Dandelion is a common weed that can be found by the roadside, but it has a very high medicinal value. Can dandelion treat a cold? Can it be consumed for wind-heat type of cold?
Can dandelion treat a cold?
It has a certain effect.
Dandelion has a cooling nature and a bitter taste. It has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, reducing swelling, dispersing nodules, promoting diuresis, and relieving stranguria. It is mainly used for symptoms such as boils, abscesses, mastitis, red eyes, sore throat, damp-heat jaundice, etc. Dandelion contains dandelion alcohol, dandelion flavonoids, inulin, and other components, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and have a certain effect on treating colds.
Can dandelion be consumed for wind-heat type of cold?
Yes, it can be consumed.
In traditional Chinese medicine, colds are divided into wind-cold type, wind-heat type, and summer-dampness type. Wind-heat type of cold is an external syndrome caused by the invasion of wind-heat evil. The symptoms include fever, headache, swollen and painful throat, cough, sticky or yellow phlegm, nasal congestion, and yellow nasal discharge. Dandelion has the effects of detoxification, anti-inflammatory, and cooling heat. It can be used for colds with fever, sore throat, etc. Therefore, dandelion can be consumed for wind-heat type of cold.
The efficacy and functions of dandelion
Clearing heat and detoxifying
Dandelion has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying. It can clear liver heat and relieve symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, and dizziness caused by liver heat. Dandelion water can also be used for sore throat, toothache, and oral ulcers.
Dispersing abscesses and resolving nodules
Dandelion has the effect of detoxification, dispersing abscesses, and resolving nodules. It can be used for mastitis, intestinal abscess, lung abscess, etc. Dandelion can be combined with platycodon, scrophularia, honeysuckle, etc. to disperse lung heat and detoxify.
Promoting diuresis and relieving stranguria
Dandelion has the function of promoting urination. It can help dispel warm pathogenic factors from the body. Dandelion can be used together with plantain, gardenia, etc. to treat damp-heat jaundice. When combined with phellodendron, plantago seed, white atractylodes, etc., it can enhance the effect of clearing damp-heat, promoting diuresis, and relieving stranguria.
Who should not consume dandelion?
1. People with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold
Dandelion has a cooling nature. It is not suitable for people with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold or yin-cold. It may worsen the symptoms such as diarrhea or aggravate the condition.
2. Allergic individuals
People who are allergic to dandelion should not consume it. Common allergic reactions include itching, redness, and swelling. If severe allergic reactions occur, medical examination is required.
3. People with low blood pressure
Dandelion has the effect of lowering blood pressure. It is not suitable for people with low blood pressure as it may cause discomfort.
4. Pregnant women
Dandelion is a medicinal herb with a cooling nature and a bitter taste. Pregnant women should not consume it to avoid affecting the fetus.
How to make dandelion tea
Dandelion and chrysanthemum tea
Ingredients
Dandelion, chrysanthemum, hot water.
Instructions
1. Steep dandelion and chrysanthemum in hot water once;
2. Strain the tea and remove the residue, then pour in hot water for a second time;
3. Wait for the water to cool down and then drink. You can also add rock sugar for flavor.
Efficacy: Clearing liver and improving eyesight, dissipating abscesses and dissolving nodules.
Dandelion and puffball tea
Ingredients
Dried dandelion 20g, puffball 10g.
Instructions
1. Wash the dried dandelion and puffball;
2. Put them in a cup and pour in boiling water;
3. Cover and let it steep for 5 minutes. You can add honey for flavor.
Efficacy: Nourishing yin and moistening the lungs, clearing heat and detoxifying, resolving phlegm and relieving cough.
