Dandelion is a perennial medicinal herb native to Europe. It belong to family Asteracease or Compositae. The other common name of this herb are Fairy clock, Pissenlit, Irish daisy, Puffball, etc. It is nontoxic herb. The leaves of the plant are eaten as salad. The roots are used to prepare tea, infusion and tincture.
The Scientific name of dandelion is Taraxacum officinale. It has choleretic (promotes bile secretion by the liver), anti-rheumatic and diuretic properties. The roots are useful in the liver and digestive diseases. Various scientific studies done on dandelion has proven its ability to decreases cholesterol and ability to repair the liver. The tea prepared from root of dandelion is useful in treating the liver diseases, jaundice, hepatitis, edema, boils and detoxification of the body. A scientific study done on cholesterol-fed Rabbits for hypolipidemic and antioxidant Effects of Dandelion has proven ability of dandelion in preventing hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis and reducing risk factors for coronary artery disease.
Health benefits of Dandelion root tea
- Antioxidant effect
- Minimises risk of gallstones and urinary stone formation
- Lowers LDL cholesterol
- Detoxifies body
- Increases bile flow
- Repairs the liver
- Good for the liver health
- Useful in the liver swelling, fluid retention, gallstones
- Improves appetite
- Due to its diuretic effect, it promotes formation of urine and causes excretion of excessive body fluid. This gives relief in oedema and also causes weight loss.
Dandelion prevents hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis. Increased level of cholesterol causes atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries) and thus increases risk of heart disease, fatty the liver disease and cancer. Since Dandelion lowers cholesterol and hence helps to prevent such diseases
The effect of Dandelion tea is on the whole body. It especially works on the liver. Liver performs various important functions in our body. It is responsible for production of bile, cholesterol, special proteins, regulation of amino acid in blood, haemoglobin processing, ammonia to urea conversion, blood clotting regulation and protection from infection by producing immune factors and removing bacteria from the blood stream. Dandelion root tea, which is the liver tonic helps to restore the liver function and thus contributes to improve overall health. Daily sipping of one cup of Dandelion root tea ensures good health.