Dandelion & Dandelion Root Benefits
Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) are a type of flowering plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Historically, dandelion root has been used in many cultures in traditional medicine. It was eaten raw or used in a tonic or as tea.
Some Native American tribes chewed on the dandelion root to relieve pain. Others steamed the leaves and applied them topically to ease sore throats.
Nowadays, dandelion is finally getting recognition as something other than a pesky weed. There are so many benefits to drinking dandelion root tea that you would be remiss if you didn't add it to your daily routine.
Dandelion root is packed with tons of nutrients and has other benefits:
An excellent source of Vitamins A, C, K
Also contain Vitamin E, folate, and small amounts of B vitamins
Have a ton of antioxidants (particularly beta-carotene and polyphenols) that can help fight disease
Chockful of iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium
It's a liver tonic protecting the liver from oxidative stress
Antimicrobial and antiviral properties
Protects your skin, slowing down aging and damage
Dandelion root is also rich in carbohydrate inulin, a type of soluble fiber found in plants. This fiber supports the growth and maintenance of healthy gut bacteria in your digestive tract. Gut microbiome health is directly proportional to your overall health.
The high antioxidant value of dandelion root helps fight against inflammation, and thus disease. This is because low-grade inflammation is associated with most chronic diseases.
Dandelion root has been shown to potentially kill cancer cells. This includes liver cancer, leukemia, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, and prostate cancer.
Another major risk factor for chronic disease is high cholesterol. Dandelion root has been shown to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol and improve HDL cholesterol (the good kind).
Who knew these weeds were hiding such good stuff!
Along with Dandelion root benefits in teas and other herbal supplements, the flowers also have benefits to our skin!
Skin Care Benefits of Dandelion
They’re rich in antioxidants, have anti-aging qualities, and can help protect the skin against UV damage.
Dandelions may get overlooked for more trendy or exotic herbs, but this humble weed has incredible therapeutic benefits and, best of all, they’re completely free. You most definitely have a few growing in your yard or around your property. (Beware using any that may have come into contact with herbicides or other toxic sprays)
Dandelions Are Anti-Aging
This simple herb contains the trifecta of beneficial skin care vitamins: A, C, and E. These vitamins are extremely beneficial when used topically and are proven to help prevent and reverse signs of aging (1).
Vitamins A, C, and E are powerful antioxidants. They help protect the skin from free radical damage, keeping the skin healthier and looking younger.
These vitamins have the combined benefits of:
Encouraging healthy skin cell production
Promoting collagen and elastin formation
Evening out skin tone
Reducing and preventing fine lines and wrinkles
Stimulating circulation
Just take a look at store-bought anti-aging skin care products and they’ll contain at least one of these vitamins. Dandelion contains all three, and dandelions are plentiful!
Dandelions Are Anti-Inflammatory
Dandelions help reduce inflammation and skin irritation (3), so it’s perfect for sensitive or problem skin types. It has a long history in folk medicine as a soothing treatment for eczema, psoriasis, acne, and skin rashes.
Dandelions Promote Collagen Production
Here’s another awesome skin care benefit of dandelion: It promotes production of collagen.
Collagen is the protein that gives the skin its strength and elasticity. Collagen production naturally wanes as you age, which is why the skin starts to sag and loses its ability to bounce back.
Dandelion Soap?!
With all these benefits, and the beautiful yellow color, we decided to make dandelion soap! Last year it was a big hit, we all loved it. So we'll be making it again this year. If you'd like to give it a try, see more about it right here.
