Benefits of Dandelion Root

What are the benefits of dandelion root? What is dandelion root good for? Here are some dandelion facts.

Considered a weed by many, the dandelion grows wild in fields and in yards. Many people have spent hundreds of dollars trying to rid their yard of what they consider to be a nuisance plant. However, the dandelion is anything but a nuisance it is one of nature's most beneficial plants and it can be used both as a healthy food source and for its medicinal properties.

Dandelion is beneficial including the leaves, blossoms, and of course the roots. However, recently the dandelion root has gotten more publicity than ever before as studies have found out more about the many benefits of dandelion root. Actually, the benefits were first recorded around the 10th century by Arab physicians when it was used to treat inflammation. Since then other cultures have discovered many other uses for the root of this common weed.

Benefits of Dandelion Root

One of the main benefits of dandelion root is that it contains vitamins A, C, D, and B complex, carotenes, fatty acids, phytosterols as well as the minerals potassium, calcium, iron and lecithin. Our body needs these elements to grow, remain strong and healthy and function properly. These vitamins and minerals will help strengthen your immune system as well as help prevent or treat anemia.

Both the leaves and the roots can also serve as a mild diuretic as well, helping to remove excess water from your system which is especially helpful during a woman's monthly cycle when water retention can be a problem. One of the benefits of using dandelion roots as a mild diuretic is that the root also contains potassium something that is often lost when using over the counter or prescription types of medicine to lower water retention.

Another of the benefits of dandelion root is that it can act as mild laxative and help to keep you regular. It also has been shown to help purify the blood in both the kidneys and the liver and can be especially helpful in purifying and possibly repairing the liver of alcoholics. In addition this root can work as a mild appetite stimulant, can lower blood sugar levels and help reduce inflammation. It is also being studied to see if it can help reduce cholesterol levels.

Side Effects of Dandelion Root

Dandelion root is considered to be safe for normal use with only an allergic reaction being noted in a small percentage of users. However, you should consult a medical professional before adding dandelion root to your diet if you are taking a prescription diuretic as adding the diuretic properties of this plant along with your medicine could lead to dehydration and other related problems.

The same caution holds true of those taking medicine to lower their sugar. Since this plant also has blood sugar lowering properties the combined use of this plant and your medicine could lower your blood sugar too much.

Adding dandelion root to your diet if you are a healthy individual can have many healthy benefits for you and for your body. However, if you have any type of medical condition for which you are taking medications it is always wise to check with your physician to be sure this change in your diet will be healthy for you.

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