Dandelion: benefits, uses, recommendations, contraindications

You will find in this youtube video and in this health and well-being blog article :

- The active principles of dandelion

- Vitamins, trace elements and minerals of dandelion

- Properties of dandelion

- The uses of dandelion

- Recommendations and contra-indications of dandelion

Dandelion is a plant that contains a significant amount of iron, calcium, copper, silica and manganese.

The used parts of the dandelion are the leaves and the roots.

Dandelion leaves have diuretic properties due to their content of flavonoids and potassium salts.

They activate the elimination of urine and relieve infections and urinary stones. However, the mode of action is not yet known.

The root of the dandelion is rich in taraxacin which gives it a bitter taste.

It also contains sterols (fatty acids of vegetable origin) like sitosterol or taraxasterol.

The dandelion root is also rich in coumarins (antioxidant with anticoagulant properties) and inulins (fibers of the mucilage family). These form a viscous gel in contact with water, they also play the role of prebiotic, they stimulate the development of bacteria beneficial to digestion.

The roots are rather consumed in order to limit the various disorders of the digestion.

They promote the production of bile (choleretic effect) and the emptying of the gallbladder (cholagogue effect).

The gallbladder is a small organ located in the liver. Its role is to produce and to release the bile, a substance which intervenes in digestion.

This plant is also consumed to relieve constipation, pain related to arthritis and to stimulate the appetite, but these effects are not really scientifically proven, its use is based on traditional observations.

Dandelion herbal tea (250g)

Dandelion infusions are made from the dry plant, it consists of incorporating 2 to 4 teaspoons of this plant in a large glass of hot water and let infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. Do not exceed 3 cups per day.

Dandelion tea should be taken during the day to avoid waking up during the night to urinate.

Dandelion should be used very temporarily over a short period of time (not more than 2 weeks).

It is imperative to drink at least 2 liters of water per day when taking dandelion to compensate for water and electrolyte losses.

The consumption of dandelion is contraindicated for pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, children under 12 years old, people who have liver problems, gallstones, intestinal obstruction, ulcers, kidney failure or heart problems.

Dandelion can also cause allergies in people who are allergic to plants in the same family such as chamomile or daisy.

The main side effects of dandelion are irritation of the digestive tract due to taraxacin, heartburn, nausea, increased potassium levels. Dandelion consumption can also reduce blood glucose levels, so be careful if you have diabetes.

Dandelion can interact with many treatments such as antidiabetics, diuretics, anticoagulants, drugs given to fight against gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), ulcers, bipolar disorder (lithium for example).

Because of its various contraindications and interactions, it is imperative to first ask the advice of your doctor or pharmacist before consuming dandelion.

Dandelion leaves can also be consumed in salt.

Dr. Noura Marashi (doctor of pharmacy, health youtuber, creator of the health and well-being application Pharmaquiz),

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