Dandelion Can Be Part Of The Treatment Of Gallstones

Dandelion Can Be Part Of The Treatment Of Gallstones
Other Common Names: Chiang Nou Ts'Ao, Chin Tsan Ts'Ao, Common
Dandelion, Diente De Leon, Hindiba Berri, Huang Hua Ti Ting, Kara
Hindiba, Khas Berri, Kou Ju Ts'Ao, Lion's Tooth, Maitiainen, P'O Kung
Ying, P'U Kung Ying, Pissenlit, Priest's Crown, Pu Gong Ying,
Seiyo-Tanpopo, Swine's Snout, Taraxacum officinale.

Range: Australia; Britain; China; Finland; France; Iraq; Mexico; Nepal; Russia; Spain; Turkey; USA

Habitat: A very common weed of grassland and cultivated ground.

The Dandelion, though not occurring in the Southern Hemisphere, is
at home in all parts of the north temperate zone, in pastures, meadows
and on waste ground, and is so plentiful that farmers everywhere find
it a troublesome weed, for though its flowers are more conspicuous in
the earlier months of the summer, it may be found in bloom, and
consequently also prolifically dispersing its seeds, almost throughout
the year.

The dandelion is a commonly used herbal remedy. It is especially
effective and valuable as a diuretic because it contains high levels of
potassium salts and therefore can replace the potassium that is lost
from the body when diuretics are used.

All parts of the plant, but especially the root, are slightly
aperient, cholagogue, depurative, strongly diuretic, hepatic, laxative,
stomachic and tonic. The root is also experimentally cholagogue,
hypoglycemic and a weak antibiotic against yeast infections. The dried
root has a weaker action. The roots can be used fresh or dried and
should be harvested in the autumn when 2 years old. The leaves are
harvested in the spring when the plant is in flower and can be dried
for later use. A tea can be made from the leaves or, more commonly,
from the roots.

The plant is used internally in the treatment of gall bladder and
urinary disorders, gallstones, jaundice, cirrhosis, dyspepsia with
constipation, edema associated with high blood pressure and heart
weakness, chronic joint and skin complaints, gout, eczema and acne. The
plant has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of
Staphococcus aureus, pneumococci, meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae,
B. typhi, C. diphtheriae, proteus etc.

The latex contained in the plant sap can be used to remove corns,
warts and verrucae. The latex has a specific action on inflammations of
the gall bladder and is also believed to remove stones in the liver.

Leaves - raw or cooked. When used in salads, they are rather bitter,
though less so in the winter. Tender young leaves are considerably less
bitter than older leaves. The leaves are often blanched (by excluding
light from the growing plant) before use. This will make them less
bitter, but they will also contain less vitamins and minerals. A very
nutritious food, 100 g of the raw leaves contain about 2.7 g protein,
9.2 g carbohydrate, 187 mg Calcium, 66 mg phosphorus, 3.1 mg iron, 76
mg sodium, 397 mg potassium, 36 mg magnesium, 14000IU vitamin A, 0.19
mg vitamin B1, 0.26 mg vitamin B2, 35 mg vitamin C. A tea made from the
leaves is laxative.

Root - raw or cooked. Bitter. A turnip-like flavor.

Flowers - raw or cooked. A rather bitter flavor, the unopened flower
buds can be used in fritters and they can also be preserved in vinegar
and used like capers.

Both the leaves and the roots are used to flavor herbal beers and soft drinks such as 'Dandelion and Burdock'.

The roots of 2 year old plants are harvested in the autumn, dried
and roasted to make a very good coffee substitute. It is caffeine-free.

A pleasant tea is made from the flowers. They are also used to make
wine - all green parts should be removed when making wine to prevent a
bitter flavor.

The plant releases ethylene gas, this stunts the growth of nearby plants and causes premature ripening of fruits.