Health Care

14 Fabulous Benefit Of Dandelion For Your Skin, Hair And Health

Dandelion is often thought of as just a weed which pops up in our lawns and gardens. But the root of this flowering plant has been used as herbal medicine and food since ancient times for its amazing healthful properties. The leaves of this plant are called dandelion green and also used as nutritious vegetable. Almost all the parts of this nutritious and miraculous herb are edible and provide numerous health benefits. The abundance of nutrients in dandelion naturally offers hosts of benefits for our health skin and hair. Dandelion is high in beta-carotene which is converted into vitamin A and also contains nutrients like vitamin C, calcium, potassium, magnesium, Phosphorus, zinc, iron, B vitamins and fiber. Dandelion leaves are often found fresh in health food markets. Dandelion is also available in the form of tea, capsule and tincture.

Powerful Health benefits Of Dandelion

1. Aids Digestion

Being a high fiber food, dandelion greens and roots, acts as beneficial aid for intestinal health and digestion by increasing the release of bile and stomach acids. Dandelion also serves as a mild laxative and helps bring relief from digestive disorder like constipation, diarrhea by balancing the beneficial bacteria in the intestine.[1]

2. Detoxifies The Body

Improving liver and kidney function dandelion has been shown to remove toxins, establish hydration and electrolyte balance. Dandelion also helps to increase the flow of bile. It roots acts as wonderful colon cleanser. Stimulating the liver function dandelion acts as excellent liver detoxifier and reduces the risk gastrointestinal problems. Every part of this herb is rich in antioxidants like luteolin and vitamin C which protects from free-radical damage of the cells and slows down the aging process of the cell.[2]

3. Improves Functioning Of Kidney And Gallbladder

Increasing bile production dandelion improves functioning of the gall bladder and kidney. Dandelion is rich in essential fatty acids, phytonutrients and antioxidants that help to combat pain and swelling. Enhancing the production of bile , dandelion root can help reduce the risk of bile duct inflammation and formation of gall bladder stone, reduce inflammation protects it from any kind of oxidants and infection. Being highly diuretic in nature, dandelion increase the flow of urine and help to eliminate the toxic deposits from urinary tract and inhibit the growth of bacteria and thus reduces the risk of urinary tract infection.[3]

4. Lowers High Blood Pressure

Dandelion juice has diuretic property which by increasing urination helps to lower the blood pressure. Urination is one of the effective ways to lower blood pressure. The fiber and potassium contained in dandelion also helps to maintain blood pressure by replacing sodium.[4]

5. Lowers Cholesterol Level

Several studies have shown that dandelion is very effective in lowering cholesterol level in the blood. Raising HDL cholesterol, dandelion helps to improve cholesterol ratios.[5]

6. Regulates Blood Sugar

Dandelion can be helpful for diabetic patients as it contains insulin, which aids in balancing blood sugar levels. Dandelion juice can help to stimulate the production of insulin from the pancreas and keep blood sugar level low. The diuretic nature of dandelion which increases urination in diabetic patients also aids in removing excess sugar from the body. The bitter taste of dandelion juice also helps in lowering sugar level in the blood. And help avoid sudden spikes.

7. Bone Health

Dandelion contains calcium, boron and silicon. All these minerals are crucial for bone health. The antioxidants like vitamin C and luteolin protects the bones. Dandelion leaf extract, juice or tea can significantly reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. Drink dandelion tea or juice regularly to get relief from arthritis.[7]

8. Aids Weight Loss

Since dandelion is diuretic in nature, it promotes urination as a result of which more fats and water is eliminated from the body. This helps to lose water weight.[8]

9. Reduces Risk Of Cancer

Dandelion is rich in antioxidant luteolin and vitamin C which fights free radicals in the body and disables the cancer cells and reduces the risk of cancer. Since antioxidant activity of dandelion detoxifies the body, it further inhibits the growth of tumors and various types of cancers.[9]

10. Aids In Fighting Jaundice

Dandelion can be a great aid in reducing effect of jaundice. Jaundice is basically a liver disorder in which overproduction of bile affects body’s metabolism which results in change in color of the skin and eyes. Drinking dandelion tea is believed to curb the production and accumulation of bile and remove excess bile from the body and bring relief from jaundice symptoms.[10]

Dandelion Benefits For Skin

The abundance of nutrients contained in dandelion can make skin healthy and problem free. The reason behind dandelion being so effective for maintaining skin health is its excellent detoxifying ability. Detoxifying the skin dandelion helps clear the pores and enhance the complexion healing the skin internally as well as externally. All the parts, the roots flower or leaves can be used to improve skin health. Here are the amazing benefits of dandelion for skin.

11. Protect Skin From Premature Aging

The powerful antioxidant contained in dandelion can be a great topical treatment for reversing free radical damage and fight signs of aging. Vitamin C, A, B6 and k also helps to fight free radical and diminishing fine line, wrinkles and dark spots improves skins health drastically.

12. Effective For Reducing Skin Disorder

Dandelion sap also known as dandelion milk contained in the stem of flower is highly effective for getting rid of microbial or fungal infections. The high alkaline and antifungal and germicidal property helps to combat skin infection like itchiness, eczema, athletes ‘foot, ringworm and other skin disorder like bug bites, sting or burn in the tissues.

13. Dandelion For Acne

Hormonal imbalance is one of prime reason for acne. Dandelion juice is excellent detoxifier and diuretic in nature. These qualities help to regulate hormones. Removing toxins through sweat and urine it can reduce acne flare ups. Consuming dandelion tea will also reduce the acne flare ups. Application of dandelion sap topically on the acne will help to heal acne and vitamin C contained in it will reduce inflammation and scars.[13]

14. Dandelion For Hair Care

The abundance of vitamins and minerals in dandelion helps to nourish the hair, promote hair growth, combat dandruff. Whether you consume dandelion supplement orally or apply dandelion tea or sap topically on your hair, this herb can do wonder for your hair.[14]