In spring and summer, thousands of dandelions blossom in the most unexpected places, painting everything around in sunny colors, pleasing and cheering up, in folk medicine long since dandelion is considered a "life elixir".
Dandelion is used to treat anemia, as a tonic and restorative. Antiviral, anti-diabetic, anti-tubercular, purifying, anthelmintic properties of dandelion preparations have been studied and confirmed by medicine.
Dandelion extract is one of the most common plants on our planet, it adapts easily to environmental conditions, grows on plains and in the mountains, in the sun and in the shade, survives in any conditions; such a widespread distribution on the Earth and a rich content of medicinal properties and explains its widespread use.
Dandelion is spread throughout the European part, in Western Siberia, in the south of Eastern Siberia and the Far East, the most common dandelion extract is medicinal.
Dandelion officinalis
Description of the plant dandelion- Dandelion extract medicinal or common is a well-known herbaceous perennial plant with milky juice in all parts, belongs to the genus Dandelion - Taraxacum of the family Astrological (Complex). The plant has a short, branched rhizome on top, turning into a vertical stem root up to 60 cm long with a diameter of up to 2 cm; pinnately-spaced or cirrus-lobed leaves narrowed to the base, assembled into a basal rosette.
Although dandelion can be considered a weed, the plant is also an herb that has been part of traditional medicine for hundreds of years. Dandelion or Taraxacum officinale, grows like a perennial wild plant in temperate regions around the world.
It’s known yellow flowers open each day when the sun rises and close daily at dusk. The leaves have various medicinal uses, such as diuretics, digestive problems, keeping blood sugar low and preventing cancer. Consult your doctor to discuss whether taking dandelion is a good choice for you.
Urinary Effects
Dandelion extract leaves contain several natural chemicals that can act as natural diuretics, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. The herb increases the amount of urine you produce, it works by cleaning the kidneys and its high potassium content is generally good for their health.
In a small study in human subjects, published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" in August 2009, the extract of dandelion caused an increase in urine frequency within five hours with a dose of the herb.
Lowering blood sugar levels
Having high blood sugar levels can put you at risk for diabetes by placing excess pressure on insulin-producing cells. Consuming dandelion leaf extract can help keep blood sugar in a healthy range. According to the results of a laboratory study published in the "Journal of Ethno-pharmacology" in May 2001, dandelion reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic mice for seven days, compared to blood glucose in other identical mice that were not given the herb. These findings are promising, although human studies are still required to confirm the results.
Cancer Prevention
Dandelion may also contain compounds that prevent cancer or retard the growth of malignant cells. In several laboratory studies, dandelion caused the death of cancer cells in culture or caused the cancer cells induced to differentiate, making them less invasive and malignant.
In one of these studies, published on January 16, 2004, in "Life Sciences" dandelion extract caused the cultured liver cancer cells to die and also increased the production of natural chemicals that inhibit the formation of malignant tumors. These are encouraging results but clinical trials are still needed with human subjects.
Recommendations and precautions
The tincture of the dandelion leaf is an alcoholic Dandelion extract from the fresh leaves. This is available at most health food stores, usually at 30 percent alcohol. The usual dose is 100 to 150 drops, three times a day. Dandelion tincture is generally considered safe, although some people may be allergic to the herb and may develop mouth irritation.
Dandelion can also cause some upset stomach or heartburn and may interact with certain prescription drugs, including some antibiotics and antacids. Talk to your doctor to determine if Dandelion extract is a good addition to your regimen.