The Wonders of Dandelion!!!!

Hello Lovlies,

The dandelion, a flower to make a wish upon, an annoying weed to some but what this plant should truly be known for are all it's nutritious benefits to your body. The common dandelion, Taraxacum Officinale (look at me getting all scientific), is high in vitamin A, C, iron, calcium and it detoxifies. The leaves can be found in health food stores and I've seen them sold at some grocery stores too. You can also buy the tea or tinctures from health food stores. I try to get the leaves but mostly I buy the tea which I get from Bulk Barn (the folks in Toronto know what that is). The flowers, leaves and root of the plant are all edible. You can grow them yourself, the seeds are cheap and easy to grow. What you do not want to do is go picking random dandelions from your city streets or parks because they're probably chock full of pesticides and chemicals you do not want in your system. Word of caution! If you are allergic to ragweed, chamomile, chrysanthemum, marigold, yarrow or daisy then dandelion is not for you.
Now on to the benefits:
Digestion - as a good source of fiber it helps promote digestion and helps to balance the good bacteria in your intestines.

Liver- the plant has been shown to aid liver function, helps with treating hemorrhaging in the liver and maintain proper flow of bile. This is due to the antioxidants, Luteolin and other compounds present in dandelion.

Diabetes - dandelion juice can help diabetics by stimulating the production of insulin from the pancreas, keeping blood sugar levels low.

High Blood Pressure - dandelion has diuretic properties, so as it increases urination which lowers blood pressure and the fiber and potassium in dandelion help to regulate blood pressure.

Acne - Internally because dandelion juice is a great detoxifier, diuretic, stimulant and antioxidant  it helps remove toxins through sweat and urine encouraging  proper secretion of hormones. Externally dandelion sap can help stop acne due to its microbial properties as well as in the healing of acne.

These are just a few of the benefits when I researched dandelion that I found.  I started eating the leaves and drinking the tea because of bloating due to PMS and it worked wonders! Once I learned of it's other great benefits, I started drinking it on the regular. When I remember I try and buy the leaves but word of caution the leaves do have a slight bitter taste, when I juice them I like to add fruit or if  I'm cooking them I lightly saute them in coconut oil with onions.  The tea makes a great substitute for coffee if you're trying to lower your coffee intake (I got that form Miranda Kerr and she's a Victoria's Secret model so hey!).  Now you all know I'm not a doctor, nutritionist, or any health dadada,  this has just been my experience with a plant that has been giving me monthly relief and I just thought I should share.

Cheers!