| Dandelion is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, | | | | as a mosquito repellent. |
| including Vitamin A, D, C, various B Vitamins, iron, | | | | The milk is also applied to warts, helping get rid of |
| lecithin, silicon, potassium, magnesium, zinc and | | | | them without damaging the surrounding skin. |
| manganese. It enhances liver and gall bladder | | | | Although an allergic reaction to this product is |
| functioning and may decrease high blood pressure | | | | unlikely, users should seek immediate medical |
| due to its diuretic properties. Dandelion has also | | | | attention should they experience persistent |
| been used for stimulating appetite and for relieving | | | | stomach pain or diarrhoea. Symptoms of an |
| stomach fullness and gas. | | | | allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, |
| Its leaf has been used for stimulating the appetite, | | | | dizziness, trouble breathing. |
| and for promoting water loss and blood circulation. | | | | If you have gall bladder problems (e.g., gallstones, |
| It has also been used for gallstones and arthritis. | | | | bile duct blockage), diabetes or stomach problems |
| It aids digestion by stimulating the release of bile | | | | (e.g., ulcers or blockage), consult your health |
| from the liver and also acts as a mild laxative. | | | | professional before using a product with dandelion. |
| The leaves are also sometimes eaten as food. | | | | Dandelion may increase the acidity of the |
| Dandelion flowers can be used to make dandelion | | | | stomach. |
| wine. The leaves, apart from being high in vitamin | | | | Liquid preparations of this product may contain |
| A, vitamin C and iron, contain more iron than | | | | sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is also advised if you |
| spinach. Ground roasted dandelion root can be | | | | have diabetes, alcohol dependence or liver disease. |
| used as a coffee substitute. Drunk before meals, | | | | Dandelion should not be used during pregnancy |
| it is believed to stimulate digestive functions. It is | | | | and because of the potential risk to the infant, |
| also considered an excellent cleansing tonic for the | | | | breast-feeding while using this product is not |
| liver. | | | | recommended. |
| Dandelion root is sold in Canada as a diuretic. A | | | | Ian Finlayson is webmaster of The Herb Spiral, a |
| leaf decoction can be drunk to "purify the blood", | | | | site committed to presenting no-hype information |
| for the treatment of anaemia, jaundice, and also | | | | on medicinal herbs. |
| for nervousness. The milky latex has been used | | | | |