Super-Powers of Dandelion's for the Digestive System (Taraxacum Officionale)

Are Dandelion's a superstar herb, or what? Look at him flex those muscles while still holding up and supporting all the body systems and organs! It's time to learn some amazing facts about what Dandelions offer in terms of digestive health. (More posts to come about how other body systems are effected by Dandelion's)  

First of all, What Vitamins/Minerals/Nutrients are in the Dandelion?

To list a few there is Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, B Complex, C, D, E, and K

Iron, 

Potassium, 

Zinc, 

Copper,

Calcium

Phytosterols,

Antioxidants, 

Carotenes, 

Beta-carotenes, 

Tannins, 

Fructose, 

Amino acids, 

Inulin,

Sodium, 

Maganese, 

Sulfer, 

Silicic acid, 

L ascorbic acid, 

Phosphorus, 

Taraxin, 

Taraxasterin, 

and Lactapturine.

That's a great list, but how does this affect me?

This is a great question because seeing a list is one thing, but being able to relate is another.  When using dandelion's, think of it like being a responsible adult and eating our vegetables, but taking it to the next level. We're getting more out of vegetables than the average person. 

For instance, many look at the common carrot and assume they're getting the max amount of carotene and beta-carotene, but come to find out Dandelion's have more beta-carotene than an actual carrot. Another example is found in spinach. Spinach is a go-to for a family salad because it's a great source iron and calcium. However, it's lesser known that Dandelion leaves are actually a more bountiful source of calcium and iron than in spinach.

How does eating Dandelion greens help the Digestive System? 

Taraxin! Taraxin is a nutrient you can actually taste while eating Dandelion leaves or roots because of its oh-so-bitter taste. And when it comes to digestion, the more bitter the better! Below I made a step-by-step illustration to help visualize how the digestion is benefited from consuming dandelion greens or roots. (Click on image to appear larger)

Wow! Can you believe all that great information you just learned? It's almost overwhelming to learn that because of Dandelion greens, the liver, gallbladder, and the small & large intestines are thoroughly nourished which makes for a more happy and functioning digestive system.
Of course, there are some organs & functions that were not added (like how eating greens helps aid in blood sugar level regulation for diabetics, how the pancreas is stimulated and creates new enzymes for the body, and even how consuming dandelions helps lactation for breast feeding mothers) to the illustrations for simplicity sake, but the point is made that dandelion's are a strong ally for the body.   

So with all this great information, what can I do to help maintain/restore/repair my body with Dandelion?

There are so many avenues that are available, but first and foremost if a decision is made to implement herbs into your life, always discuss your intentions/practices with a licensed health care provider. The information I post on this website and social media are for educational purposes only and I do not suggest, recommend, nor do I diagnose and plan anybodies healthcare status or regimen. Through this website and social media I will not explain or address self harvesting nor do I give education on fresh herb preparation. What I do love about the natural healing supplements and herbs is that they are widely distributed and accessible at supplement stores and online. Dandelion's as a supplement or herb are found in many forms, there are dried Dandelion Root that many use as a tea, dried Roasted Dandelion Root as a tea as well (a favorite of mine), dried Dandelion leaf used as tea, Dandelion root powder (roasted root or non roasted) can be used as a coffee substitute or put in capsules to be taken orally, precapsuled dandelion root also for oral use, there is dandelion tincture available (which is a apple cider vinegar or alcohol based liquid that the herb has been infused in over a long period of time resulting in a highly condensed and concentrated product), and last but not least, farmers markets and some healthy food stores sell fresh dandelion greens for eating and culinary purposes. Regardless which avenue taken, one fact that should never go unaddressed is that all herbs need to be taken with respect in mind and in moderation. In researching Dandelions, almost every source has pointed out that Dandelion leaves are a diuretic and Dandelion roots are a laxative if used out of moderation. So always keep caution, respect, and curiosity in mind before using any herb (especially if you are prone to sensitivity). 

In my history of purchasing herbs online I have always purchased from Mountain Rose Herbs and have had only great experiences. However, my favorite way to use herbs is when I have grown them myself.

Well, thank you everybody for reading through this information and I hope this helps bring awareness of nature and herbs. Please share this fun blog post and be sure to stay tuned to more posts regarding the benefits of what nature has to offer.

Below are a list of references I used to back up my research and information. If you have any questions or comments please always comment below as I love corresponding and learning more from others.

Happy Trails,
Aimee

(All illustrations and images were hand sketched, painted, and created by myself and are therefore copyrighted and owned by myself.)

References:

Bennett, Robin Rose.  The Gift of Healing Hebs Plant Medicine and Home Remedies for a Vibrantly healthy Life. North Atlantic Books. 2014

Bowen, Richard. Secretion of Bile and the Role of Bile Acids in Digestion. VIVO Pathophysiology. 1999. http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/digestion/liver/bile.html . Accessed April 5, 2019. 

Daniel, Charles. How Bile Helps Your Digestion. VeryWellHealth. March 31, 2019. https://www.verywellhealth.com/definition-of-bile-1759867 . Accessed April 6, 2019.

Fletcher, Jenna. All You Need to Know About Fat-Soluble Vitamins. MedicalNewsToday, December 14, 2017 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320310.php, Accessed 8 April 2019.

Hourdijain, Dara. Introduced Species Summary Project, Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale). November 13, 2006. http://www.columbia.edu/itc/cerc/danoff-burg/invasion_bio/inv_spp_summ/Taraxum_officinale.htm . Accessed March 13, 2019. 

Mrs. C.F. Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Dover Publications, Inc. 1971

Spritzler, Franziska. Inulin 101- Prebiotic fiber with Powerful Health Benefits. MedicalNewsToday. August 1, 2017, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318593.php . Accessed February 17, 2019.

Vodicaka, Ales. "Common Dandelion". My Herbs Magazine Special Edition, 2018. pp. 30-37

X, Lin, SB Racette, M Lefevre, CA Spearie, M Most, L Ma, and RE Jr. Ostlund.  The Effects of Phytosterols Present in Natural Food Matrices on Cholesterol Metabolism and LDL-Cholesterol: A Controlled Feeding Trial. PubMed. NBCI, September 1, 2010, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20808333 . Accessed February 28, 2019.