Medicinal properties of dandelion and contraindications. Medicinal properties and contraindications of medicinal dandelion, flowers

Amazing Fact, but 90% of people know about dandelion only that it yellow color, and at the time of seed ripening is covered with white fluff. The plant is so common that it can be found in all regions of Russia, except for the Far North, so the flower is perceived as a weed that grows everywhere.

This is interesting! In Russian, there are other variants of the name dandelion. Yes, in different regions In Russia it is called Svetik, March bush, wasteland, fur, doinik.

Only 10% of people are known medicinal properties dandelion and contraindications to its use. Meanwhile, the usefulness of the plant was known in ancient times:

Theophrastus mentioned the healing properties of the plant as early as 300 BC!
Avicenna also said that the flower has medicinal properties, used it for self-healing.
John Hill, in his book The Family of Herbs, published in 1812, wrote that a decoction of dandelion roots had a diuretic effect.

plant application

The healing properties of dandelion are recognized by both traditional and folk medicine (we have already written in detail). The plant is used in various cases:

treatment of diseases;
disease prevention;
fight against hypovitaminosis;
deworming of the body;
cosmetical tools.

Among the diseases that the herb successfully copes with, one can single out a cold, poisoning, low acidity, diabetes mellitus, exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis.

Japanese scientists have patented an extract of dandelion roots as a remedy used in the fight against oncological diseases. China also held a number of laboratory research, which confirmed the effectiveness of the root extract in the fight against tumors.

Collection of medicinal raw materials

In the manufacture of medicines from this plant, all its parts are used. Each of them has its own collection and storage technology.

Important! Dandelion, like many other plants, is capable of accumulating harmful substances, such as lead. You can not collect plants at a distance of less than 500 meters from railway, up to 200 meters from highways, near cities. Plants growing in these areas are not only useless, but harmful to health.

Roots

The optimal time for harvesting is late autumn or early spring. Dug out, which are also rich in medicinal properties, must be cleaned from the ground, rinsed thoroughly in water, and laid out to dry in the sun. The drying time is 2-3 days, depending on the weather. Then you need to dry the dandelion roots in a drying cabinet. Can be dried indoors for up to two weeks. Store in paper bags, no more than five years. Starting from the third year of storage, many substances are destroyed, the product loses its properties.

Flowers

The time of harvesting dandelion flowers depends on the region, usually from May to June. Depending on how these parts of the plant will be used, two main methods of collection and storage are used.

To make jam, dandelions are harvested at noon, the flower is open and filled with nectar to the maximum.

If you plan to use the flowers to make a decoction, then in the following way. Collected flowers spread thin layer on gauze and dried in the shade for several days. Then they are dried indoors, packed in paper bags.

For the preparation of tinctures, the collected flowers are poured medical alcohol stored in a cool, dark place.

Contraindications

Special contraindications, except for allergies, have not been identified. However, when treating with dandelion, care must be taken in the following cases:

exacerbation of gastritis and duodenal ulcer;
pregnancy and lactation;
predisposition to diarrhea;
blockage of the bile ducts.

It must be remembered that dandelion - medicinal plant. Its use is best agreed with the attending physician.

The history of the use of the flower in medicinal purposes is several thousand years old. During this time, hundreds of ways to use it have been invented and tested. It is impossible to describe them all in one article. Dandelion officinalis is not just weed grass. This is a storehouse of useful substances, getting rid of many diseases, an alternative or a great addition to cosmetics.

HEALING WEED
Imagine that there is a product that, if consumed with a main meal or as a drink, you could prevent or cure liver disease; purify your blood; dissolve kidney stones; reset excess weight; cleanse the skin and eliminate acne; reduce high blood pressure; prevent or treat anemia; reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by one and a half times; eliminate or significantly reduce digestive problems. And all this, and much more, without side effects! But all these beneficial features inherent in the well-known dandelion.

SOME FACTS
We used to count dandelion in best case pretty flower. For those who have a vegetable garden, dandelion is a noxious weed that is not easy to get rid of. Meanwhile, the beneficial properties of dandelion are appreciated in many countries. It is eaten, used in pharmacy and even in industry. After all, in the juice certain types Dandelion contains natural rubber. Therefore, in some countries, these plants are specially planted in order to produce rubber from them.

Dandelions are specially bred in Japan, USA, India and Europe. These yellow flowers are especially popular with the French, who even cultivate them and use them in cooking. dandelion recipes . By the way, it was thanks to the French colonists that dandelions appeared on the territory of the American continent. They specially brought dandelion seeds to America so that they had something to eat in the first years of territorial development.

COMPOSITION AND USEFUL PROPERTIES OF DANDELION
Dandelions are the richest source vegetable beta-carotene - one of the most powerful antioxidants and immunostimulants. In addition, dandelion is the third most vitamin A food, after fish oil And beef liver! One cup of dandelion greens provides 112 percent of the required daily amount of vitamin A, as well as 535% of the daily intake of vitamin K. Dandelions are especially rich in fiber, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and B vitamins, thiamine and riboflavin. The beneficial properties of dandelion are also provided due to the rich set of microelements included in the composition, such as copper, cobalt, zinc, boron, molybdenum, and vitamin D. But that's not all! 100 grams of dandelions contain 2.7 g of protein, which is slightly less than the same amount of oatmeal cooked with water or semolina porridge with milk. So for those who prefer vegetarianism, dandelions are extremely useful.

USE OF DANDELION IN MEDICINE
Dandelion has been used since ancient times to treat hepatitis, kidney stones, and cirrhosis of the liver. It is also useful for people who suffer from anemia. Useful properties of dandelion are used for diseases gastrointestinal tract. Dandelion promotes work digestive system by stimulating the production of bile. The substances contained in this plant improve the absorption of calcium and have beneficial effect on blood sugar levels, which means that dandelion can be used in the treatment of diabetes. Dandelion leaves and root are used to treat heartburn and indigestion. Dandelion is great for reducing swelling, bloating, and fluid retention in the body. It can also help reduce high pressure. On top of that, dandelion has antibacterial properties.

IN Chinese medicine the use of dandelion for the treatment of hepatitis and infections of the upper respiratory tract, for example, bronchitis and pneumonia is considered a justified method. In Canada, dandelion is used primarily as a diuretic. The juice from the stems or roots of dandelion has medicinal properties, it can get rid of warts.

All parts of young dandelions have the greatest healing powers. But the roots, even in a dry form, retain the beneficial properties of dandelion, so they are harvested for future use. It is justified to do this in the spring before the full growth of the leaves or in the fall after they wither. The roots are dug up, washed, large ones are cut into pieces. After the roots are dried until the milky juice disappears and dried in a ventilated room, under a canopy or in special dryers at a temperature of + 40-50 'C. Store the raw materials in a dry, dark place at room temperature in glass jar under the lid. It is recommended to make small holes in the lid so that the raw material does not suffocate.

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DANDELION: CONTRAINDICATIONS
Despite the mass of useful properties, dandelion, like any medicine, has contraindications for use, and in some cases it should be used with caution. In particular, dandelion decoctions are not recommended for people prone to indigestion. And it is also better to refrain from it for those who have hyperacidity stomach. Dandelion flowers are also contraindicated for people suffering from hay fever (pollen allergy).

RECIPES OF FOLK MEDICINE
Recipe. Dandelion infusion. Use for metabolic disorders
Pour a tablespoon of dandelion root powder with boiling water (one glass). Keep on fire for 15 minutes. The broth should boil slowly. After let it brew for 45 minutes. Then strain the infusion. Take an infusion of dandelion slightly warmed a quarter of an hour before meals, half a glass three times a day.
Such an infusion of dandelion also helps with furunculosis and skin rash.
Recipe. Dandelion tincture . Use to increase appetite and cleanse the blood
Pour 10 g of fresh washed and chopped dandelion roots with a glass of boiling water. Insist 20 minutes. Strain. Cool down. Take a quarter cup 3 times a day. It also has a laxative and antispasmodic effect.
Recipe. Dandelion tincture on vodka
Wash dandelion roots, cut, pour vodka at the rate of 1 part roots and 5 parts vodka. Keep in a dark place in a sealed container, shaking daily. Dandelion tincture on vodka is used for abdominal pain, sexually transmitted diseases, make lotions for eczema. Daily dose when taken orally - 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day before meals.
Recipe. Dandelion juice and its application
Juice can be extracted from any part of the plant. Dandelion juice is very useful for beriberi, anemia, stress and insomnia. Dandelion juice must be freshly squeezed. Take it 30 minutes before meals twice a day, at a dosage of 50 ml.
traditional healers dandelion milky juice was prescribed to be instilled 1 drop into the eyes for trachoma. They can also lubricate warts and corns.
You can save the juice by diluting it with alcohol in a ratio of 2:1 or vodka 1:1.
Recipe. Decoction of dandelion flowers . Use for jaundice, rheumatism, high blood pressure, insomnia, hemorrhoids.
Throw fresh dandelion flowers into boiling water, if possible, cleaned of green leaves as much as possible. Boil over low heat for 5 minutes. Cool down. Strain. Squeeze. Take ¼ cup 3 times a day. For 250 g of water, you need a tablespoon of flowers.
Recipe. Dandelion oil. Application for burns
When radiation injury skin or burns, dandelion oil will help well. To prepare it, you will need dried dandelion root powder and olive or sunflower oil. Add the powder to vegetable oil in a ratio of 1 to 4. Keep warm for two weeks. Dandelion oil is used both as an ointment and in the form of compresses.
Dandelion. Application for warts
The beneficial properties of dandelion have long been used in the fight against warts. All that is needed for this is any part of this plant (since all parts of the dandelion contain milky juice). It is necessary to squeeze the juice from a dandelion, and lubricate the wart with it. This should be done for several days, until the wart turns black and falls off.
Dandelion. Application of roots.
Dry dandelion roots are ground into a powder. Use 2 grams per day to enhance lactation in nursing mothers, at high temperatures.
The diuretic effect of dandelion roots has been proven, so they are recommended to be used in any form for diseases of the urinary system.
Dandelion. leaf application
Grind into a bowl. Apply to wounds, ulcers, bedsores, inflamed joints.
Dandelion. Application in veterinary medicine
Dandelion flowers have high content lecithin and have weak but useful analgesic qualities. This makes them a safe and gentle pain reliever for cats. To do this, pour a handful of dandelion flowers with boiling water. Let stand until the solution darkens. Strain. Cool down. Give the animal in the form of drops.

Taraxacum officinale L.

In spring and summer, thousands of dandelions bloom in the most unexpected places, painting everything around in sunny colors, delighting and uplifting, in folk medicine, dandelion has long been considered a "vital elixir".

Dandelion is used to treat anemia, as a tonic and tonic. Medicine has studied and confirmed the antiviral, antidiabetic, antituberculous, cleansing, anthelmintic properties of dandelion preparations.

Dandelion is one of the most common plants on our planet, it easily adapts to environmental conditions, grows on the plains and in the mountains, in the sun and in the shade, survives in any conditions; such ubiquitous distribution on Earth and rich content healing properties and explains its widespread use.

In Russia, dandelion is distributed throughout the European part, in Western Siberia, on South Eastern Siberia And Far East, the most common dandelion officinalis.

Description of the dandelion plant. Dandelion officinalis or common is a well-known herbaceous perennial plant with milky juice in all parts, belongs to the genus Dandelion - Taraxacum of the Aster family (Compositae). The plant has a short branched rhizome from above, turning into a vertical taproot up to 60 cm long with a diameter of up to 2 cm; pinnatipartite or pinnately lobed leaves, narrowed towards the base, collected in a basal rosette.

Golden-yellow reed flowers - in single inflorescences in baskets up to 5 cm in diameter on long hollow flower stems 10-50 cm tall. At night and in wet weather, the baskets are closed, protecting the flowers and achenes from moisture; on a sunny day, the baskets are open, it blooms in April - July.

Dandelion fruits are light grayish-brown achenes, attached to parachute fluffs, with the help of which they spread easily. One plant can produce up to 3000 seeds. It is also easily spread by pieces of roots when digging, which immediately give new shoots.

IN medicinal purposes use dandelion root, leaves and flowers, plant juice. Main medicinal raw materials is the dandelion root. It contains up to 40% inulin, sugar up to 20%, rubber 2-3%, bitter glycoside taraxacin, triterpene compounds, organic acids, fatty oil, flavonoids, alcohols, resins and mucus, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, iron, copper, calcium, potassium, zinc, selenium.

The roots are harvested in autumn in September - October, during the period of wilting of the leaves, less often in April - early May. The dug roots are cleaned and washed in running water, while large roots are cut, then dried in the air until the milky juice is no longer released from the sections. Finish drying in a dry, ventilated room or in an oven at a temperature of 40 - 50 ° C. Store in a dry place for no more than 5 years.

Dandelion officinalis different places They are also called powder puff, milk jug, spurge, cotton grass, wasteland, tooth root, sump. The generic name Taraxacum comes from the Greek word tarassoin - "calm" given to the plant for one of its medicinal properties.

Dandelion root useful properties and contraindications

Dandelion root preparations are used to stimulate the appetite, as cholagogue, at chronic constipation, at allergic diseases, gout, diseases of the spleen, with nephrolithiasis, flatulence, with hemorrhoids, pancreatitis, cystitis, furunculosis and beriberi.

Dandelion roots are used in the treatment of rheumatism, treatment lymphatic system, adenoids, with obesity, diabetes, at helminthic invasion; Dandelion enhances the flow of milk in lactating women.

Dandelion root preparations are used for anemia and asthenia, dandelion has a tonic and calming effect on the nervous system, and normalizes sleep. With diseases of the cardiovascular system, with atherosclerosis, dandelion helps to improve the nutrition of the heart muscle.

Dandelion root is used as a bitter, choleretic agent, as a mild laxative, diuretic and sedative, as an antipyretic, diaphoretic, expectorant.

How to take dandelion roots?

To stimulate appetite, with anacid gastritis, diseases of the liver and gallbladder, constipation, gout and renal colic:

Infusion: pour one tablespoon of crushed roots with a glass of boiling water, close the lid, wrapping, leave for 2 hours, strain, squeeze. Take chilled 1/4 cup 3-4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

With colds, coughing, furunculosis, skin rashes, acne; to increase milk in lactating women:

Infusion of dandelion roots (or roots and leaves): one tbsp. l. crushed raw materials pour a glass of boiling water, insist in a sealed container for 1 hour. Take up to 1/2 cup 3 times daily before meals.
Decoction: one tbsp. l. crushed roots pour a glass of boiling water, insist in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes, cool for 10 minutes. Strain, squeeze, pour boiled water to the original volume. Drink 50 ml 3-4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

Normalizes blood composition skin diseases, furunculosis.

Dandelion is one of powerful herbs to increase milk flow in lactating women, and the milk is enriched with amino acids contained in dandelion.

With chronic rhinitis, adenoids:

Infusion of roots: one tsp. dry crushed root brew 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 20 minutes, cover with a lid, cool, strain. Take 1/4 cup 3-4 times a day.

With fatigue, lack of strength, stress:

Tincture: pour one tablespoon of crushed dandelion roots with a glass of vodka or alcohol, insist in a sealed container in a dark place for 2 weeks, strain, squeeze. Take 30 drops in a spoonful of water 3 times a day before meals for 2-3 weeks.

The activity of the digestive glands and the gastrointestinal tract is activated, metabolism is regulated, appetite improves, general tone organism.

To remove toxins, harmful substances, cholesterol, from gout, rheumatism, sclerosis:

Grind dried dandelion roots into powder in a coffee grinder. Take 2 g of powder with water 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

Dry extract of dandelion root is used in the preparation of medicines.

With hypertension, insomnia, as a laxative and anthelmintic:

Pour 10 dandelion flowers with a glass of boiling water, boil for 15 minutes, leave for 30 minutes, strain, squeeze. Take 1 tbsp. l. 3 - 4 times a day.

For eczema:

Infusion: two tsp. leaves and roots pour a glass hot water, boil for 5 minutes, leave for 8 hours. Take hot, 100 ml 3 times a day before meals.

To treat eczema, you can prepare an ointment:

dandelion root powder - 1 part
honey - 2 parts

Mix everything thoroughly, use as an ointment on the affected skin.

in the treatment of eczema, pustular diseases The skin is well helped by ingestion of a decoction of dandelion root with a ratio of 3:1 parts.

Fresh dandelion juice is taken as decongestant and tonic : 50 ml 1 - 2 times a day.

Dandelion juice diluted in water 1:10 is used in the treatment of eye diseases , conjunctivitis, pain in the eyes. At the same time, it is good to take small doses of plant juice before flowering: dilute 1 ml of juice in 200 ml of water, take 1 tsp. 3 times a day - dandelion has an antiviral effect.

Dandelion juice is used externally to lighten freckles, pigmented liver spots on the skin.

To lighten freckles and age spots:

Decoction: two tbsp. l. crushed root pour 300 ml of boiling water, heat in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes, cool for 10 minutes, strain, squeeze. Wipe the skin 2 - 3 times a day; you can apply lotions for 15 - 20 minutes.

Nourishing mask from fresh leaves dandelion moisturizes and rejuvenates the skin of the face. An infusion of flowers also whitens freckles and age spots.

Dandelion root contraindications:

Individual intolerance. Dandelion pollen can cause allergies.
It is necessary to observe the dosage of the use of preparations from dandelion. Dandelion has a laxative effect, overdose can lead to diarrhea.
Do not take drugs in acute situations with cholelithiasis - blockage of the biliary tract, peptic ulcer stomach.
Take dandelion root preparations after consulting your doctor.

Dandelion root medicinal uses

1. With cholecystitis, cholangitis:

chicory root - 1 part
cumin flowers -1
dandelion root - 1

One st. l. mixture pour a glass of boiling water, boil for 5 minutes, leave for 30 minutes. Take 1/3 cup 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals.

2. For eczema:

buckthorn root - 2
chicory root - 1
dandelion root - 1
watch leaves - 1
fennel fruits -2

One st. l. mixture pour a glass of boiling water, boil for 30 minutes, leave for 1 hour. Take 3/4 - 1 cup 2 - 3 times a day.

3. In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, to stimulate appetite:

wormwood grass - 2
yarrow grass - 2
dandelion root - 1

One st. l. Pour the mixture with a glass of boiling water, insist under a closed lid for 20 minutes. Take 1 tbsp. l. 15 - 20 minutes before meals.

Dandelion root is included in medicinal fees in the treatment of diabetes.

Watch an excerpt from this amazing video Phytotherapeutist Valery Baburin about the properties and uses of dandelion root; in what cases it is necessary to prescribe dandelion preparations:

In the folk medicine of Rus', dandelion leaves and roots have always been used for liver diseases, swelling of the legs, gastrointestinal diseases, skin diseases, scrofula.

With the help of dandelion root, all liver diseases, gallbladder diseases, stones in the liver ducts and bladder, dandelion relieves spasms, reduces blood glucose levels. In dermatology and cosmetology, dandelion infusion is recommended to be taken orally for acne, skin rashes, boils. As an external remedy, infusions and decoctions are used to remove freckles and age spots.

Dandelion application and use in everyday life

Dried dandelion roots and grass, brewed like tea, are used to stimulate appetite, improve digestion.

Roasted dandelion roots are used to make a coffee drink.

Fresh young dandelion leaves are used for medicinal purposes. vitamin salads. To remove bitterness from the leaves, they need to be held for half an hour in salted water - 1 dess. l. salt per liter of water, then rinse cold water, cut. Can be added to salad green onion, dill, parsley, boiled eggs, refuel vegetable oil, sour cream.

Such salads are specially used for beriberi, anemia, metabolic diseases of the joints, skin diseases, and liver diseases.

Leaves possess therapeutic effect due to the content of vitamins A, B, C, P, choline, asparagine, iron salts, potassium, phosphorus, they contain up to 5% protein.

Healing golden jam is cooked from dandelion flowers.

Dandelion flower wine has been very popular in England since ancient times. Ray Bradbury wrote the story "Dandelion Wine" in which he sang the drink.

In France, dandelion is grown as a salad crop with more tender and larger leaves. In spring, the leaves are eaten fresh and pickled.

Dandelion gives not only joy with its golden sunny inflorescences and fresh greenery, but also health, starting from early spring, if you know and use the healing properties of dandelion.

In the article Dandelion root medicinal properties and contraindications we looked at dandelion root, useful properties and contraindications, how to take dandelion roots, how to prepare and use the healing power of the roots, leaves, flowers and juice of this medicinal plant.

Be healthy and happy! Use healing powers nature!

In many European countries, as well as in the USA, India and Japan, dandelions are bred on special plantations. Made from the whole plant healing juice, from leaves - salads, from flowers healing jam and wine.

Dried roots are used to make healthy and healthy drink similar to coffee, but healthier.

1 st. l. crushed roots, pour a glass of hot water, boil over low heat for 15 minutes, cool and strain. Drink a third of a glass warm 15 minutes before meals 3 times a day.

Pour 200 ml of boiling water 1 tbsp. l. chopped fresh dandelion leaves. Rub the decoction into the scalp and apply along the entire length of the hair. Wrap your head in a towel and walk like this for 30 minutes. Wash your hair afterwards. This mask strengthens the hair well.

Dandelion jam

Gather 500 unopened dandelion blossoms. Rinse them well and leave to soak in cold water for a day. It is better to change the water several times - so all the bitterness will go away. After the specified time, drain the water, add 1 liter of cold water and boil for 10 minutes. Strain the broth, squeeze the flowers well. Add 1 kg of sugar, juice of 2 lemons to this decoction. Cook over low heat for about an hour. Cool tei pour into jars.

Acts as an antipyretic. To improve immunity, you can smear cakes with such jam, serve with berries for dessert or pancakes. It tastes like honey.

I can’t even believe that every day we pass by this healing plant.

Avicenna also treated heart and kidney edema with dandelion milky juice and reduced eyesores. IN yellow flowers dandelion contains lutein, necessary for normal functioning pupil of the eye. With its deficiency, vision deteriorates and eye diseases develop.

Recipes traditional medicine- Methods of preparation and use.

Treatment of rheumatism

First, you need to eat dandelion stalks, they must be eaten raw - as much as the body allows, so as to feel comfortable. It is best to eat the stems on the third day after the flower is thrown out, when the stems become slightly brownish and have a lot of healing juice. To get rid of the disease, you need to use the stems all season, often this is enough.

Second - aid: collect and immediately grind dandelion flowers, mix them with sugar in a 1: 1 ratio, put for one day in an open place, but in the shade, then refrigerate. After 1.5 weeks, squeeze out the contents and strain. Keep refrigerated. Use randomly, the more the better. It will not cause harm (restriction only to those who cannot consume sugar).

Eating stems will also be useful for those who have vasoconstriction or ischemic disease hearts- 5 to 10 pieces in the morning on an empty stomach 2 hours before breakfast, chewing thoroughly.

Painful joints with arthritis and polyarthritis can be treated with dandelion flowers. To do this, pluck 10 pieces daily, chew thoroughly into gruel and swallow. For those who have these diseases in chronic form- dried flowers for the winter, then steamed with boiling water and eat 1 tbsp. per day in the morning on an empty stomach.

Pain in the joints. Rubbing with a tincture of dandelion flowers on a triple cologne, infused for 10-12 days, gives a persistent analgesic effect. To do this, collect flowering dandelion heads, tightly folded into a jar, pour triple cologne. They insist, then they filter.

For thyroid problems add a little to dandelion leaves seaweed, root or parsley, boiled beets and season with vegetable oil. It will be such a strong source of iodine for the body that the patient's condition will definitely improve.

The large amount of magnesium contained in this plant helps with treatment nervous system, heart, increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood.

Healing honey from dandelion or medicinal jam from dandelion

This honey can treat joint diseases, get rid of gallstones and kidney stones, joint pain, pain in the fingers, improve metabolism, cure osteochondrosis, put in order the main filters of the body - the liver and kidneys. Such honey should be consumed within 2 years, although it helps some within one year.

To prepare dandelion honey, flowers should be collected during the first mass flowering, choosing an ecologically clean place for this purpose, at least 2-3 km from busy highways to avoid salts heavy metals. For one person for a year (from dandelions to dandelions) you need 3 liters of honey. There are several recipes for making dandelion honey, each of them is useful.

Recipe 1.

For 1 liter of honey, collect 350 dandelion flowers along with a green base in the form of a basket, without stems. Thoroughly rinse the entire flower mass with cold water and pour 1 liter of cold water, put the container on fire, bring the mass to a boil and simmer for 1 hour with the lid closed. Throw the flowers in a colander and when all the liquid drains, throw them away. Pour 1 kg into the resulting green broth. sugar, bring to a boil and cook again for 1 hour over low heat. 15 minutes before the end, squeeze the juice of one lemon there. Let the liquid stand until the next morning. Honey is ready.

It should be taken 1 teaspoon three times a day.

Recipe 2.

Fresh dandelion flowers 200 pieces, put in a sieve in portions, rinse thoroughly with cold water, let it drain. Put all the flowers in a saucepan and add 1 lemon, which is thoroughly washed, coarsely chopped and mixed in a saucepan with flowers. Pour 500 ml. water and cook for 10 minutes. over low heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and leave to stand for 24 hours. Then strain the mass and squeeze well. Discard the flowers, and add 750g to the remaining liquid. sugar, bring to a boil with constant stirring and cook for 30 minutes. on medium fire. Prepare jars and lids. They need to be washed well and poured over with boiling water. Fill the jars with hot jam and close the lids immediately. Place upside down and let cool.

Recipe 3.

400 heads of dandelion, 1 liter of water, 1 kg of sugar.

Dandelions do not need to be washed, otherwise the pollen will be washed off. Place dandelion heads in a bowl and pour over hot water. Let stand under the lid until the water cools down. Strain, add sugar and cook for 20-30 minutes. When the jam boils, a white scum will appear. She needs to be removed. Pour into prepared jars. For sourness, you can add lemon juice to the jam (just before removing it from the stove).

Recipe 4.

400 pieces of dandelion flowers without stems.

Rinse in cold water and leave in it for a day (during the day you can change the water several times). After a day, squeeze the flowers and pour out the water. Boil 1/2 liter of water and put the flowers into the boiling water. Boil for about 15 minutes (low heat). Good squeeze. Discard the flowers, add 1 kg of sugar and juice from 2 lemons to the remaining water. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously for 50-60 minutes. to the color and viscosity of honey. If after an hour your honey has not thickened, cook for another 20 minutes. You should get about 1 liter. Honey is very tasty, fragrant and of course healthy. You need to store it in the refrigerator.

WARNING

This honey It is forbidden use for children under 19 years of age until the growth of the skeleton of the body ends, and with it the formation of bones, otherwise dandelion honey can damage young bone tissue that has not yet formed.

It would seem that the dandelion is just an ordinary flower, field plant, which generously decorates spring lawns and looks like a small reflection of the sun.

Meanwhile, its inflorescences and leaves contain such a pantry of useful substances and trace elements that you simply wonder how nature prudently combined a modest appearance And great benefit this plant.

Most healers call dandelion the "elixir of life", as it contains many substances that help get rid of many diseases and improve the overall health of the body.

In particular, 100 grams of dandelion contains:

Retinol or vitamin A - 56%, which is responsible for increasing immunity, the body's fight against viruses, and also for improving vision.
Tocopheron or vitamin E - 23%, which is needed to improve metabolism, the functioning of the cardiovascular system, cell restoration, not to mention the improvement of the reproductive system.
Vitamin C - 39%, which prevents the accumulation of toxins, improves the functioning of all systems and prevents early aging not only skin, but also internal organs.
Vitamins B - 13%, which contributes external beauty, and this is the health of hair, nails, skin, as well as nourishing the body with energy and getting rid of insomnia.
Vitamin K, which promotes blood clotting and the distribution of nutrients throughout the body.

Dandelion also contains the following macro and micro elements:

potassium - 16%,
calcium - 19%,
magnesium - 9%,
phosphorus - 8%,
iron,
manganese, copper 17% each.

The plant also contains:

carbohydrates - 2%,
proteins - 5%,
fats - 1.

That means low calorie dandelion, only 45 kilocalories.

It should be noted that dandelion, unlike other plants, is useful for all its components, that is unique properties possess and root, and leaves, and inflorescences. In particular:

100 grams of leaves contain 338% vitamin A, 649% vitamin K, 58% vitamin C, 23% vitamin E, not to mention iron, manganese and calcium;
100 grams of roots contain 40% inulin, 5% ascorbic acid, 18% glucose, as well as copper, manganese, cobalt, selenium, boron;
100 grams of flowers contain carotenoids, a nicotinic acid, saponites, phosphorus, calcium, iron, manganese and magnesium.

By the way, this perennial plant can be called the most unpretentious, because it grows almost everywhere where there is fertile soil and a little moisture, which is typical for the forest-steppe zone of Russia, Belarus and the Caucasus.

As a rule, the first shoots of dandelion appear in the spring in late April - early May in the form of jagged leaves, which then give rise to a small copy of the sun, consisting of bright yellow rays, which eventually disappear and turn into white hairs of down by the end of summer.

Medicinal properties of herbs and contraindications

Given the rich palette of dandelion nutrients, it is widely used to treat many diseases, and both in traditional medicine and unconventional.

So, dandelion helps to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, as a choleretic, diuretic, which is typical for leaves that can be used not only in the form of decoctions, but also used in fresh in salads.

The leaves help to increase appetite, have the property of general healing of the body, this product is recommended for use in a healthy diet.

Dandelion has blood-purifying, bactericidal and antiviral properties, thanks to which, with the help of a decoction of the roots, you can fight colds and any inflammatory processes in the body.

A decoction of the roots of the plant can also be used as a tonic, because it can give strength and increase the energy reserve in the body.

It should be noted about another feature of the dandelion, or rather about its flowers, which contain a unique saponin. It prevents the development cancer cells, and therefore contributes to the prevention cancer. A decoction of dandelion flowers can be used as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, as well as an antispasmodic.

Dandelion has the following properties:

enhances immunity and helps regulate the immune system;
improves metabolic processes in the body and removes fats and toxins, not to mention the fact that the juice of this plant prevents the formation cholesterol plaques and promotes weight loss
cleanses the blood and promotes hematopoiesis, is indicated for use in anemia and various diseases of cardio-vascular system;
improves the structure of the skin, which is manifested in the disappearance acne and various skin rashes, the acquisition of skin elasticity and a radiant complexion;
contributes to the rejuvenation of the body, which is manifested in increased cell elasticity, as well as in increasing the tone of the skin.

Flower in the treatment of diseases

Dandelion is recommended for use in gout and rheumatism, cholelithiasis, hepatic colic, any inflammatory processes in the body, dysfunction thyroid gland and with tuberculosis, skin rashes and hypertension, with atherosclerosis and increased fatigue.

Dandelion is also shown in violation of the housing and communal services, nervous disorders and insomnia, with fractures, for speedy recovery bone structure, with fragility of the skeleton and muscles, which is important for the elderly, and to increase lactation.

Application in medicine

Given the undoubted benefits of dandelion, as well as the centuries-old experience of its use in alternative treatment, V currently the plant is actively used in the treatment of many diseases and in traditional medicine.

The crushed root is available in the form of capsules or compressed tablets, and the flowers and leaves are present in pharmacies in the form of tea or herbal preparations With detailed instructions by application. Decoctions and infusions of dandelion are also made.

Application in cosmetology

Decoctions from dandelion tone up and help cleanse the skin, so the plant is actively used in cosmetology. Also, the flower helps to rejuvenate the skin and therefore its components are included in various anti-aging creams.

Considering that with the help of dandelion you can also improve hair, the plant is part of medicated shampoos and rinse aids. Dandelion extract is also present in antifungal creams, which is important when there are problems with the nail plates. You can also use it for those who suffer from a lack of vitamins in the body.

Contraindications and harm

Despite a solid list of useful properties and diseases in which dandelion is indicated for use, there are some contraindications.

gastritis;
stomach ulcer or duodenal ulcer;
blockage of the bile ducts in the presence of large stones.

Otherwise, dandelion has no contraindications and, subject to the recommended dosage, will not cause harm.

If the dose is exceeded, vomiting or diarrhea is possible, therefore, when taking, you should strictly follow the instructions both when preparing decoctions and when taking them.

Healing recipes and their health benefits

Each of the components of the dandelion, both ground and underground, has its own properties.

Juice

As a rule, the juice is prepared from fresh leaves, which are thoroughly washed, dried, crushed with a knife or in a blender, and then the liquid is squeezed out.

Juice is used as an antipyretic and antispasmodic, by ingestion in a diluted form (½ juice, ½ boiled water). You can wipe your face with acne and age spots, as a bleaching agent.

Freshly squeezed medicinal juice mixed with rice broth helps with atherosclerosis, and adding carrot juice can get rid of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Healing jam

Dandelion jam is made according to a recipe from inflorescences, which in the process heat treatment slightly lose some useful properties, but, nevertheless, benefit.

Jam is used to increase appetite and digestive problems, to remove stones.

A few tablespoons of the product a day will help prevent asthma attacks and improve heart function.

Alcohol and vodka tincture

Dandelion tincture is prepared from all the components of the plant, which is crushed and poured with vodka or alcohol. The resulting mixture is used for gallstone or urolithiasis, with constipation, metabolic disorders, kidney disease and various skin diseases. Also, tincture can be used for metabolic disorders and hypertension.

A mixture of leaves and roots

Prepared from dandelions and potion, using the roots and leaves of this plant. They are crushed, poured with boiling water and infused, and then taken with chronic diseases liver or as a means of reducing the content of cholesterol in the blood.

Dandelion potion can also be used as a diaphoretic or tonic in case of loss of strength or insomnia.

Dandelion honey

No less healthy is dandelion honey, for which only inflorescences collected at noon are used, since it is at this time of day that the flower has the greatest sweetness when making honey. Dandelion honey is used for colds, as it has both anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. It is used for cholecystitis and cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and joint pain.

Dandelion salad

Dandelion is also used in food as one of the ingredients for vitamin salads. IN pure form dandelion leaves are bitter, so they are dipped in ice water or doused with boiling water.

How to prepare, how to store?

Dandelions are known to bloom only in the spring, although the leaves can be harvested in the summer, and the roots can be obtained in the fall. people get sick all year round, respectively, for the preparation of decoctions and tinctures, the above ingredients are constantly needed, especially in the presence of chronic diseases. Therefore, it is more expedient to prepare a dandelion during its growth period, but only in a way that allows you to save the largest number useful substances.

Drying

Dandelion can be dried. The leaves are harvested in May before the flowers appear, that is, during the period when they have not yet acquired bitterness. The leaves are cut, washed thoroughly, and laid out on a clean cloth to dry in a free order so that they do not stick together and become covered with a putrefactive coating.

Flowers are harvested in June, preferably at noon, when they are fully opened and have more strength and useful substances. The inflorescences are carefully cut, and then laid out on paper or a clean cloth to dry in a chaotic manner and not tightly so that the flowers do not rot and wrinkle. Previously, the flowers must be checked for the presence of insects and impurities from other herbs.

The roots are harvested in the fall, carefully digging out, keeping their integrity. The extracted root is cleaned from the ground, washed thoroughly under running water and dried on fresh air until the cracks no longer stand out white juice. Then they are laid out on paper and dried indoors.

Store dried dandelion ingredients in a cool and dark place in linen bags to avoid moisture and insects.

It is better to collect dandelion in places remote from settlements and roadways, as exhaust gases from cars not only settle on roadside plants, but also accumulate, and then enter the human body along with medicinal tinctures.

Freeze

If there is no way to dry the dandelion, then you can freeze it. They are well stored frozen and at the same time do not lose their properties of inflorescences and roots. Dandelion inflorescences must be collected, washed, dried, and then placed in plastic bag and freeze.

The roots must be dug up, cleaned of dirt, dried a little in the fresh air and placed in the freezer, preferably with dry freezing. Thus, the plant will retain its beneficial substances in full.

Dandelion is not in vain considered the “elixir of life”. With the help of this plant, it is possible not only to get rid of many diseases, but also to improve the body, which is so important in our age, polluted with toxins and harmful preservatives. In addition, dandelion can not only saturate the body with useful substances, but also significantly diversify daily diet, especially in the summer, when vitamins grow literally under your feet.