Dandelion is a traditional spring wild vegetable that can be eaten or used as medicine. It contains various healthy nutrients and has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, nourishing the liver, and reducing fire. It is especially effective when consumed in spring.
The Efficacy and Functions of Dandelion
In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion is considered to be neutral in nature with a slightly bitter taste. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and dispelling masses, and promoting lactation. It is very effective in treating mastitis. Whether taken orally or applied externally, it has proven to be effective. In addition, dandelion also has the functions of diuresis, relieving constipation, reducing jaundice, and promoting bile secretion. It is widely used in clinical practice and highly praised in Chinese medicine classics such as "Compendium of Materia Medica" and "Chinese Medicinal Dictionary".
1. Beautifying and anti-inflammatory
The leaves have the effect of improving eczema, soothing skin inflammation, and relieving joint discomfort. The root has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat gallstones and rheumatism. However, it is best not to use it without the guidance of a professional physician. The juice made from the flowers can remove freckles and is a very useful medicinal herb.
2. Clearing heat and detoxifying
Dandelion is known as a natural antibiotic and is a natural anti-inflammatory medicine for treating sore throat. Dandelion enters the liver and stomach meridians, protects and detoxifies the liver, and eliminates toxins by promoting liver meridian circulation. It is the best detoxifying herb in spring. It has remarkable effects on pharyngitis, tonsillitis, hepatitis, and nephritis, which are common in spring.
3. Dissipating abscesses and dispersing masses
It is used to treat abscesses and ulcers caused by heat toxins stagnating in the muscles, with persistent high fever. It is very effective in treating breast abscesses, detoxifying and promoting milk flow. It can be taken orally or applied externally and is often used in combination with honeysuckle. It can also be combined with rhubarb and moutan bark to treat intestinal abscesses.
4. Improving constipation
Nutritionally speaking, dandelion contains rich carotene, vitamin C, and minerals, which can improve indigestion and constipation.
5. Treating breast hyperplasia
For women, dandelion is also their good friend. Eat more fresh dandelion from spring to summer. Why? Because dandelion can promote liver meridian circulation, clear fire, and have anti-inflammatory effects. Nowadays, 80-90% of women have breast hyperplasia, mainly due to liver stagnation. Eating dandelion salad for 6 months will make most people's breasts much softer by autumn. If you get mastitis during your confinement period and happen to have fresh dandelion, crush it and apply it on the affected area, it will be very effective.
6. Treating diabetes
It is said that dandelion is also effective in treating diabetes in traditional Chinese medicine, with no side effects. In fact, all bitter, astringent, and cold alkaline foods are the nemesis of diabetes. Because only when the body becomes "acidic", can metabolic disorders such as diabetes and gout occur. From an energy perspective, methods of nourishing the liver and kidney are effective in treating diabetes.
Dandelion Tea Recipes
1. Dandelion Rose Tea
Ingredients: Dandelion root + Rose
Efficacy: Rose is mild in nature and can harmonize the cool nature of dandelion, promote qi circulation, and invigorate blood. It is used to treat liver and stomach qi pain, chronic wind-dampness, hemoptysis, irregular menstruation, leukorrhea, dysentery, breast abscesses, and swelling. Combined with the effect of dandelion in reducing liver fire and resolving liver depression, this recipe is very effective for breast hyperplasia in women.
2. Dandelion Lotus Leaf Tea
Ingredients: Rose petals 0.3g, Dandelion root 0.7g, Lotus leaf 2g
Efficacy: Dandelion has the functions of clearing heat, detoxifying, and diuresis, making it suitable for weight loss. Lotus leaf is a main ingredient in many weight loss teas, which can generate vital energy and assist the spleen and stomach. The combination of the two can promote diuresis, reduce swelling, promote oil excretion, and facilitate bowel movements, doubling the effect. Adding rose can nourish yin and beautify the skin, making it a perfect recipe for weight loss!
3. Golden Dandelion Chrysanthemum Tea
Ingredients: Dandelion 2.2g, Chrysanthemum 0.5g, Honeysuckle 0.3g
Efficacy: Commonly known as "the three musketeers for reducing fire", it has even stronger anti-inflammatory and fire-reducing effects. It can prevent and treat wind-heat colds, sore throat, boils, etc. Drinking it regularly can also lower fire and have a calming effect.
Old dandelions can also be eaten, but they taste bitter. You can blanch them in water to remove the bitterness before consuming. In addition to dandelion, rapeseed, spinach, leeks, and bean sprouts are also spring vegetables that nourish the liver and detoxify. You can also eat them together!
