Dandelion root has been known for millennia as purifying, which means it increases the activity of the liver. More waste is cleansed out of the blood by the liver, leading to detoxification of our body.
Dandelion root corrects most constipation problems by increasing the flow of bile, our natural laxative. (1)(2)
Dandelion leaf considerably increases the output of the kidneys (the dandelion root also but not as much as the leaf). It can be used in cases of water retention and oedema. (1)(2)
Dandelion roots and leaves are very nutritious and rich in minerals (especially iron and potassium) and vitamins (especially A, C, E, B6, B1, B9) and have the highest content of polyphenols of all vegetables.
Dandelion root has a positive effect on blood sugar level because it is rich in a molecule called inulin (not to be confused with insulin). Inulin is a prebiotic, a complex sugar in the form of a soluble fibre on which intestinal flora thrives. The intestinal flora intervenes in digestive activity in general and indirectly in the pancreas. (4)(4a)
Dandelion root's purifying action reduces joint pain and arthritis. (1)(2)
Research has highlighted cancer-preventing properties of dandelion root. This means that these roots tend to optimize our physiological processes to destroy cancerous cells and prevent them from spreading. (5)(5a)
Chinese medicine speaks of dandelion as a cooling plant that has an anti-inflammatory effect at the cellular level. This reflects the anti-cancer properties above.
Note:For a complex condition, always seek the guidance of a health professional.
DISCLAIMER:The properties described above are for fresh and dried roots and leaves. No research has shown that dandelion coffee still has these same properties, after the roasting of the roots. Golden Fields makes no claims about the health benefits of dandelion coffee which we sell as a caffeine-free coffee substitute. It should be said that our roasted dandelion roots are still bitter and nutritious. In many instances, naturopaths recommend taking dandelion coffee instead of real coffee.
References:
(1) Weiss, Fintelmann, «Herbal Medicine» , 2000
(2) Wood, Matthew, «The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants», 2008.
(3) Culpeper, «The English Physician», 1652
(4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5553762/
(4a) Inulin content in different plants and obtaining endoinulase enzyme from dandelion G.Y. Baghdasaryan, Y.G. Baghdasaryan. https://biology.asj-oa.am/11165/1/80-84_N4.01.09.2014.Baghdasaryan.Eng_rev.pdf
(5) https://planetherbs.com/blogs/michaels-blogs/dandelion-burdock-and-cancer/
(5a) https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/cancer-killing-dandelion-tea-gets-157k-research-grant-1.1248382
