Dandelion
Dr. med. Heinz Lüscher
The dandelion is an undemanding wild plant that grows right on our doorstep. We should be happy about this and not weed the bright yellow flower. Because it not only has great adaptability and vitality, but also a whole range of health-promoting substances.
Dandelion – not a weed, but a medicinal herb
The dandelion is a well-known plant. Its bright yellow flowers provide beautiful splashes of color in spring, and often again in autumn. After flowering, the characteristic-looking seeds develop, which look like little parachutes. The dandelion gets its name from its toothed leaves; its scientific name is Taraxacum sec. ruderalia (formerly Taraxacum officinale). This undemanding plant grows out of almost any crack. Such a robust plant, which can thrive even under the most difficult conditions and in adverse locations, must have tremendous resilience. For some, the dandelion may therefore appear to be a weed, but for others it is a medicinal herb.
Strengthens resistance and metabolism
According to naturopathic belief, the adaptability and vitality of the dandelion are transferred to the user. Experience has shown that dandelion is therefore used when illnesses are caused by environmental toxins, a lack of resistance or a sluggish metabolism. Dandelion is an edible wild herb, and this applies to the entire plant from root to flower if it is consumed in large quantities.
Lots of micronutrients in the leaves
The toothed leaves are particularly noteworthy as they contain many health-promoting ingredients. These include secondary plant substances such as triterpenes, flavonoids and carotenes, which have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. The dark green leaves also contain minerals such as potassium, calcium, sodium, sulphur and trace elements such as iron, manganese and zinc as well as vitamins A, C, E and some B vitamins. Dandelion contains these micronutrients in a significantly higher ratio compared to other lettuces. The toothed leaves also contain essential oils and tannins, which have an antimicrobial effect, and the fiber inulin, which is good for the intestinal flora. Anyone who has ever eaten dandelion salad knows that the leaves also contain a generous portion of bitter substances. Among other things, these ensure that more digestive juices (saliva, gastric juice, bile, pancreas) are produced and therefore aid digestion.
Effects of dandelion
Overall, dandelion leaves have the following effects on the body:
- Digestive
- Promotes liver function and bile production
- Detoxifying
- Stimulates the metabolism (e.g. fat metabolism)
- Antispasmodic
- Diuretic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Antimicrobial
- Promotes blood circulation
- Soothing
- Alkalizing
Indications of dandelion
Dandelion extract can be used for the following health problems:
- Digestive problems (e.g. flatulence, bloating)
- Urinary tract and bladder infections
- Irritable bladder
- Liver problems (hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, fatty liver)
- To support the metabolism and the immune system
The dandelion is therefore suitable and known for a wide range of applications.
I do not recommend dandelion on its own, but rather in combination with other effective plant substances. For example, in preparations to strengthen the body and psyche (e.g. with extracts from grape seeds, roseroot, reishi, brown algae and quercetin) or in bitter drops to support digestion, the liver and detoxification (e.g. together with wormwood, artichokes, chicory, cloves etc.).
Contraindications of dandelion
Caution is advised in the case of known gallstones or kidney disease. Also in the case of a pronounced allergy to composite plants.
