❊~Some See a weed, Others See A Wish~❊
Dandelion Stories
A collection of short stories about the dandelion flower.
Dandelion Recipes
Recipes that use dandelion roots, leaves or flowers.
Dandelion Benefits
The health benefits of dandelion for different ailments.
The Medicinal Properties of Dandelions
{Read Part One of this Article} The active substances of dandelion roots (those that have medicinal effects) include: sesquiterpene lactones, phenylpropanoids, triterpenoid saponins, polysaccherides, and inulin. Sesquiterpene lactones are found in numerous plant species and are believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Phenylpropanoids appear to have inflammation-modulating properties, while triterpenoid saponins are adaptogenic (combat stress), a property of many Chinese herbs. The polysaccherides present in dandelion may have positive effects on the immune system, as polysaccherides in general are, "... key intermediaries in immune interactions," (Garner-Wizard 2009). Inulin is a type of dietary fiber and we can all use that in our diets. If that wasn't enough to make your head spin, dandelion roots also have been found to have a soothing property for indigestion.
Medicinal Properties of Dandelions Recognized in Chinese Herbal Medicine and Now by Western Medicine
Current studies are underway using dandelion extract for diabetic patients- results have yet to be finalized, but the study hopes to regulate the AGE's or advanced gycation endproducts, harmful chemicals produced by those with high blood sugar levels.
Dandelion extract has been labeled as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) for use in supplements and food, and both the root and leaf can be ingested as food (up to 50 grams per dose). Furthermore, this plant is widespread throughout the world and in no danger of overharvesting. However, dandelions in urban areas should probably be avoided if sprayed with herbicides- this is true of any herbal product. So next time you see that dandelion growing between the sidewalk cracks, you'll know it as one of nature's wonderful medicinal plants, not just a lowly weed. {Read PART 1 of this Article] Article by Cathy Margolin. She currently maintains an Acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine practice, writes herbal formulas for her patients and works at PACHerbs.com. References: 1. Garner-Wizard M. Re: Monograph of Dandelion. Integrative Med. April-May 2009; 8(2): 34-38. http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbclip/378/review050496-378.html.
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