LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 by LISA RICHARDS, CNC
If you have a garden, you probably have mixed feelings about dandelions! Those broad leaves and bright yellow flowers are usually considered a weed and are often subject to various kinds of chemical or physical removal. Take a look in your local garden store and you’ll find a wide selection of tools designed just for that purpose.
However, before you demonize the humble dandelion, be aware that it can have some tremendous health benefits. Dandelions have been used for thousands of years, in both East and West, to promote liver health and aid detoxification. For anyone suffering from Candida overgrowth or other digestive disorders, dandelion could be a useful addition to your diet.
The Role Of Dandelions In Traditional Medicine
Dandelions have formed an important part of traditional medicine in every geographic area where they are naturally found. For example, early European medics used dandelion to treat a wide range of conditions, ranging from fever and eye complaints to diabetes and diarrhea.
Dandelion was (and still is) an important part of traditional Chinese medicine, where it is used to treat inflammation, liver complaints, and digestive problems. In North America, Native Americans brewed dandelion tea for stomach problems, heartburn, kidney disease, and more. As you can see, it is a remedy that has been well tested and frequently used over the centuries.
Dandelions Are A Highly Nutritious Food
Before discussing the specific health benefits of dandelions, the first thing to note about them is that they are packed full of healthy vitamins and minerals. Whether you consume the root or the leaf, you will be getting a significant dose of vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as iron, potassium, and zinc. Perfect to boost your immune and digestive health while you’re on a Candida diet like the one that Dr Eric Wood and I recommend.
Adding wild dandelion greens to your salads is a fantastic way to boost the nutritional value of your meals. Throw in a few of the yellow flowers too, for color and an extra nutritional boost. Try to pick the younger plants if possible, as the leaves on the older plants can get quite bitter.
Dandelions Can Support A Healthy Liver
For Candida sufferers, a healthy functioning liver is particularly important. Candida albicans releases a large number of toxic substances, including uric acid, acetaldehyde and ethanol. We rely largely on the liver to remove these from our bodies. This is particularly important during Candida die-off, when large amounts of these toxic metabolites are released at the same time.
You will find dandelion root extract in many liver and detox supplements, and in fact this has been the main use for dandelion in traditional medicine. It acts as a tonic to stimulate an underperforming liver, as well as stimulating digestion and acting as a mild laxative. The fiber found in the root and leaves is another way that dandelion promotes healthy digestion and detoxification.
Dandelion leaf is also a natural diuretic, meaning that it stimulates urine production. This is often helpful for those suffering from liver or kidney problems. One of the benefits of dandelion is that it contains potassium and other minerals, helping to replace any that are lost through increased urine flow.
Lastly, the inulin found in dandelion root is a natural prebiotic that can help to restore a healthy balance of microorganisms to your gut. Other good sources of inulin are leeks, asparagus, and especially chicory root.
