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Not Just a Weed: Health Benefits of Dandelion

Posted on by Paula Gallagher

My little guy has been presenting me with dandelions he picks on his way to school. To him, they aren’t unwelcome weeds on manicured lawns; to him, they are bright yellow flowers that make Mommy smile. But they are also much more. Here are some of the health benefits of dandelion. Digestive Aid: Dandelion roots and leaves have a bitter taste that stimulates the release of saliva and stomach acid, therefore increasing appetite. It also triggers a cascade of increased secretion of digestive juices throughout the gastrointestinal tract including bile and pancreatic secretions, both of which promote better digestion. In order to help with digestion, dandelion must be tasted, like when you take them in a tincture or tea. Support Liver and Gallbladder Health: The dandelion plant is useful in the treatment of digestive disorders. The root of the plant stimulates the release of bile from the liver and gallbladder, which helps the body to digest fats. It also helps to flush the gallbladder and support the release of toxins by the liver. Because of this, dandelion is an excellent liver cleanser. At the same time, there is some evidence that dandelion may help to regulate cholesterol levels, which is also likely due to this bile flush response. Urinary Tract Cleanser: Dandelion leaves act as a potassium-sparing diuretic and can be used to alleviate water retention such as retention that is due to PMS. This action also allows dandelion leaf to flush fluid through the kidneys, making it a good herb for cleansing the urinary tract. Antimicrobial Agent: Dandelion has some antimicrobial properties that make it useful for infections like abscesses and boils. Because of this, and its liver cleansing abilities, dandelion can help to detoxify the body and may even help with skin conditions like acne. Come in to Village Green Apothecary to see our selection of dandelion products.
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