Actions :

• Bitter tonic- A substance that is bitter in taste and stimulates the upper gastrointestinal tract via the bitter -sensitive taste buds of the mouth .Bitters have promoting effect on all components of upper digestive function ,namely stomach ,liver and pancreas .
• Choleretic-A substance that increases the production of bile by the liver.
• Diuretic (mainly leaf) – Substance which increases urinary output.
• Mild  laxative – Substance that facilitates evacuation of the bowel.
• Anti rheumatic -Substance that prevents or relieves rheumatism

Dandelion is most often thought of as a pesky weed that likes to take over our lawns and gardens.  They even pop up in cracked sidewalks and pavement. Dandelion is invasive and pervasive. Lucky for us, it’s also an excellent food and herbal medicine that anyone can find, grow, and put to use.

Dandelion is a very rich source of beta-carotene which we convert into vitamin A. This flowering plant is also rich in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus. It’s a good place to get B complex vitamins, trace minerals, organic sodium, and even some vitamin D too. Dandelion also contains protein, more than spinach. It has been eaten for thousands of years as a food and as a medicine to treat anemia, scurvy, skin problems, blood disorders, and depression.

Inflammation

Dandelion contains essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that all reduce inflammation throughout the body. This can relieve pain and swelling.

Protects Bones 

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and dandelions contain 10 percent of your daily value. Calcium is stored in the structure of the bones and teeth. It’s used for nerve transmission, blood clotting, hormone secretion and muscle contraction.

High in Vitamin K

Vitamin K is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in bone and heart health, and can you believe that dandelions contain over 500 percent of your daily value? That makes dandelions excellent at preventing Vitamin K deficiency  Vitamin K is the main vitamin involved in bone mineralization and blood clotting — Vitamin K builds bones better than calcium foods.

Assists in maintaining  brain function and a healthy metabolism.

Cleanses Liver & gallbladder

The role of our liver is to produce bile, which helps enzymes in the body break down fats into fatty acids — and to filter and detoxify our blood. The liver also has the amazing ability to break down and store amino acids, synthesize and metabolize fats and cholesterol, store glucose, and regulate our internal functions. The vitamins and nutrients present in dandelions help flush the liver  and keep them working properly.Dandelion are high in vitamin C which helps with absorption of iron and minerals.

Fights Diabetes

Dandelion tea and juice help people with diabetes by stimulating the production of insulin from the pancreas and keeping blood sugar levels low. If our pancreas doesn’t produce proper amounts of insulin, or if our cells can’t properly process insulin, it results in diabetes. Because the glucose isn’t properly utilized, it accumulates in the bloodstream and results in high blood glucose or sugar levels.

Rich in Fiber

Dandelion  greens are high in fiber  making them a beneficial aid for digestion and intestinal health. Fiber is responsible for quickly moving foods through the digestive tract, helping it function optimally. Fiber works by drawing fluids from the body to add bulk to the stool.

Role as a Diuretic

Dandelion root has a natural diuretic effect, allowing your liver to more quickly eliminate toxins. It also helps strengthen the immune system, balance blood sugar levels, relieve heartburn and soothe digestive issues.

Because dandelion helps reduce uric acid and stimulates urine production, it’s beneficial for fighting bacterial infections within the digestive tract and reproductive organs.

 

EQUINE USE :

This deceptively simple and common plant is, in fact, a powerful medicine. It is diuretic, alternative, bitter and mildly laxative. It is deep-rooting and therefore brings up valuable minerals from the deep layers of the soil which are inaccessible to grass roots. Dandelion’s reputation as a weed has seen its decline in many pastures, but some believe its establishment in horse pastures should be encouraged. Used in cases of liver, kidney, skin or heart problems, it has powerful beneficial effects apart from its basic nutrient value. It is also rich in potassium, a valuable supplementary benefit in is application as a diuretic. The root is a more powerful diuretic than the leaf, and can be obtained as a powder. The diuretic and alternative properties make it one of the valuable herbs to be given in cases of laminitis .

The Dandelion Root: More potent  in its therapeutic actions  than the leaf, dandelion root is one of the safest and most popular herbal remedies for cleansing the body and is  an invaluable herb for horses.

The dandelion root contains high amounts of potassium, which helps balance any excessive loss of this mineral due to its diuretic effect, as well as being rich in magnesium and vitamins A, the B group, C and D.

Dandelion Root will assist horses recovering from illness and is beneficial to use if your horse when overload of chemicals maybe used such as antibiotics or injections such as cortisone or painkillers .  Because of its beneficial effect on the liver, bladder and other organs of elimination.

Rosemarie