Even though considered a weed, dandelion root has a long history of therapeutic use. In fact, this extremely beneficial plant has the ability to treat allergies, lower cholesterol levels, stimulate the production of bile, and detoxify the liver.
It also has diuretic properties and it is especially beneficial for pregnant and menopausal women.
The best time to harvest dandelion root is in the spring, especially in the beginning of April. Make sure you pick it from places which are less polluted, such as areas away from the town and the road.
The best part about dandelion is that all parts of it have medicinal properties.
For instance, the leaves are abundant in vitamins and can be used in a salad, along with potatoes and eggs.
The stem relieves stomach issues, stimulates the gallbladder function, regulates the metabolism, and purifies the blood.
Moreover, the stem can be used to treat diabetes while the milk from the stem can be used to remove warts.
Ultimately, people use dandelion flowers to prepare homemade dandelion syrup which purifies the blood, relieves a cough, and improves digestion.
DANDELION SYRUP RECIPE
Get 400 yellow dandelion flowers and pour 3 liters of water over them. Then, cut 4 oranges and 4 lemons into slices and add them to the mixture. Leave the mixture for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, strain the mixture and pour the liquid into a pot. Add 2 cups of sugar into the pot and cook for about half an hour.
Once the mixture boils and gets thick enough, remove from heat and transfer the syrup into sterilized jars. Use the dandelion syrup to treat cold, cough, or bronchitis.
HEALTH BENEFITS AND CANCER-FIGHTING PROPERTIES OF DANDELION ROOT
Dandelion has been long used and appreciated for its medicinal properties.
Today, the modern medicine confirms its health benefits and suggests that it is even capable of curing cancer. Keep reading to learn more about preparing and storing dandelion roots for future use.
You need to peel, cut, and dry the dandelion roots on a fresh air. Let them dry for about two weeks or until they become brittle under the fingers. Once dried, put them into a jar and store in a dark and cool place.
Dandelion root has the ability to clean the kidneys, liver, lymph and gallbladder, which makes it effective at treating gallstones, constipation, hepatitis, acne, edema, and rheumatism.
Moreover, it is very beneficial for women, especially for prevention and treatment of issues related to breastfeeding as well as cysts, tumors, and cancer.
HOW TO PREPARE DANDELION TEA?
Pick some dandelion leaves, dry, chop and mince them well. Store the mixture in a jar and keep for future use. To prepare dandelion tea, you need to add half a teaspoon of the mixture into a glass of water. As simple as that!
Another option is to mix 60 grams of a fresh mixture and 30 grams of dried dandelion root. Put this mixture into a pan along with 2.5 ounces of water with a pinch of salt.
Bring the boil, cover the pan, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Strain the liquid afterward and consume three cups daily.