue, dissolve salts:

• Brew at the rate of 1s.l. dried roots in a glass of boiling water, leave for half an hour, strain. Take 1s.l.-1/3 cup three times a day half an hour before meals.

The use of dandelion for the liver, with pancreatitis

Appetite improvement, constipation:

• Brew 2-3s.l. dandelion root powder with a liter of boiling water, simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, let cool, strain. Take warm half a glass before meals three times a day.
• At night, insist 1 tbsp. root powder in a glass of cold water. Take 1/4 cup throughout the day before meals.

Improved digestion. Eat the leaves in salads. Recipes for their preparation are given in the appropriate section (see above).

Cholecystitis. The bitterness of the plant is wonderful cholagogue. The following decoction recipe helps with gastritis with low acidity, diseases of the pancreas, for the release of insulin:

• Brew 3s.l. dandelion root powder 500 ml boiling water, simmer for 20 minutes, strain. Take 1/2 cup half an hour before meals twice a day.

Cholelithiasis.

• Mix 1 part root powder and 10 parts dandelion herb. Brew 2s.l. a glass of boiling water. Take 1/4 cup before meals 4 times a day.
• Take every day for 2s.l. fresh dandelion juice (see recipe above).

Liver diseases. Prepare the syrup (see the section above for the recipe). Take 1s.l. three times a day half an hour before meals for a couple of weeks. After 14 day break repeat course.

Pancreatitis, abdominal pain.

• Brew 1s.l. dried dandelion leaves and roots 500ml cold boiled water, insist 10-12 hours. Take 1/4 cup before meals 4-6 times a day.

Dandelion Benefits for Diabetes

Salads from the leaves of the plant are rich in inulin. It is useful to use them with parsley, tops, radishes or young turnips.

• Brew 1 tsp. finely chopped washed roots with a glass of boiling water. Insist 20 minutes, strain. Take 1/4 cup 3-4 times a day.
• Brew 1 tsp. crushed dandelion root and 3 tsp. mint leaves with a glass of boiling water, simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, cover, let cool, strain. Take 1/4 cup 2-3 times daily before meals.

Elimination of insomnia, overexertion, depression

Increased nervousness associated with overwork (fatigue).

• Prepare tincture at the rate of 1s.l. root powder in a glass of vodka, insist in a dark cool place for 10 days, strain. Take 30 drops with water half an hour before each meal for 14 days.

Insomnia.

• Brew 2s.l. dandelion flowers with a glass of boiling water, simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Insist in a sealed container for half an hour, strain. Take 1s.l. 3-4 times a day before meals.

The use of dandelion for women

With the threat of miscarriage, after consultation and the consent of the doctor, you can take a decoction of dandelion.

• Brew 1s.l. root powder with a glass of boiling water, leave for 2 hours. Take throughout the day or 1/4 cup before meals.

It is better to start taking a medicinal plant with small doses (for example, brew 1 tsp per glass). If the state of health after taking a satisfactory dosage can be increased.

Dandelion juice treatment for eyes and teeth

With trachoma, 1 drop of milky juice is instilled into the eyes.

Dandelion juice strengthens gums and teeth. Take, holding in the mouth, 1 tsp. three times a day. The recipe for making juice is given in the corresponding section above.

Dandelion Contraindications

Medicinal plant helps with many diseases. But first, you should consult a doctor who will help you choose the optimal dosage and rules for taking.

Broths, infusions of dandelion affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, increase the formation of hydrochloric acid - the basis of gastric juice.

Therefore, treatment with dandelion is contraindicated in gastritis with high acidity, with peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.

Dandelion is used with caution in acute inflammatory diseases of the biliary tract.

One of the medicinal properties of dandelion is a choleretic effect. In turn, increased bile secretion leads to loose stools. Therefore, you should not use the plant in case of intestinal disorders.

With a reduced ability of the gallbladder to contract (hypotonic dyskinesia), an excess of bile flow causes it to stretch and increase pain. Therefore, in this disease, dandelion treatment should not be used.

Do not use a medicinal plant for flu symptoms.

Flowers and pollen can cause an allergic reaction.

Modified: 02/11/2019

Feb-26-2017

What is dandelion, medicinal properties and contraindications of dandelion, what are the beneficial properties of this plant, all this is of great interest to those who lead healthy lifestyle life, looks after his health, and is interested in folk methods treatment, including with the help of medicinal herbs and berries. So we will try to answer these questions in the following article.

From the point of view of botany, medicinal dandelion is a perennial herbaceous plant up to 50 cm in height, with a thick taproot (up to 2 cm in diameter, up to 60 cm long).

The leaves are collected in a basal rosette, prickly-pinnate, with lobes turned downwards, narrowed towards the base into a winged petiole. The flowers are golden yellow, all ligulate, sitting on a flat receptacle, the inflorescence is surrounded by a double wrapper, the inner leaves of which are turned up, and the outer ones are bent down. The roots, stems and leaves usually contain a white, very bitter milky sap.

Basically, the types of dandelion differ little from each other. The differences are small and come down to the shape of the root, and especially the structure of the fruitlets. The fruits are spindle-shaped achenes with a tuft of fine white hairs. Everyone knows the parachute seeds of this plant: when fully ripe, they are easily torn off the basket by a light breeze and carried away for considerable distances (up to hundreds of meters) from the mother plant. Up to 200 seeds are formed on one inflorescence. Seeds ripen about a month after the start of flowering. Often there is repeated flowering and fruiting throughout the summer. In medicine, dandelion roots are used.

The flowering period of dandelion is one of the longest - from early spring to autumn. Mass flowering in May, separately flowering plants meet until autumn. The fruits ripen in June - August. Often there is repeated flowering and fruiting throughout the summer. Dandelion is propagated by seeds and vegetatively. The productivity of one plant ranges from 200 to 7000 seeds.

Dandelion officinalis is a perennial plant. It grows everywhere, and especially it can be seen during flowering, it has bright yellow (sunny) flowers. In the spring, the body depletes its vitamin reserves, so there is a great opportunity to replenish them.

The plant has a lot folk names: field dandelion, medicinal dandelion, kulbaba, euphorbia, wasteland, Jewish hat, tooth root, cotton grass, Russian chicory, oil flower, cow flower, March bush, milky flower, light, air flower, bald patch. All this, of course, is proof widespread and the huge popularity of this plant among people.

Dandelion is one of the most unpretentious perennial herbaceous plants. It grows mainly in meadows, gardens, along roads, in vegetable gardens, on forest edges, in fields. The clarity of submission to a certain biological rhythm is clearly seen in the periodicity of the daily blooming of its inflorescences: at exactly 6 o'clock in the morning the yellow baskets unfold and close at exactly 3 o'clock in the afternoon; inflorescences also react to atmospheric humidity - in cloudy weather, the baskets also close, protecting pollen from moisture.

The aerial part of dandelion contains alcohols, saponins, significant amount protein, vitamins C, A, B2, nicotinic acid. Found in inflorescences and leaves ascorbic acid(up to 50 mg%), vitamins B1, B2, E, carotenoids, resins, wax, rubber, alcohols, proteins. Iron, calcium, manganese and phosphorus are found in the leaves, the content of which is even higher than in leafy vegetables.

Medicinal properties of dandelion:

So, here are the medicinal properties that dandelion preparations have:

expectorant,

diuretic,

tonic,

firming,

diuretic,

Spasmolytic,

Laxative,

soothing,

Hypnotic,

diaphoretic,

An excellent diuretic

Stimulates the appetite

Neutralizes superacidity, normalizes the alkaline composition of the body,

Favorably affects the functioning of the digestive glands, kidneys, liver, gallbladder, spleen,

Improves general state, stimulates performance, eliminates fatigue and fatigue

Normalizes metabolism,

Reduces blood cholesterol levels

Improves blood composition in anemia,

It is a hematopoietic agent, activates the formation of leukocytes,

Restores strength

Improves metabolic processes in the body,

Removes toxins from the body

Enhances pancreatic function

Increases insulin production

Cleanses the body of toxins

Helps regulate fluid balance in the body

- Stimulates the work of the cardiovascular system.

The pharmacological properties of dandelion are determined by its chemical composition.

Biologically active substances Dandelion officinalis also have choleretic, diuretic, antispasmodic, laxative, expectorant, sedative, hypnotic, diuretic, diaphoretic properties. In addition, in the process of studying the activity of dandelion, antiviral, anti-tuberculosis, fungicidal, anthelmintic and anti-carcinogenic properties were also established.

Young (fresh) leaves of this plant can be used as a salad - with hypovitaminosis, scurvy, anemia, rheumatism, gout. Leaf juice - as a general tonic, blood purifier and normalizing metabolism. Outwardly - to remove calluses, warts, freckles, age spots; with eczema and blepharitis; to reduce pain and swelling from bee stings. In Bulgaria, it is customary to use juice in the treatment of atherosclerosis, anemia, diseases of the skin, liver, gallbladder, jaundice, hemorrhoids, inflammation of the stomach and intestines. In Germany - with beriberi, anemia, rheumatism, gout. In France, the same juice is used for gout, jaundice, skin diseases, as well as to improve blood composition and as a tonic and diuretic.

In folk medicine, mixed infusion and decoction of flowers and leaves are prepared for diseases of the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, hypertension, hemorrhoids, and sleep disorders.

A decoction of flowers is prepared for sleep disorders, hypertension, constipation, and also as an anthelmintic.

Recipes for infusions and decoctions:

Decoction:

Take 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dried dandelion, pour one glass of water, boil for 1 minute, leave to infuse for 1 hour, then strain. Take half a glass in the morning and in the evening half an hour before meals.

Dandelion flower decoction:

10 g of raw materials are boiled in 200 ml of water for 15 minutes, infused for 20-30 minutes, then filtered. Take 1 tbsp. spoon 3-4 times a day.

Decoction of dandelion flowers and herbs:

20 g of dandelion flowers and herbs are boiled for 10 minutes in 400 ml of water, infused for 30 minutes, then filtered. Take 1/4 cup 3-4 times a day after meals.

Decoction of dandelion roots and herbs:

30 g of crushed roots and dandelion herb are boiled in 1 liter of water for 15 minutes, infused for 45 minutes, then filtered. Take 1/2 cup 3 times a day.

Infusion for external use:

A handful of medicinal dandelion flowers pour 250 ml of boiling water, insist in a thermos for 1-2 hours, then filter, and squeeze the raw material. Wipe the skin from age spots and freckles.

Tea:

Pour 1 teaspoon of crushed roots with 1 cup of boiling water and leave for 20 minutes, then drink 1/4 cup 3-4 times a day 15-20 minutes before meals.

Nectar:

In a 3 liter jar, layer the dandelion blossoms (harvested early in the morning on a sunny day when the dew has subsided) and sugar. Periodically tamp the mass with a wooden pusher to extract juice. At the bottom of the jar, a sediment of plant pollen forms. The resulting nectar can be stored in a cool place all winter.

Take 1 teaspoon, stirring in 1/4-1/2 cup of boiled water, 20-30 minutes before meals to improve appetite, increase tone.

It is impossible to collect dandelion in the city, as it accumulates lead and other heavy metals that are harmful and hazardous to health.

Dandelion Leaf Juice:

In early spring, it is useful to drink juice from dandelion leaves. Dandelion juice is obtained from the whole plant (in May - June) by crushing it and extracting it with a small amount of water. Previously, the plant is soaked in cold salted water (for 30 minutes) in order to reduce the bitter taste.

The leaves are washed well with cold water, allowed to drain, chopped, placed in a colander and scalded. Then they are passed through a meat grinder, squeezed through a dense cloth, diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 1 and boiled for 2–3 minutes. Take 1-3 tbsp. spoons 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals. It can also be used like this: 1/4-1 cup daily for a long time (you can use rice or oatmeal broth, with a tablespoon of honey). Store dandelion juice in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also preserve with alcohol or vodka.

Juice has a strengthening property, useful for inflammation of the stomach with low acidity. It is used as a mild laxative for chronic constipation and as a cholagogue for diseases of the liver and gallbladder. Influencing the exchange of electrolytes, dandelion juice helps to reduce joint pain in gout. It is taken as a diaphoretic, antipyretic and pulmonary remedy. When drinking juice and infusion of the root in lactating women, lactation increases - the formation of milk.

Dandelion leaf juice is one of the most valuable tonic (strengthening) agents. It is necessary to neutralize hyperacidity and normalize alkaline composition internal environment organism.

Dandelion juice contains exclusively high concentration potassium, calcium and sodium. It is also the richest source of magnesium and iron.

Raw dandelion juice, obtained from leaves and roots, combined with carrot juice and juice of turnip leaves helps with various ailments affecting the spine, and other bone diseases, and also gives strength to the teeth, thereby preventing the development of pyorrhea (periodontal disease) and their destruction.

It must be remembered that fresh juice should be consumed. It is not recommended to store it for more than 3 days (even in the refrigerator).

Externally, dandelion juice is used to remove warts, calluses, as well as conjunctivitis and eczema.

Dandelion extract has a unique healing effect. Blooming inflorescences are poured in a thin layer (-4 cm thick) into a 3-liter glass jar, then a layer of sugar 2–3 cm thick is poured, after which they continue to alternate between a layer of inflorescences, a layer of sugar - and so on until half the jar. A 3-liter jar will require 1-1.5 kg of sugar.

After that, the contents are carefully rammed with a clean, specially prepared stick. Up to 100 ml of water can be added to moisten the mixture. After compaction of the mixture, continue layer by layer to lay flowers and sugar almost to the top of the jar. Then the contents are tamped again.

When the mixture is compacted, juice begins to stand out, which is a brownish extract. It is slightly bitter, but pleasant in taste (reminiscent of burnt sugar). Do not strain the contents of the jar. This dandelion concentrate can be added to tea, various drinks or salads, or taken as a independent remedy 1 teaspoon 3-4 times a day. Dandelion extract relieves fatigue, increases appetite and raises vitality.

Dandelion Contraindications:

Contraindications to the use of dandelion preparations are peptic ulcer stomach, hyperacid gastritis, duodenal ulcer with increased acidity of the juice in the stomach. Also, dandelion officinalis is contraindicated in case of a tendency to diarrhea.

Do not use dandelion during pregnancy and lactation (in large doses) and with individual intolerance.

Dandelion juice and tea therapeutic doses don't give any side effects. Fresh dandelion stems can cause poisoning symptoms, especially in children if they eat a lot of them.

In addition, it should be remembered that the treatment medicinal herbs requires compliance with:

What is useful dandelion for women?

Dandelion extract and juice are used for cosmetic purposes: for nutrition, moisturizing, rejuvenation skin. Dandelion is especially effective for removing age spots and “evening out” skin tone.

Dandelion milky juice is used to remove age spots on the skin, and warts. Freshly picked dandelion juice is suitable for these purposes. For the treatment of furunculosis, eczema and skin rashes, a hot infusion of the roots is used (taken orally).

• Dandelion for acne and freckles

To lighten freckles, squeeze the juice from fresh flowers and leaves of the plant. Dilute with water 1:1 and wipe the face with the resulting mixture in the morning and evening, rinse off after 15 minutes. When the juice dries, the face can be wiped with whey or sour milk.

All parts of the plant secrete a milky sap. They lubricate age spots, freckles, warts, dry calluses, snake bites, bees.

• For freckles and age spots:

2 tbsp. boil spoons of young crushed dandelion flowers for 30 minutes in 0.5 liters of water, after cooling, strain the broth and pour into a bottle. Lotion to wipe the face in the morning and evening.

• Mask for pigmentation:

Young dandelion leaves (6 pcs.) Chop into small pieces, grind in a wooden mortar and mix with 2 teaspoons fat-free cottage cheese. Apply on the face with freckles, black spots, age spots. Before applying the mask, smear the affected areas of the skin with the juice of the leaves. After 15-20 minutes, remove the mask with a spatula, and wipe the skin with sour milk. For dry skin, mix the leaves with cottage cheese, for oily skin - with egg white. The mask softens, nourishes and strengthens the skin.

• Blackhead lotion

It is necessary to dig up 3-4 whole plants, along with roots, stems, leaves and flowers. Rinse well, dry on paper towels, then cut and send to a glass jar, and pour vodka in a ratio of 1: 2 (two glasses of vodka per glass of crushed dandelion). The jar must be tightly closed with a lid and sent for 10 days in a dark place.

Then take out a jar, strain, dilute with water (mineral or simply boiled) again 1:2, two glasses of water per glass of tincture.

• For skin whitening:

Boil 2 tbsp. spoons of dandelion flowers in 0.5 liters of water for half an hour over low heat, strain. Wipe the face with the resulting decoction in the morning and evening.

• From freckles and age spots:

A mixture of dandelion juice and parsley juice, taken in equal proportions, is an effective remedy for whitening freckles and age spots. Wipe freckles and age spots with this lotion 3 times a day until they turn pale.

Very interesting video about the beneficial properties of dandelion!

Dandelion for weight loss:

For weight loss, young dandelion leaves are very good, from which delicious omelettes, spring soups or borschiks and healthy salads are obtained.

You can also make smoothies or juices from the herbs of this medicinal plant. Dishes that contain even very few dandelion leaves are the richest source vitamins A and C and many minerals we need for health.

Weight loss in this case is due to the improvement metabolic processes and excretion of excess fluid from the body.

In addition, dandelion is a mild laxative. Its huge advantage over other laxatives, during the use of which potassium is excreted from the body, is the presence of this substance in the composition.

Thanks to this, the balance of potassium in the body remains normal.

Dandelion and herb salad for weight loss

For this salad, you need to collect 100 g of young dandelion leaves, rinse them well, cut or tear into pieces, add 50 g of finely chopped green onions and 30 grams of chopped parsley and dill.

Season all this to taste with vegetable oil, salt and lemon juice. Lettuce will help normalize metabolism.

Based on the book by Yu. Konstantinov “Dandelion, plantain. Natural Medicines.