D is for The Teeth of the Lion The dandelion is a common garden - TopicsExpress

D is for The Teeth of the Lion The dandelion is a common garden herb, with easily recognized flowers. During the spring season, the leaves and the root of the dandelion begin to produce mannitol, which is a substance utilized in the treatment of conditions such as hypertension and a weakened heart in continental Europe - where it is often prescribed by herbalist for patients with these conditions. The herbal remedies made from the leaves of the dandelion are used as a diuretic, it is also used in the treatment of high blood pressure which it accomplishes by reducing the total volume of fluid present in the body at any time. As a detoxification agent, the root of the dandelion herb is considered to be one of the most effective and beneficial herbal remedies. The waste products accumulated in the liver and the gall bladder is removed by this herbal remedy and it principally affects the functioning of the liver and the gallbladder. The kidneys are also stimulated by the dandelion at the same time and it enables the rapid removal toxins through the urine produced. The root of the dandelion is known to be a remarkably well balanced herbal remedy, the steady and gradual elimination of toxins accumulating in the body due to infection or pollution is accelerated by the root of the dandelion. In the treatment of a variety of conditions, the dandelion possesses major and effective therapeutic benefits, these include the treatment of persistent constipation, the treatment of various types of skin problems, including acne, and eczema, and diseases like psoriasis. The root also treats other types of arthritic conditions, including severe conditions such as osteoarthritis, and disorders like gout. The gallbladder is markedly affected by both the dandelion root and the dandelion leaf remedies, these herbal remedies can also be used to prevent the formation of gallstones in the gallbladder. If gallstones are already present, then the remedy made from the dandelion leaf may still help, by dissolving such gallstones aiding in their elimination. Various conditions such as warts, all types of fungus infections, and malignant growths within the body and on the outside, the presence of ulceration in the urinary passages can all be treated using the herbal remedies made from the dandelion. The remedies made from the dandelion possess a laxative action, they can be used to treat disorders in the stomach, and the herb promotes healthy circulation in the body, it also tones the skin, and is considered a cleanser and strengthener of blood vessels. Rheumatism is cured by the remedies made from the dandelion, it can also be used in the treatment of badly affected arthritic joints, and as an herbal remedy it is a marvelous and effective general tonic. A fine herbal wine can be produced from the dandelion, it is furthermore used in the manufacture of a great herbal beer, the dried herb is an excellent substitute for coffee, it is used in the manufacture of an excellent food for birds, it is used to rear bees in apiculture, it is fed to pigs and rabbits in the farm, and even people consume the plant as food. Dandelion contains: Leaves - bitter glycosides, carotenoids, terpenoids, choline, potassium salts, iron and other minerals, vitamins A, B, C, D. Root - bitter glycosides, tannins, triterpenes, sterols, volatile oil, choline, asparagin, inulin. Many different types of chemical compounds and organic constituents have been chemically isolated from dandelion and chiefly from its parts which lie buried beneath the ground - the rhizome and the roots of the dandelion. While these parts of the plant do contain a lot of chemicals, it is still difficult to connect the therapeutic utility in any of these chemicals to specific identified chemical compounds. For example, some favorable effects on the digestive system seemed to be induced by the undefined bitter principle mentioned previously, this is now identified as the compound taraxacin, but the other chemicals, such as the compound reported to be the cause for the mild laxative action of the herb has not been identified, that the extract from leaves of the dandelion exhibit a pronounced diuretic effect was demonstrated in a recent experiment conducted on small animal, the extracts of the leaves had a diuretic action on the animals in the test, however, the chemical responsible for this action was never identified on the conclusion of the experiment and is still unknown. Another property was recently discovered and a very recent scientific report suggested that the triterpene fraction of an ethanol based dandelion root extract produced very significant anti-platelet aggregation activity in the platelets in human blood. How it works in the body ~ the essential mineral potassium is found in very high amounts in the leaves of the dandelion herb, this mineral balances important biochemical functions in the body and the leaves themselves contain other chemicals that function as powerful diuretic agents - the potassium acts as a balancing agent of these diuretics. When compared to conventional diuretics, which always require a supplement of the potassium mineral to balance the total requirements of the body for minerals - the difference between dandelion and these conventional medications becomes apparent. The dandelion plant is used as an herbal remedy for alleviating painful urinary ailments in the Chinese system of medicine. Dandelion roots are used for other forms of herbal remedies and their essential function in the body is different, mostly they are used in the treatment of the liver and are used to bring about improvements in its overall functioning, and also they also find use as a mild laxative. Heat disorders are treated in the Chinese system using the herbal remedies sourced from the dandelion, heat disorders especially those affecting the liver, the symptoms of which can include redness, swelling, and the development of painful eyes are all treated using dandelion, the remedies made from the dandelion are also used in the treatment of damp or heat jaundice in different patients. The gallbladder is treated using a tonic made from both the leaves and the roots of the dandelion - this herb is very useful for such conditions. The dandelion is used to holistically cleanse the body and is an herbal detoxification agent, it is believed that the herb produces beneficial effects by removing the chemical pollutants in the body - thus cleansing it of harmful and toxic substances accumulated over time. Firm and hard abscesses are also treated using the dandelion remedies in the Chinese system, this is especially so, if such abscesses involve tissues in the breast and in the digestive system of the person. Topical as well as internal herbal remedies can be derived from the dandelion to treat a variety of internal and external disorders. Lactation is promoted in nursing women, through the use of specific herbal dandelion remedies during the period of breastfeeding. In the Chinese system, the dandelion is credited with having bitter, sweet and cold properties. Applications of Dandelion (A) Leaves: (i) FRESH - When used fresh, the leaves can be added as a garnish to spring salads and it will function as a cleansing remedy and help in the detoxification of the body. (ii) JUICE - The leaves of the dandelion can also be taken in the form of a puree; this can be carried out when a diuretic action is needed from the herb. Doses of the herbal remedy can be 20 ml of dandelion juice, taken thrice every day during the treatment period. (iii) INFUSION – The infusion of the herb can also be used to have a less effective diuretic action than the juice. Though less powerful than the juice, the herbal infusion is a very cleansing remedy for the treatment of toxic conditions such as gout and eczema in the patient. The herbal infusion can also be used as a gentle stimulant on the liver and digestive system. The herbal infusion can be prepared using freshly dried dandelion leaves as and when needed. (iv) TINCTURE – The herbal tincture form of the dandelion can also be used, and it is often added to other herbal remedies used in the treatment of a failing heart - the tincture ensures that the person has adequate levels of the essential mineral potassium in the body. Root: (1) TINCTURE – The herbal tincture can be made from the roots of the dandelion, using the fresh roots, this remedy is used in the treatment of toxic conditions including gout, skin disorders such as eczema, or even mild to sever acne. The tincture made from the root of dandelion is also often prescribed as a liver stimulant to treat disorders in the liver and the accompanying conditions and related constipation. (ii) DECOCTION – The herbal decoction of the dandelion can also be used, and the same usage conditions as those of the tincture apply to this form of dandelion remedy. DANDELION WINE ~ 4 cups (250 g) dandelion flowers picked around noon on a sunny day 2 untreated lemons (without the juice) 2 untreated oranges (without the juice) 1 T (15 g) white wine yeast, dry 16 cups (4 liters) boiled water 3 lbs (1.5 kg) honey (dandelion honey, if possible) Pour the boiling water on the flowers. Dilute the honey in the mixture. Cut the citrus fruit into cubes and add to the mixture. Allow to ferment in an earthenware jar or in a large glass pitcher in a dark location at 68 F degrees (20 C degrees) for 3 weeks and stir with a large wooden spatula every 2 to 3 days. When fermentation is complete, strain using a clean cheesecloth. Bottle the wine and seal with a cork. Age in a cool area for 9 months. This wine is excellent for the gallbladder, for treating gout and uric acid, and is highly recommended for a pre-diabetic condition. Drink half a glass before meals: it is delicious, has an original taste and adds zing! Note: For those who are lazy, here is the modified recipe: Macerate 1 cup (60 g) flowers in 4 cups (1 liter) white wine for 1 month. Strain and sweeten to taste.