Dandelion is a well-known flower that blooms one of the first with the onset of spring. For many gardeners, it is an annoying weed. It's actually one of the best medicinal plants with cleansing properties. It is often referred to as a liver tonic and blood purifier. AT folk medicine In many countries, it is used as a choleretic, diuretic, digestive herb, stimulates appetite and promotes the breakdown of fats. It is eaten: a vitamin salad is made from young leaves, and the root can replace coffee. Dandelion officinalis plant description

Dandelion description where it grows

Dandelion grows everywhere as a weed and is very hardy. It belongs to a large genus of perennial herbaceous plants of the Astrov family. Botanical name Taraxacum. Among more than 2 thousand species, the most famous is the medicinal dandelion (Taráxacum officinále) or the common one. Another name is dandelion pharmacy or field.

It grows in temperate latitudes on the Eurasian continent, and North America and is considered the most useful herb found in the northern hemisphere.

Its bright sunny flowers can be seen in meadows, glades and edges, rocks, wastelands in late April and early May. It may well take root even in the cracks of asphalt and concrete.

According to one version, Europe is considered the homeland. Other botanists consider it native to all temperate regions. We have dandelions can be found from the Caucasus to Sakhalin and Kamchatka.

For commercial purposes, most of all are grown in Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Poland, England.

Dandelion officinalis is a herb about 30 centimeters high. The leaves are smooth, with teeth along the edges, oblong, reaching a length of 10 to 25 centimeters and a width of 1.5-5 centimeters. Grow with a basal rosette.

Single flowers are located on a long bare, hollow inside, pale green stem. Open in the morning and close in the evening. They are very sensitive to sunlight and do not open at all in cloudy weather.

After flowering, they turn into a white ball, consisting of seeds, which are attached with fine hairs to the receptacle. Due to their fragile connection, they are easily torn off and carried by the wind over long distances.

The roots are fleshy, dark brown on the outside and white on the inside. When broken, it releases a white milky substance - latex, which is found in all parts of the plant and is bitter in taste.

In length, it can reach up to 60 centimeters and a thickness of about 2 centimeters.

What is useful dandelion chemical composition

Dandelion contains many substances useful for the human body, which give it healing properties. The main component is the milky juice, which contains taraxacin, flavoxanthin and taraxacerin.

In addition, it contains:

Vitamins A, E, B2, B4, C;

Carotenoids;

Minerals: manganese, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, boron and others;

Organic acids: oleanolic, palmitic, linoleic, lemon balm and cerotinic;

Fixed oils;

Cellulose;

Polysaccharides;

Protein compounds;

glycosides;

It is free of saturated fat and cholesterol.

Grass leaves are rich in:

Ascorbic acid;

Retinol;

Tocopherol;

Riboflavin;

Asparagine;

minerals;

Flavonoids;

Coumarins.

Sesquiterpene and triterpene compounds;

Flavonoids;

Potassium salts;

They contain glucoside luteolin, inulin, vitamin K. The content of inulin can reach up to 40 percent.

In the flowers of the plant are found:

vitamins;

Minerals;

Saponins;

Flavonoids;

vegetable protein;

Essential oil;

Useful properties of dandelion

According to the chemical composition, dandelion is the richest source of many useful substances, and in a very harmonious combination.

It is only worth noting that in terms of the content of vitamin A, it takes 3rd place after fish oil and beef liver. Vitamin A plays an important role in the fight against cancers epithelial tissue including the oral cavity and lungs. Its content in the leaves can provide 203 percent of the daily value.

B vitamins help reduce stress.

Choline improves memory.

Foods rich in potassium, in balance with magnesium, help reduce blood pressure and the risk of strokes.

Calcium in high concentrations can strengthen bones and lower blood pressure.

Fiber fights diabetes, lowers cholesterol levels, lowers the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, and aids in weight loss. Passing through the intestines, they bind salts of heavy metals and remove them from the body.

Inulin helps lower blood sugar, which is beneficial for diabetics.

Tannins, fiber give antidiarrheal properties.

Linoleic and linolenic acids are needed by the body to produce prostaglandins, which regulate blood pressure and body processes such as immune responses and suppress inflammation. Participate in normalization menstrual cycle and prevent platelets from sticking together.

Glycosides and flavonoids, protect the liver, are useful for strengthening the heart and blood vessels.

Lentinan, a polysaccharide, increases resistance to simple viral infections.

Bitterness gives it a tonic effect and antifungal properties, stimulates the production of bile.

All these chemicals individually may not be so unique, but together they provide unique properties:

Acts as a mild diuretic;

Helps increase bile production

Stimulate appetite;

Help to normalize digestion;

Tone up the liver;

Promote weight loss;

Stabilize blood sugar.

Dandelion medicinal properties

Medicinal properties plants are well known throughout human history. It has long been used to treat jaundice, gout, and diseases associated with liver and bladder disease.

For medicinal purposes, all parts of the plant are used: flowers, leaves and roots. The chemical compounds present in it endow dandelion grass with properties such as:

Diuretic;

Cholagogue;

Antiviral;

Antiseptic;

Anti-inflammatory;

expectorants;

Antispasmodic;

Venotonic;

soothing;

Anticancer;

Antioxidant;

Antiscorbutic;

Lactogonal.

Thanks to medicinal components, dandelion is an excellent drug for the treatment of diabetes. This plant can stimulate the production of insulin.

It helps to get rid of kidney stones, bile and bladder. As an additional remedy, the plant can be used in the treatment of anemia.

Dandelion has a stimulating effect on cardiovascular system useful for arthritis.

Dandelion helps with poor digestion and loss of appetite, supports healthy liver, kidney and gallbladder function.

The leaves act as a mild diuretic and stimulate the production of stomach and bile enzymes to support healthy digestion.

The root, as a mild laxative, eliminates constipation. Flowers are brewed in stagnant conditions.

Modern research has confirmed that dandelion is capable of:

Normalize blood sugar levels;

Reduce the amount of triglycerides;

Help in the treatment of bacterial infections;

Normalize the alkaline balance in the body;

Reduce high acidity.

The leaves cleanse and support the functions of the kidneys.

Roots like cholagogue, improve performance gastrointestinal tract, promote the breakdown of fats;

White milky juice, having soothing properties, is used to treat various skin diseases.

Grass juice tones and strengthens.

What does dandelion help with?

Dandelion is officially approved for use in many countries, including ours. It is mainly prescribed in the treatment of liver diseases such as hepatitis and jaundice. But it can be used in different areas of medicine.

Its roots and leaves increase the secretion of gastric juice, stimulating digestion and appetite, helping with anorexia and better absorption. nutrients. In addition, a decoction of the roots relieves spasms, cramps and colic. He deals with inflammatory diseases and atherosclerosis.

Dandelion is used for:

blood purification;

Dissolution of kidney stones;

Improving the work of the gastrointestinal tract;

weight loss;

Prevention of high blood pressure;

anemia treatment;

Decrease in the level of cholesterol in the blood serum;

Diabetes control;

Prevention of oncological diseases.

It copes equally well with constipation and diarrhea, reduces gas formation, heaviness in the stomach when eating fatty foods.

It helps with:

cholecystitis;

cirrhosis of the liver;

Hepatitis;

Diseases of the stomach with low acidity;

Potassium deficiency;

Joint diseases: arthritis, gout.

This early spring flower is considered one of the best herbs for detoxifying the body. By stimulating the organs responsible for the elimination of waste and toxins, it helps to eliminate them from the body.

Nursing mothers brew it to improve breast milk production.

Of particular note are the properties of dandelion in dermatology. Since childhood, many people know that the milky juice of a flower removes warts. It can help deal with:

Pimples and blackheads;

warts;

Dermatitis;

Furuncles;

calluses;

Various ulcers and blisters on the skin;

Bee stings.

In cosmetology, it is used for cellulite, freckles, age spots.

Dandelion application

The most important advantage of dandelion is its versatility. The herb can be used in the form of tea, decoctions, infusions, alcohol or vodka tinctures, in powder form.

dandelion tea

Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves in a glass of boiling water and infuse for 5-10 minutes. You can drink up to 3 glasses a day.

Dandelion leaf tincture

It is prepared at the rate of 1 part of dried leaves 5 parts of vodka or 30% alcohol. Take 5 to 10 drops three times a day.

A tincture of the root is made in the proportion of 1 part dried crushed root to 2 parts 45% medical alcohol. Take 2.5-5 ml 3 times a day.

To prepare a 10% tincture, take 1 part of the root and 10 parts of vodka. Take 10-15 drops three times a day. Can be added to tea.

Leaf infusion

2 teaspoons of dried leaves, brew 150 ml of boiling water and insist for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink 50 ml up to 3 times a day in a warm form.

Decoction of roots and leaves

For a decoction, a tablespoon or 2-3 teaspoons is brewed with 200 ml and boiled for 10-15 minutes. Take three times a day.

Fresh leaf juice is drunk 5-10 ml twice a day, from the roots one to two tablespoons a day.

Dried root in powder form - 0.5-2 grams per day.

Young spring greens are used as a salad ingredient. At this time, the leaves contain the minimum amount of bitterness.

The roasted root is used as a coffee substitute, and the herb is often used to season meat dishes.

Honey, jam, wine are made from flowers.

Contraindications and side effects

In general, dandelion is one of the safest and most well tolerated herbs.

At sensitive people may develop allergic reactions upon contact with the plant. Most likely in people allergic to ragweed, chamomile, chrysanthemum, calendula, yarrow.

Avoid high consumption of dandelion leaves in combination with potassium-sparing diuretics.

Those who have problems with the liver or gallbladder should consult a doctor before starting the use of preparations based on it. If there are bile duct stones, dandelion should not be used.

Because it stimulates digestive system, can cause an overproduction of stomach acids in some people. Therefore, they should not be carried away by those who:

There is a stomach ulcer with high acidity;

Ulcer duodenum(especially in the acute stage);

Gastritis with high acidity;

Intestinal obstruction;

Bile duct obstruction: cholangitis, biliary tract cancer, pancreatic disease;

Exacerbation or serious illnesses liver: hepatitis, cirrhosis, cancer.

Dandelion is a diuretic and can increase the elimination of drugs from the body. People taking prescription drugs should always check with their doctor to avoid drug interactions.

These same properties can cause exacerbation of hypertension or heart disease.

It is not contraindicated in pregnancy. You only need to avoid dosage forms based on alcohol. Given the possible development of allergies or if you are taking any pharmaceutical drugs, you should consult a gynecologist.

Procurement and collection

Although dandelions grow all summer long, they are best harvested in the spring. After flowering, they accumulate more bitterness.

Now a few warnings when collecting:

The best leaves for preparing spring vitamin salad young plants that do not yet have flowers. For medicinal purposes, you can pluck the leaves during flowering, choosing younger ones. For salad, you can pluck the inflorescences when they have not yet blossomed.

Fresh leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, placed in a bag or container with a lid.

The flowers are harvested during the flowering period in the morning. As a rule, after 16 hours in the late afternoon they close. Such flowers have healing properties, but small insects are very fond of hiding in them.

Roots are most often used as medicinal raw materials. They are harvested in the spring at the beginning of the growing season or in the fall, when the leaves begin to wither, digging them out with a shovel. Re-harvesting of the roots in this place should be done no earlier than in two to three years.

The dug roots are shaken off the ground, cutting off the aerial part and thin lateral processes. Then washed in cold water. After that, they are left to dry in the air for several days to prevent the release of milky juice.

Drying is carried out in well-ventilated rooms in the shade or under a canopy, scattering a thin layer no more than 3-5 centimeters thick. Drying usually takes about 10-15 days.

It is allowed to dry in ovens or an electric dryer at a temperature not exceeding 40-50 degrees. Keep no more than 5 years.

Sometimes dried roots look flabby, light, from which the top layer easily peels off. This suggests that the raw materials were harvested too early, when the roots had not yet accumulated enough nutrients. Such raw materials are rejected.

Dried roots have a bitter-sweet taste, odorless. The top layer is light brown or dark brown.

If the prepared raw materials have been stored for several years, then before use, you need to make sure of their quality. They should not have a foreign smell, damage by bugs, rodents, etc. In the presence of such defects, they cannot be used.

Dandelion in cosmetology

Women are familiar beneficial features dandelion. Many beauties do not miss the opportunity to use these flowers to nourish, moisturize, whiten their skin. It effectively fights freckles and age spots.

The milky juice released when any part of the plant is cut removes warts, and fresh juice can get rid of acne and blackheads.

Mask for acne and freckles

Squeeze juice from leaves and flowers. Dilute with water in a ratio of 1:1 and use instead of lotion twice a day (morning and evening), keeping on the face for 15 minutes. Then rinse and wipe with kefir, whey or sour milk.

Mask for age spots from the leaves

Grind 6 pieces of young fresh leaves into a puree and add 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese (if the skin is dry) or 1 egg white (if the skin is oily). Apply to face and keep for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse and wipe with lotion. The mask helps to get rid of freckles and blackheads.

After washing off the mask, to enhance the effect, wipe with sour milk, kefir or whey.

From freckles and pigmentation, a mask made from a mixture of dandelion juice and parsley helps. Squeeze the juice from both plants and mix in equal proportions. Wipe face daily two to three times a day.

Lotion for freckles and age spots

Chop fresh flowers. Take 2 tablespoons and pour 500 ml of water. Boil for half an hour. When cool, strain and squeeze the herb. Use in place of skin lotion. Can be frozen in cubes.

With black dots, the lotion is made on the basis of medical alcohol or vodka. To do this, take the whole plant (flowers, stem, leaves and roots). Clean it from the ground and rinse in cold water. Chop and pour vodka in the ratio of 1 part of raw materials 2 parts of vodka or alcohol diluted to 40 degrees.

Insist for 10 days in a dark place and filter, squeezing the raw material well.

Before use, dilute the finished tincture with water (mineral or distilled) in the proportion of 1 part tincture 2 parts water.

Dandelion is not only a medicinal plant, but also an edible one. It is very useful in the spring, when the body's supply of vitamins and minerals falls. It can come to the rescue and get rid of many health problems. But still, we must not forget the contraindications, so as not to harm your health.

Medicinal properties of dandelion and how to brew

0,508 Iron 3,1 Vitamin B2 0,260 calories 45 kcal Selenium 0,5 Vitamin B6 0,251 Zinc 0,41 Vitamin B1 0,190 Manganese 0,34 Vitamin B9 0,027 Copper 0,17

100 grams of boiled without salt and drained dandelion contains:
Main substances:	G		Minerals:	mg		Vitamins:	mg
Water	89,8		Potassium	232		Vitamin C	18,0
Squirrels	2		Calcium	140		Vitamin E	2,44
Fats	0,6		Sodium	44		Vitamin K	0,551
Carbohydrates	6,4		Phosphorus	42		Vitamin PP	0,514
Alimentary fiber	2,9		Magnesium	24		Vitamin A	0,342
			Iron	1,8		Vitamin B2	0,175
calories	33 kcal		Zinc	0,28		Vitamin B6	0,160
						Vitamin B1	0,130
						Vitamin B9	0,013

dandelion flowers contain carotenoids (bitter taraxanthin, lutein, flavonxanthiin), volatile oils, triterpene alcohols (arnidol, faradiol), inulin, tannins, mucus, rubber, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, mineral salts.

Dandelion root contains about 25% inulin, triterpene compounds (amirin, taraxerol), tannins and resins, mineral salts (a lot of potassium), inositol, steroids, mucus, choline, vitamins A, B1, C, D, fats, 3% rubber, a small amount of volatile oils and flavonoids, organic acids.

What exactly is used and in what form?

• dried dandelion roots are part of a variety of herbal teas, they are used to prepare healing decoctions and tinctures, and roasted roots are used in the preparation of dandelion coffee.
• green dandelion leaf It is recommended to soak in salted water before use to eliminate the taste of bitterness.
• fresh dandelion flowers pickled, used to make tinctures and lotions.
• milky dandelion juice used externally as an effective cosmetic product.

Medicinal properties

Since ancient times, dandelion has been used as a means of reviving the human body. It contributes to the good functioning of the digestive tract, activates the excretory function of the stomach, increases appetite, has a positive effect on metabolism, for example, eliminates the manifestations of high blood sugar, reduces sexual dysfunction. Different parts of the plant are used in the treatment of cough, constipation, bile stasis, to get rid of helminths. Dandelion improves the tone of the human body, its immune capabilities.

The use of dandelion covers the fields of both official and alternative medicine, in particular herbal medicine. Written evidence of the use of dandelion for medicinal purposes geographically correlates this useful plant with Asia, Europe and North America. Dandelion root was originally regarded as a gastrointestinal remedy to improve digestion and maintain liver function, and the leaves of the plant were used to achieve a diuretic effect. It has been proven that preparations based on dandelion root cleanse the blood of excess cholesterol, have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and help with sleep disorders.

Specially prepared dandelion juice It has a stimulating effect on the liver, while being a general tonic. Dandelion juice is effective for stones and sand in the gallbladder.

Dandelion Root Powder well heals skin injuries: wounds, deep abrasions, burnt places, bedsores. A drink from the roots will be appreciated by diabetics: dandelion root powder is useful for high sugar.

Optometrists recommend consuming at least 12 mg of combined lutein and zeaxanthin daily to reduce the risk of developing cataracts and age-related visual impairment. Dandelions contain both of these nutrients.

fresh dandelion leaves popular in cooking. dandelion flowers occupied their niche in winemaking: the famous dandelion wine and dandelion jam are made from them. Decoction of dandelion roots prescribed for liver damage, and as a diuretic.

Peter Gale, author of " Health benefits of dandelions"I saw in this plant almost a panacea. According to his beliefs, if you are looking for a wonderful medicine that, as part of your daily diet (in the form of food or drink), depending on the characteristics of your body, can: prevent or cure hepatitis or jaundice, act as a mild diuretic, cleanse your body of toxins and toxins , dissolve kidney stones, stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, improve skin condition and bowel function, lower blood pressure, relieve you of anemia, lower blood cholesterol, reduce dyspepsia, prevent or cure various forms of cancer, regulate blood sugar and help diabetics, and at the same time not have any side effects and selectively affect only what bothers you…. then dandelion is for you» .

Range medicinal properties dandelion is so wide that you can safely assign the status of one of the most famous healers in the world to this plant.

In Costa Rica, dandelions are sold as a drugstore remedy for diabetes.

Two different types of dandelions are used in Guatemala. narrow-leaved variety called diente de leon, used as a tonic to improve general health conditions, while another variety, called amargon, is used in cooking as lettuce leaves, and in medicine it is used in complex treatment anemia.

In Brazil, dandelion is a popular remedy for liver problems, scurvy, and urinary tract infections.

In official medicine

Pharmaceutical names from dandelion available to the consumer: Taraxacum (Radix) roots, cut, packaged in 100 gram packages; condensed extract from the plant Taraxacum (Extractum spissum). Dandelion extract is used in the manufacture of pills.

The healing ability of the active ingredients of dandelion, associated with the restoration of cartilage tissue, has been successfully embodied by specialists in the preparation "Anavita +". Tablets are dietary supplements, their action has a beneficial effect on the joints, their mobility and structure.

In folk medicine

• Decoction of dandelion roots: a tablespoon of finely chopped root is added to 2 glasses of water, boiled over low heat for 10 minutes, insisted for 2 hours. They drink 0.5 cups several times a day for liver diseases with insufficient bile secretion, as a diuretic for kidney failure with edema, mild forms of diabetes mellitus, and also for liver damage caused by large doses of antibiotics and synthetic drugs. The decoction does not induce enzymes in the liver, so it can be taken for a long time. When mixed with other plants, it has an antiviral effect, mobilizes the body's defenses, and increases appetite.
• Dandelion flower tea: a tablespoon of inflorescences is brewed with a glass of boiling water. Drink 2-3 times a day for 0.5 cups.
• Dandelion Root Potion: squeeze 100 gr. liquid from chopped roots. Combine the juice with alcohol, glycerin and the water component (take 15 grams in total). Strained mixture take 1-2 tablespoons per day. Such a mixture cleanses the blood, acts as a tonic, diuretic, and is used in the complex treatment of gout, with jaundice, and inflammation of the skin.
• Dandelion Leaf Infusion to Increase Appetite: pour one tablespoon of chopped fresh leaves with 2 cups of boiled water, leave warm for 12 hours. Take 3 times a day for half an hour before meals.
• Dandelion Root Infusion for Eczema: pour two tablespoons of dandelion and burdock roots joined in equal parts for 12 hours with cold water, boil, let it brew and consume half a cup 3 times a day.
• Dandelion root salad useful for malfunctioning of the thyroid gland, with male sexual dysfunction and disorders of the female reproductive system.
• Dandelion juice treat rheumatism. Grind one part of dandelion flowers with one part of sugar. Let it brew for a week. Squeeze out the juice and store in the refrigerator. Drink one teaspoon before meals.
• Dandelion for lowering cholesterol: insist one small root in a glass of water for 3 days. Drink in parts, up to 400 ml. in a day.
• With hepatitis a mixture of lettuce leaves with the addition of dandelion is useful.

• External use of dandelion: wash your face with a decoction of dandelion roots to get rid of freckles. Prepare a decoction as follows: pour 2 tablespoons of crushed roots with boiling water (300 ml), boil for 15 minutes, then cool.
• Dandelion to improve eyesight. Take dandelion roots, ordinary onion and honey in proportions of 3:2:4. Mix dandelion root juice, onion juice and fresh honey. Infuse for a couple of hours in a dark place. The mass is applied with lotions on the eyelids in case of deterioration of vision and prevention of the development of cataracts.
• Dandelion as a remedy for cellulite: rub into the skin an infusion of dandelion leaves and nettle, taken in equal proportions.
• Dandelion as a cure for herpes: mix a tablespoon of grated dandelion roots with 200 ml of water. Boil for 5 minutes. Consume shortly before meals.
• Dandelion for dermatitis: apply directly to the damaged skin two or three leaves of the plant in the form of poultices, several times a day.

in oriental medicine

The Chinese used dandelions over a thousand years ago as a diuretic, hypoglycemic, antispasmodic, anticancer, antibacterial, and antifungal agent. In China, the plant has been used for conditions such as abscesses, appendicitis, boils, caries, dermatitis, fevers, inflammation, liver disease, mastitis, scrofula, abdominal pain, and even snake bites.

In Central Asian countries, juice from young dandelion leaves is used to treat anemia, with general exhaustion of the body, as a means of increasing intestinal motility, with painful sensations in thoracic region. The juice squeezed from the roots is used to treat warts.

In scientific research

Various dandelion species have been used in official Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for over 2000 years. Therefore, modern medical research is especially relevant, creating a scientific basis for unlocking the medicinal potential of dandelion.

S. Clymer characterizes the plant as follows: “ Dandelion is indispensable for the productive activity of the liver and gallbladder. It stimulates the functions of these organs, eliminates the stagnation of bile. It is also good for the spleen. It is important to choose exclusively green and fresh herbs intended for potion or tincture.» .

Diuretic (diuretic) effect of dandelion leaf extract medicinal is described in scientific articles by B. Clare, R. Conroy and K. Spelman.

Alternative medicine is investigating the possible use of dandelion root extract in the treatment of melanoma. Foreign researchers (S. Scutti) see dandelion as a natural remedy in the fight against skin cancer, pointing to a powerful source of triterpenes and steroids, which are dandelion roots. What supports the statement " Dandelion against cancer"? Dandelion is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, luteolin, which reduce the amount of free radicals (the main causative agents of cancer), thereby reducing the risk of its occurrence. Dandelion removes toxins from the body, which prevents the further formation of tumors and the development of various types of cancer.

Luteolin actually poisons the main components of cancer cells by binding to them, rendering them ineffective and unable to reproduce. This feature has been demonstrated most prominently in prostate cancer, although other studies are currently underway.

In domestic science, chemical components vegetative system dandelion officinalis were analyzed by Evstafiev S. N., Tiguntseva N. P. Scientists studied the biological activity of the constituent substances of dandelion, among which essential oils, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, etc.

The healing properties of dandelion are devoted to a monographic study by Brigitte Mars " Dandelion Medicine: Remedies and Recipes to Detoxify, Nourish, Stimulate» (« Dandelion in medicine: remedies and recipes for cleansing, fortification and regeneration"). The author points to the underestimated potential of the herb, calling it one of the safest and most effective means known to modern medicine.

In culinary and dietetics

The most popular recipe based on dandelions is dandelion wine. Such popularity is associated with the work of the world famous science fiction writer Ray Bradbury. His novel " Dandelion wine"Glorified not only the writer himself, but also the eponymous wine-making masterpiece. Dandelion wine recipe pretty simple. To make wine from dandelions, you will need: petals of fully bloomed dandelions (in an amount equal to filling a 4.5 liter container). Other ingredients: water - 4.5 liters, sugar - one and a half kilograms, zest and juice of four lemons, 500 grams of raisins, crushed and pounded in a mortar (or 200 ml of concentrated white grape juice), one bag of wine yeast and one bag of used in winemaking nutritional supplement for wine yeast (sachets of 10 gr., respectively).

Boil water and pour over petals. Leave the covered container with the petals for a couple of days, stirring occasionally. After two days, pour the infused dandelions into a large saucepan, add the lemon zest, bring to a boil and stir in the sugar until completely dissolved. Boil for 5 more minutes. Remove from the stove, pour in lemon juice, combine the mass with grated raisins or concentrated grape juice.

Pour the boiled dandelion mass into a carefully sterilized fermentation tank. Cool, add wine yeast, nutritional supplement and cover. Let it ferment for three to four days, then pour into a glass bottle using a sterilized sieve and watering can. Insist for two months. After that, you can safely enjoy the wine, poetically named Sir Bradbury " corked summer in a bottle» .

Dandelion coffee: Wash and clean the roots, dry them and spread them on a baking sheet. Fry the roots at low temperature until they darken and become brittle. Grind the roots in a blender. Brew one teaspoon in a glass of water and boil for about 3 minutes. Strain, add cream, milk, sugar to taste. Store dandelion coffee in a tightly closed jar.

Dandelion jam: you need enough flowers to fill a 1-liter container, 2 liters of water, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 10 gr. fruit pectin powder, 5 cups sugar. Separate the flowers from the stem and sepals, rinse thoroughly. Pour the flower mass with water, boil for 3 minutes. Cool and squeeze. From the resulting liquid, measure 3 cups, add lemon juice and pectin. Bring the mixture to a boil, add sugar, stir. Boil over low heat, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Cool and pour into jars.

Dandelion for weight loss: Dandelions, being diuretic in nature, promote frequent urination and thus help to remove excess water from the body without causing any side effects. Plus, dandelions are low in calories, as are most leafy greens. Dandelions are sometimes used as sweeteners, adding to their nutritional value.

In cosmetology

In cosmetology, dandelion flowers are widely popular. They heal skin formations, remove dark spots. It helps get rid of freckles. Dandelion is an ingredient in acne lotion. Bitter milk juice is used to treat bee stings and blisters. On the basis of dandelion are created cosmetic masks multifunctional purpose (anti-aging, nourishing, whitening). Dandelion is an ingredient in a variety of organic massage oils.

Other Uses for Dandelion

In industry, dandelion is valued for its root, which is a natural source of rubber. The rubber industry, built on the cultivation of dandelions, is under development; It is important that dandelion rubber, unlike other types, is not dangerous for allergy sufferers.

Unconventional Uses

A simple dandelion flower has nothing to do with the complex mechanisms of a clock or a barometer, but this plant can accurately tell the time and predict changes in the weather.

Dandelion blossoms open at exactly 6 o'clock and close at 10 o'clock. This feature of the plant was used by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, when creating the so-called flower clock.

The dandelion also has barometric properties: at the first peals of thunder and an approaching thunderstorm, its flowers close.

If you put dandelion leaves and flowers in a paper bag with unripe fruit, the plant will begin to release ethylene gas and ensure that the fruits ripen quickly.

A dark red dye is produced from the dandelion root.

Delicate and weightless dandelion was honored to be sung not only in reference books of medicinal plants. One of the most "loud" voices of the Silver Age, Konstantin Balmont dedicated an elegant poem "Dandelion".

The painters also did not escape the spell of the golden flower: Claude Monet, Isaac Levitan captured the elusive beauty of this representative of the flora on their canvases.

Fascinating dandelion symbolism: this is the only flower that embodies the three heavenly bodies (sun, moon and stars). The yellow flower symbolizes the sun, the fluffy and silvery soft ball symbolizes the moon, the scattered seeds symbolize the stars.

Dangerous properties of dandelion and contraindications

Medical preparations that can interact with dandelion:

• Antacids (anti-acid) agents. Dandelion promotes a more intense secretion of stomach acids, so antacids may be useless.
• Blood thinners. The concomitant use of such agents (eg, aspirin) and dandelion preparations may be associated with a risk of bleeding.
• Diuretics. Dandelion is able to act as a diuretic, so the simultaneous use of this plant and drugs with a diuretic effect is not recommended in order to avoid electrolytic imbalance in the body.
• Lithium, which is used in the treatment of bipolar disorders (psychosis). Studies have shown that dandelion can reduce the effects of lithium.
• Ciprofloxacin. One type of dandelion Dandelion Chinese, prevents the complete absorption of the named antibiotic.
• Preparations for diabetics. Their combination with dandelion, which lowers blood sugar levels, can lead to a critical indicator and hypoglycemia.
• Dandelion Milk Juice is known to cause itching, irritation, or allergic reactions to the skin. Finally, there is a rare type of fiber in dandelions called inulin, and some people have predisposed sensitivities or allergies to this element, which can turn into serious problem.

Be careful when adding dandelion greens to your diet, start with small doses and carefully monitor your body's response.

If you strictly adhere to the indicated therapeutic doses for drinking dandelion juice and tea, no side effects the person is not threatened.

Especially carefully all parts of the dandelion should be used in the diet of children.

We have collected the most important points about the benefits and possible harms of dandelion in this illustration and we will be very grateful if you share the picture in in social networks, with a link to our page:

Botanical description

This is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Astrov family, widely distributed in the CIS countries.

origin of name

Its name in Latin is Taraxacum- presumably goes back to the Arabic loanword " tarukhshakun" ("dandelion"). It is also popularly called milkweed, bald patch, cow flower, Jewish hat, puff, milk trough, parachutes. In Russian speech, the name of a flower is associated with the verbs " blow», « blow". It is noteworthy that in a number of European languages, representatives of the Romano-Germanic group, "dandelion" is translated literally as " lion's tooth»: Lowenzahn(Deutsch), dandelion(English), diente de leon(Spanish), dente de lego(Portuguese), dente di leone(Italian).

Kinds

The dandelion genus includes more than 2000 species, of which about 70 varieties are the most known and studied.

1. 1 common dandelion(field, pharmacy, medicinal) - the most famous and common type. It grows in the forest-steppe zone (meadows, glades, near roads and near housing). Distributed in the European part of Russia, in Belarus, in the Caucasus, Ukraine, in Central Asia.
2. 2 Dandelion white-tongued- This species is listed in the Red Book of Russia. Growth area - Kola Peninsula. hallmark are white flower petals along the edge of the inflorescence and yellow - in its middle.
3. 3 Dandelion whitish- grows in the Kamchatka Territory. This Far Eastern species has justified itself as a popular and unpretentious decorative flower.
4. 4 Dandelion autumn- distributed on the Crimean peninsula, the Balkans, in southern European countries. In the past, this species was heavily used in the rubber industry and the coffee industry.
5. 5 Dandelion flat leaf- found in Japan, China, Korea, in the Russian Federation - in the Primorsky Territory.

The height of the dandelion ranges from 10 to 50 cm. The leaves are formed into a rosette, with cut, coarsely serrated edges. Sun-colored flowers form an inflorescence basket. The root system is pivotal, long, strong roots reach a length of up to 20 cm. The stem is hollow, smooth. The fruit is an achene with a fluffy fly.

This plant can be found almost everywhere: on roadsides, in squares or parks, in fields and meadows, in forests, in wastelands.

Growing conditions

The best way to propagate a plant is by seed. Seeds should be planted with inter-bed distances of 25 to 30 cm. Dandelion care is simple and involves plowing the soil three times and weeding during the growing season.

The flowering period of dandelion begins in mid-spring and ends in late autumn.

The collection of used parts of the plant includes harvesting leaves and roots. The roots are harvested before the start of the flowering period, or in late autumn. dandelion leaf it is better to store at the beginning of flowering. The roots are dug up, cleaned with cool water, dried for several days under the influx fresh air, and dried in a dark, dry room, in a dryer at a temperature of 40 to 50 degrees. Properly harvested dandelion roots do not lose their healing properties for more than 4 years.

When collecting dandelions, it is important to remember that it is strongly not recommended to pluck plants near the roadway, roads or within the city, since dandelions easily absorb and accumulate lead and other carcinogens.

Dried up dandelion roots brown or dark brown, wrinkled, oblong, often twisted in a spiral. On the cut, white, or grayish-white with a brownish core, odorless. When bent, they should break easily, with a crack, their taste is bitter, with a sweet aftertaste. At the output, 33-35% of the root is obtained from the mass of the prepared raw material.

Dandelion officinalis pleases the eye in spring - early summer: bright sunny flowers completely strew grassy glades. It has long been known that dandelion is very useful in various diseases, medicines are made from it that effectively help in the treatment of many diseases. Treatment with fresh dandelion juice began to be practiced in ancient medicine.

Dandelion is used for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis, urolithiasis, heart and vascular diseases, and thyroid disease. Dandelion treats diabetes, gout, relieves spasms, removes warts.

Dandelion is very useful for eye diseases. It relieves eye fatigue, improves vision, eliminates inflammation and swelling, removes thorns, and serves as a prevention of cataracts and glaucoma.

For eye diseases, you need to prepare dandelion juice, onion juice. Mix 3 parts fresh dandelion juice, 2 parts fresh onion juice, 4 parts honey. Put for three hours in a dark cabinet. The remedy is dripped into the eyes twice a day, as a medicine that improves vision, relieves fatigue from the eyes, and as a prevention of cataracts.
To soften rough skin, moisturize the skin of the face, and give it elasticity, you need to mix a tablespoon of dandelion juice with a teaspoon of honey and a tablespoon of boiled oatmeal porridge. Apply the product on the face, neck, décolleté, hold for 15-20 minutes, rinse with water without soap.
To whiten the skin from freckles, age spots, you need to use fresh juice from dandelion leaves. Lubricate freckles three times a day, persistent dark age spots - up to 5 times a day. Apply the juice to the skin, wait until it dries, then rinse with water without soap. You can wash off the dandelion juice from the skin with serum or kefir, in which case the effect will be better. Fresh dandelion juice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
To get rid of viral warts, you need to lubricate them with fresh juice from dandelion stems up to 5 times a day every day.
Juice from the whole dandelion plant is an excellent choleretic agent, it is very useful for gastritis with low acidity of gastric juice. Freshly squeezed dandelion juice can be used as a mild laxative and is very helpful in relieving chronic constipation. Fresh dandelion juice is drunk in order to get rid of joint pain caused by gout. Dandelion juice helps to reduce body temperature and get rid of fever in colds with fever. Dandelion juice has diaphoretic, diuretic properties and enhances lactation in nursing mothers.
But drinking pure dandelion juice is not so pleasant - it tastes very bitter.
Juice for the treatment of all of the above diseases should be prepared as follows:

Dandelion juice recipe.

Collect young dandelion leaves, rinse well and put in a saline solution for half an hour (to prepare the solution, you need to dissolve three full spoons in one liter of cold boiled water table salt). Then remove the leaves from the solution, rinse in plenty of cold water, pour over boiling water. Grind the prepared dandelion leaves in a meat grinder or blender, squeeze the juice from the gruel through 9 layers of gauze, dilute with cold boiled water in a ratio of 1: 1. In medical and preventive purposes drink a quarter cup twice a day, no later than 20 minutes before meals. To improve the taste of juice, it is recommended to slightly sweeten it with honey. course of treatment for all these diseases- one month.
The same juice can be used as a cosmetic lotion, and lubricate the face to get rid of pigmentation.
Fresh dandelion juice mixed with rice decoction (half a cup of rice - 2.5 cups of water, cook until the rice is soft, cool, strain), in proportions 1:1, it is useful to drink with atherosclerosis, liver diseases, gastritis with low acidity of gastric juice, diabetes, weakening of memory, diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Fresh dandelion juice mixed with juice from young turnip leaves and fresh carrot juice in proportions 1:1:1 should be drunk for people with diseases of the musculoskeletal system - fractures, joint diseases, arthritis, rheumatism, as well as diseases of the teeth and oral cavity - caries, gingivitis, stomatitis, periodontitis, glossitis, tonsillitis.
To get rid of herpes, at the first sign of tingling on the lip, lubricate this place with fresh dandelion juice. At the same time, dandelion juice or dandelion syrup according to the above recipe should be taken orally.

Dandelion health elixir recipe.

Pick yellow fresh dandelion flowers early in the morning. Take a jar, lay flowers in layers, sprinkling sugar on each layer. When all the flowers are stacked, tamp the dandelion flowers a little. From above, you can slightly moisten with water. For a few days, remove the jar in a dark place. Then take out the jar and put it in the refrigerator. Take the elixir with a spoon directly from the jar. The elixir is a brown thick liquid, pleasant in taste, reminiscent of a balm. Drink a teaspoon 2-3 times a day, you can add to drinks, tea, desserts. Inflorescences can also be eaten by watering them with honey.
Dandelion elixir should be drunk for neurosis, sleep disturbance, depression, hypochondria, loss of strength, to improve memory and increase efficiency, defensive forces organism.

Dandelion syrup recipe.

Squeeze juice from young dandelion leaves. For 1 part of juice, take 1.5-2 parts of granulated sugar, pour into juice and leave in an open bowl on the table. This syrup must be stirred every hour so that the sugar dissolves completely. So do 2-3 days, after which the syrup is transferred to a glass jar, close the lid and put in the refrigerator. Syrup can be drunk 1 teaspoon 3 times a day for diseases of the liver, stomach.

All dandelion juice recipes are time-tested and proven to be effective in treating various diseases and are used both in folk and official medicine. Treatment with fresh dandelion juice can be applied at home. In addition, dandelion elixir and syrup are very tasty medicines and can be used daily to add a savory flavor to teas and drinks. Moreover, it is very useful.
Be healthy!

Dandelion juice

This is one of the best tonic and strengthening agents, which also helps to normalize the acid-base balance of the body.

Dandelion juice contains a lot of potassium, calcium and sodium, in addition, it is the richest source of magnesium and iron.

Magnesium is essential for strengthening the skeleton. It is especially important for women during pregnancy. Numerous observations show that when the bones of the fetus are formed, the expectant mother often has problems with her teeth. This is understandable: the mother "shares" her own reserves with the child. In order for the baby to have strong bones and the mother to have healthy teeth, during pregnancy it is necessary to increase the intake of magnesium and calcium. Dandelion juice will help with this.

Organic magnesium in combination with calcium, iron and sulfur is essential for the formation of blood cells. It is also used as a building material for the restoration of tissues of the lungs and nervous system.

As with other minerals, organic magnesium can only be obtained from fresh plants that have not been cooked or preserved. Unlike artificial magnesium preparations, organic magnesium obtained by the body from fresh vegetable juices is a valuable nutrient.

Fresh dandelion juice, which is obtained from leaves and roots, combined with carrot juice and turnip leaf juice, helps with various diseases of the spine and other bone diseases, and also strengthens the teeth, preventing the occurrence of caries.

Among green juices, dandelion juice is one of the richest sources of vitamin A. Mixed with celery and parsley juice, it is very helpful in anemia and functional disorders of the heart. Extremely useful for the spleen.

A mixture of carrot, celery and dandelion juices is very effective for asthma and hay fever. A good effect in the process of cogeneration is achieved when dietary violations that cause these diseases are not allowed, that is, milk and dairy products, concentrated starches and sugar are excluded from the diet.

This text is an introductory piece. From the book How to stay healthy author Gennady Petrovich Malakhov

author Viktor Borisovich Zaitsev

From the book Nettle and Dandelion for 100 Diseases author Viktor Borisovich Zaitsev

From the book Nettle and Dandelion for 100 Diseases author Viktor Borisovich Zaitsev

From the book Nettle and Dandelion for 100 Diseases author Viktor Borisovich Zaitsev

From the book Nettle and Dandelion for 100 Diseases author Viktor Borisovich Zaitsev

From the book Baby Food. Recipes, tips, advice author Elena Vladimirovna Dobrova

From the book Aloe Treatment author Julia Savelyeva

From the book Aloe Treatment author Julia Savelyeva

author Yuri Konstantinov

From the book Dandelion, plantain. natural medicines author Yuri Konstantinov

From the book Sugar-Reducing Plants. No to diabetes and overweight author Sergey Pavlovich Kashin

With the advent of spring, the first flowers delight the eye, and almost every yard and garden is decorated with sunny dandelions. Since childhood, we have been accustomed to taking them for granted, playing with them, weaving them into wreaths and blowing seeds from mature flowers. But few people know what benefits dandelion can bring.

At correct application This plant can become a real panacea for many diseases. After all, all its parts have medicinal properties - from yellow buds to leaves and roots. Of course, you need to be able to harvest, store and use them. We will talk about this in this article.

So, from a biological point of view, medicinal dandelion is a perennial up to 60 cm high, has a long single root up to 2 cm thick, extending 50-60 cm deep. The leaves are oblong, pinnately dissected, grow from a basal rosette. The bud is placed on a hollow cylindrical arrow, flowers up to 2-5 cm in size are reed, bright yellow in color, appear in May massively, longer flowering is possible until August.

It is noteworthy that in the evening and in cloudy weather the buds close. This phenomenon is even beautiful legend, which I recently read on the blog of my friend Elena Kasatova. Read it - you won't regret it.

The fruit is a hairy, umbrella-shaped seed. With gusts of wind, it can move hundreds of meters and form a new sunny meadow, because up to 200 seeds can appear from one flower! It is worth adding that, despite the abundance of species, they differ little from each other. The difference is only in the size and shape of the flower, and even then it is not significant.

No less interesting and chemical composition culture.

This plant contains:

• vitamins A, C, B2, PP;
• carotenoids;
• resins;
• wax;
• alcohols;
• minerals (manganese, iron, calcium, phosphorus, copper, cobalt);
• organic acids;
• terpenes;
• sterols;
• glycosides;
• tannins;
• oils.

Medicinal properties and contraindications

The plant can both prevent diseases and effectively fight them. The main thing is to be able to use the healing properties of this solar medicine, among them:

• choleretic, which is often used for diseases of the liver and gallbladder;
• sedative - calms, relieves insomnia;
• diuretic, thanks to which it is possible to normalize blood pressure and body weight;
• anti-carcinogenic, this property is very important now, when there are a lot of carcinogens harmful to health in ready-made foods;
• analgesic, while dandelion can calm pain of various etiologies (tooth, head, articular, with cuts and bruises);
• anti-inflammatory - the plant is not much inferior in efficiency to modern tablets;
• expectorant, which is often used in the preparation of breast fees;
• antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial properties appear only with prolonged use;
• diaphoretic, which is especially useful at elevated temperatures, as well as for the removal of toxins and with a complex decrease in blood pressure.

It is immediately worth mentioning the general contraindications:

• obstruction of the bile ducts;
• stomach ulcer or gastritis;
• individual intolerance to the product;
• diarrhea (remember that the product is a little weak, so it can aggravate the situation);
• pregnancy and lactation, although this is not a direct contraindication, but, let's say, a recommendation. For example, small portions of dandelion jam even improve milk production.

Since the beneficial properties separate parts plants are slightly different, we will study them in more detail.

Dandelion root

It is the root that is considered the most powerful, it is even used in traditional medicine. For the same reason, it is easiest to buy in pharmacies the underground part of the culture, of course, already ready for use.

The underground part of the flower is used:

• reduced appetite;
• as a choleretic agent for liver problems;
• with chronic constipation;
• in oncology, given the ability of the root to fight carcinogens and cancer cells;
• due to the ability to stabilize the metabolism, the product is recommended for diabetes;
• with nephrolithiasis for crushing and excretion of formations;
• with flatulence, hemorrhoids due to the ability to stabilize the intestines;
• It has long been known that a plant such as dandelion helps fight against worms of various types and locations;
• with gout;
• pancreatitis;
• cystitis;
• skin rashes, eczema, furunculosis;
• due to the high content of vitamins, it is useful for beriberi;
• preparations from the root normalize sleep, calm the nerves, tone up, are also used for asthenia and anemia;
• product components stimulate the heart, especially useful in atherosclerosis;
• often used as a diaphoretic, expectorant for colds.

Contraindications to taking the root are the same as listed above, but before using the medicine, it is worth talking with a therapist.

dandelion flowers

The medicinal properties of dandelion flowers are no less diverse, among them:

Mostly this medicine has found application in traditional medicine, but every year more and more doctors offer this remedy as a supplement to medicines.

The contraindications are the same, the only thing is that when feeding, you need to follow the dosage so as not to harm the baby.

Dandelion juice

Occasionally, the juice of the plant is used separately, it has the following medicinal properties:

• tonic;
• blood-purifying, improves blood composition;
• helps to normalize metabolic processes;
• removes warts, freckles, calluses, age spots;
• good in the treatment of blepharitis and eczema;
• relieves pain and swelling from insect bites.

There are no separate contraindications here, everything is the same as for other parts of the plant.

dandelion leaves

The easiest way to use the various beneficial properties of the foliage of the plant, among them it is worth noting:

• the ability to saturate the body with vitamins after winter. To do this, a salad is made from juicy young leaves. At the same time, the younger the foliage, the tastier - bitterness forms in old shoots;
• dandelion herb increases appetite;
• gives strength, soothes with nervous exhaustion;
• helps fight skin diseases;
• heals joints;
• removes intoxication of the body;
• reduces arterial pressure;
• the medicinal properties of the product are used for anemia, it improves the composition of the blood.

Contraindications are the same - ulcers, gastritis, dandelion allergy, pregnancy and lactation.

For women

This culture helps the fair sex to deal with:

• breast cancer;
• cystitis;
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system, bone fragility during menopause;
• at observance of a dosage helps to improve a lactation.

Useful properties of dandelion officinalis

Often the leaves of the plant are used to prepare salads, side dishes, soups, such dishes give the body a whole vitamin cocktail. And the French like to pickle young buds and add them to salads for spiciness.

A fragrant dandelion honey is also made from the plant. And if you fry the peeled roots and boil them, you can get "poor coffee", that is, a drink that is similar to an oriental drink in its richness and bitterness.

Application

It is believed that dandelion can cure more than a hundred ailments. Of course, doctors are not limited to this medicine, but they often recommend it as an addition to the main therapy, and pharmacists add it to their creations.

Pharmacy funds

Dandelion is included in many pharmaceutical products, especially herbal teas against colds, choleretic, expectorant. There are also more complex medicines in which this extract is added:

• German aristachol, which is prescribed for pathology or inflammation of the biliary tract or liver;
• oil is used for joint pain, burns, skin ulcers;
• galstena, a drug for restoring the liver, treating pancreatitis;
• biologically active additive"Dandelion" in capsules is a source of ascorbic acid.

In folk medicine

Most often they use decoctions, infusions, tinctures and oils, how to make and use them - read on.

• Decoction

Probably the most popular use of natural medicine.

To make such a drink, you need to take 1 tbsp. the top of the plant, or 10 gr. dry flowers, or 1 tsp. roots in a glass of boiling water, boil the herb for 1-2 minutes, the roots are about 10. Set aside, wait for cooling and strain, drink according to the instructions. But most often a glass of decoction should be consumed throughout the day, divided into 3 or 4 doses, taken 20 minutes before meals.

• Infusion

It is also quite popular, for its preparation 1 tbsp. herbs or flowers or 1 tsp. roots should be poured with boiling water in a thermos, wait a couple of hours, strain. It is very convenient to pour the medicine at night, then the resulting infusion will be as saturated and useful as possible.

• Alcohol tincture

The tincture is often prepared from the flowers of the plant. It is used when skin diseases, problems with joints and itching after insect bites externally, and also drink with internal ailments.

For its preparation it is worth taking 100 gr. dry or fresh buds and 0.5 l. vodka, insist in a glass container for a month in a dark room, after which the liquid should be drained and drunk 1 tsp. before meals in the morning and evening, or use for rubbing and compresses.

• Oil

The oil made from the buds helps with gallstones, constipation, digestive problems, for this you need to use 1 tbsp. before eating. And when applied externally, wounds, scars, burns, eczema, psoriasis, rye, impetigo pass in front of it, it is enough to apply a compress with liquid to sore spots 1-2 times a day.

Preparing the oil is simple - in dry weather, young flowers are harvested, kneaded until juice is formed, placed in a jar to half, filled to the top with any vegetable oil. The neck is wrapped with gauze and placed in the sun, after 21 days the liquid is filtered, squeezed and poured into another container. Stored away from sun rays at room temperature.

• Dandelion root for weight loss

The product is also useful for people who want to reduce their weight.

So, the roots and products from it:

• cleanse the body of toxins;
• remove excess fluid;
• weaken a little;
• improve digestion, normalize the absorption of nutrients;
• bitterness reduces appetite;
• help lower cholesterol levels.

In the process of weight loss, you can eat a variety of dandelion salads, as well as regularly drink decoctions and infusions from the root of this plant.

In cosmetology

It has long been known that this inconspicuous weed can significantly improve appearance person.

So, its components are:

• whiten the skin, cleanse the pores;
• remove dead cells, restore the skin;
• tone, moisturize, nourish the skin of the face and body;
• remove age spots (fresh juice is especially effective, it is enough to apply it to the spots and, after drying, rinse with sour milk or whey);
• treat acne(Ideal is a mass of crushed leaves and warm milk, 1 tbsp each with 1 egg yolk, use time - 25 minutes).

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It remains to talk about how to prepare and use the plant, in particular, the roots, as the strongest part of the flower. But, everything is in order.

• When to Harvest Dandelion Roots

In order for the roots to be as suitable as possible for medicinal purposes, you need to choose the time when they contain the highest content of nutrients. As a rule, this is early spring and mid-autumn, when there are no flowers that pull vitamins and minerals.

When to Collect

the state of the culture will tell, the best time will be the moment when the leaves are already well formed, and the buds have not yet appeared, that is, early spring, well, autumn after flowering.

The collection is simple - you should dig up the plant, trying not to damage the root, especially its thick part, then the top is removed, and the rhizome is thoroughly washed in water, cleaned of small roots.

• How to dry the root

After the preparation of the roots has been completed, it is important to dry them properly in order to save them for a long time for treatment. The raw materials are dried for a couple of days in the sun, and then dried in a warm, well-ventilated room or special dryers at a temperature of 40-60 degrees.

Naturally, for successful drying, the rhizomes must be laid out in a thin layer on paper or cardboard. Store the roots in linen or paper bags.

How to brew

So, we already know how useful dandelion is, now we need to decide how to use all the necessary properties of the plant. Naturally, it is impossible to use raw roots following the example of leaves, but the underground part is great for decoctions.

How to prepare a decoction or infusion of dandelion roots?

No more difficult than any other, for a decoction, chopped rhizomes should be poured with water and heated in a water bath or low heat for 10 minutes. For infusion, pour boiling water over the roots overnight in a thermos at the rate of 1 tsp. to a glass of water. As a rule, this portion is more than enough for oral administration, but when washing your hair or extensive compresses, you can increase the volume by 2 or 3 times.

Recipes

As I already mentioned, sometimes a sunny flower is used in cooking, and the scope is wide - from salads and soups to sweets. Have you tried jam or honey from this plant? Not? Then it's time to learn how to cook such delicacies!

• Jam

Still don't know how to make dandelion jam? You can cook it according to different recipes, the simplest of them:

• we take 380-400 buds, wash them;
• pour two glasses of water, put on fire;
• boil for 2 minutes;
• drain into a colander, squeeze the flowers;
• add 7 cups of sugar to the broth, cook for 7 minutes after boiling;
• pour into banks.

Dandelion honey, as jam is also called among the people, I personally like to cook with lemon, for this:

• I take 200 flowers, wash them in a sieve, let them drain;
• I put them in a saucepan, add 1 lemon, cut into large pieces;
• I add half a liter of water;
• cook for 10 minutes after boiling, stirring;
• turn off the fire and leave the container for a day;
• I filter, I squeeze;
• I throw away the flowers, and add 350 grams of sugar to the liquid;
• cook for another half an hour on low heat;
• I pour it into banks, I roll it up.

A delicacy can cure joints, remove stones from the kidneys and gallbladder, speed up metabolism, remove osteochondrosis, and stimulate the liver and kidneys. And possible harm can only be when the patient has contraindications to the use of the plant (they are indicated at the beginning of the article).

• leaf salad

Agree, few people in their lives have tried dishes from this weed. In fact, the fresh foliage of the plant contains a whole vitamin cocktail, which not only helps to overcome spring beriberi, but also to improve the functioning of the stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines, help remove toxins, bad cholesterol, and speed up metabolic processes.

To get a tasty and healthy salad, you need to collect raw materials in environmentally friendly places, away from the dust of the city, roads, and enterprises. They also need to be young and juicy. To remove bitterness from them, it is advised to pour greens with water for 30 minutes or pour boiling water over it.

My friend shared several recipes for salads:

• take a handful of dandelion leaves, a couple of lemon cloves, a clove of garlic, some carrots, lemon juice, chopped nuts and vegetable oil, chop the leaves, crush the garlic with salt, chop everything else and combine, season with vegetable fat;
• salad with cabbage and egg: 100 gr. dandelion, 50 gr. finished sauerkraut, a little green onion and 1 boiled egg, chop everything, mix with salt and sour cream;
• with cucumber: chop the leaves of the plant, green onion, cucumber, pepper, salt, mix with mayonnaise.

• Dandelion wine

It was a surprise for me that homemade wine can be made from these flowers, and the recipe is not very complicated.

For this you will need:

• liter jar of buds;
• 4 liters of water;
• 1.5 kilograms of sugar;
• two lemons;
• 100 grams of unwashed raisins;
• 3 sprigs of fresh mint

It is necessary to remove the receptacles from the petals in order to avoid the bitterness of the drink, then put the petals in a container, pour boiling water, leave for a day. After that, strain, squeeze, discard the flowers, and combine the liquid with lemon juice and grated zest, add sugar (500 gr.), mint, raisins (do not wash it to preserve natural yeast for fermentation), put everything in a container, the neck of which close with gauze.

Put the wine to ferment in a dark warm place for 2-3 days, then add another 500 grams of sugar, pour the liquid into another container, leaving a third of the empty space for fermentation, cover with a special wine lid or medical glove.

And again, we leave the wine to ferment in warmth and darkness for 5-6 days, after which we add another 250 gr. sugar, after pouring out a little liquid and diluting the crystals in it, after another 5 days we repeat the procedure, mixing in the remaining sugar.

The drink will be ready in 30-60 days depending on the room temperature and yeast activity. Then the liquid can be carefully drained without touching the sediment, and stored in a cool place until consumed, if desired, you can also add sugar or fix it with vodka.

This familiar flower, it turns out, can do a good job if you know how to use it. On this I will say goodbye, stay tuned for new articles by subscribing, see you soon!