As a little girl, one of my favourite things to do was blow the white tufts off of Dandelions. Of course, the thing to do was to make a wish and watch them all float away in the breeze – a process also known as seed dispersal. Below is a Dandelion pharmacology infographic I made which my readers will hopefully find educational and prompt them to start using Dandelion as a herbal alternative.
Here are 10 interesting facts about Dandelion:
1. The Roots, Leaves & Flowers All Serve A Purpose
You can use all the parts of a dandelion. They can be incorporated into your daily meals, as a medicine and even like a dye for coloring.
2. There Is Magic In A Dandelion Flower
Did you know that dandelions is the only flower that represents the 3 celestial bodies of the sun, moon and stars? The yellow flowers represents the sun, the puff ball the moon and the dispersing seeds the stars. The flower opens in the morning and closes in the evening to go to sleep. It has one of the longest flowering seasons on the planet and the seeds can be carried as many as 5 miles far away from their origin!
3. What Does Dandelion Mean?
Dandelion is taken from the french word: “dent de lion” meaning lion’s tooth.
4. Diuretic Effect
Dandelion is a powerful diuretic, therefore it helps to eliminate toxins from our body through the urine. It also prevents water retention and prevents us from looking puffy.
5. Yellow Flower Power
Some of the benefits of the yellow pedals are that they are rich in antioxidants and contain high amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamins B12 which is great for your eyes. They pedals are also useful for relieving back aches, head aches menstrual cramps.
6. Laxative Dandelion Root
For people who suffer from constipation but not wanting to take strong laxatives, the root of Dandelion is a good option because it facilitates intestinal transit without causing irritations or discomfort. It’s used as well in the treatment of gout and cancer.
7. Dandelion Leaves
Dandelion leaves can help to increase mobility of the joints and reduce stiffness. High cholesterol may also be treated using Dandelion leaves. Due to their alkalizing effect, the leaves are able to reduce uric acid levels in the body. They have also been used in the treatment of cancer for their rich chlorophyll and antioxidant content such as beta-carotene and flavonoids.
8. Great Cleanser
Dandelion is often used in herbal medicine to treat liver problems because it helps the body to eliminate toxins. Additionally, it promotes the secretion of bile.
9. Mental Health
Dandelion can support good mental health and we can benefit from this plant in cases of: anger, depression, jealousy, hypersensitivity and resentment.
10. Topical Usage
Dandelion is commonly used it beauty products. It has been shown to be beneficial in cases of oily skin, eczema and many other dermatological conditions. A simply trick is to apply a little infusion of Dandelion on the face to help to control oily skin and improve its appearance.
