Contrary to popular belief, dandelions are not just pesky garden weeds. They may have some health benefits.
In fact, people have used the plant to help treat ailments for several centuries. In this article, learn more about dandelion and 10 of its possible health benefits. Dandelion is a plant with yellow flowers. Taraxacum officinale is the most common variety of this plant, and it grows in many parts of the world. Botanists consider dandelions to be herbs. People use the leaves, stem, flower, and root of the dandelion for medicinal purposes.
Antioxidants work to neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals. The human body produces free radicals naturally, but they cause harm by accelerating aging or the progression of certain diseases.
Dandelions contain beta-carotene , which is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Research shows that carotenoids such as beta-carotene play a vital role in reducing cell damage. One study from examined the effects of dandelion consumption in rabbits. Its results found that dandelion root and leaf could help lower cholesterol in animals on a high-cholesterol diet. Another study in mice found that dandelion consumption reduced total cholesterol and levels of fat in the liver.
The researchers concluded that dandelion might one day help treat obesity-related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, testing on humans is necessary to help determine how effective dandelion could be for lowering cholesterol. There is some evidence to suggest that dandelions contain compounds that may help with regulating blood sugar. However, further research is required to make any definitive claims. Some studies indicate that dandelion extracts and compounds may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Dandelions probably arrived in North America on the Mayflower — not as stowaways, but brought on purpose for their medicinal benefits. Dandelions were world-famous for their beauty. They were a common and beloved garden flower in Europe, and the subject of many poems. In the terrifying New World, the cheerful face of the dandelion was a sweet reminder of home. In Japan for instance, whole horticultural societies formed to enjoy the beauty of dandelions and to develop exciting new varieties for gardeners.
Dandelions are a green and growing first aid kit. The use of dandelions in the healing arts goes so far back that tracing its history is like trying to catch a dandelion seed as it floats over the grass.
In olden times, dandelions were also prescribed for every ailment, from warts to the plague. To this day, herbalists hail the dandelion as the perfect plant medicine: It is a gentle diuretic that provides nutrients and helps the digestive system function at peak efficiency.
Dandelions are more nutritious than most of the vegetables in your garden. They were named after lions because their lion-toothed leaves healed so many ailments, great and small: baldness, dandruff, toothache, sores, fevers, rotting gums, weakness, lethargy and depression. In eras when vitamin pills were unknown, vitamin deficiencies killed millions. Data from the U. Department of Agriculture reveal how dandelions probably helped alleviate many ailments: They have more vitamin A than spinach, more vitamin C than tomatoes, and are a powerhouse of iron, calcium and potassium.
Dandelions are good for your lawn. The seeds are dispersed by the wind and blow away in the wind, bringing new life wherever they go. This weed can be found just about anywhere, which makes it symbolic for people who feel uprooted from their communities or neighborhoods — another great reason to consider getting a dandelion tattoo.
They represent courage, hope, happiness, and love. People who have dandelion tattoos usually want to show that these qualities are important for them.
A dandelion tattoo can also be seen as a symbol for freedom. It can represent a new beginning, and the ability to start over from scratch. With every single seed comes the hope of rebirth. When should you give someone a dandelion flower? Dandelions are beautiful blooms that will brighten up any space with their cheerful yellow tones. Dandelions have been known as one of the most versatile plants on earth with many medicinal and practical uses throughout history — so there are very few situations in which giving a dandelion flower is not appropriate!
Love reading about flowers? Check this list of flowers and their meanings. Sharing is caring! Have you seen these? Rev Diabet Stud. Dandelion root extract affects colorectal cancer proliferation and survival through the activation of multiple death signaling pathways. Taraxacum officinale and related species-An ethnopharmacological review and its potential as a commercial medicinal plant.
J Ethnopharmacol. Jargin SV. Soy and phytoestrogens: possible side effects. Ger Med Sci. American Botanical Council. Herbal Medicine: Expanded commission e. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification.
I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Health Benefits. Side Effects. Drug Interactions. Dosage and Preparation. What to Look For. To ensure the highest quality and safety standards, buy supplements that have been independently tested and certified by a recognized authority like: U. Dandelion Greens Nutrition and Preparation. Frequently Asked Questions What is dandelion root used for? What are side effects of dandelion root? Is dandelion root safe for the kidneys?
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