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==News About Dandelions==
==News About Dandelions==
'''Nature & You: Don't dilly dally; Feast on dandelion greens'''
*Source:http://newsok.com/article/5481197
:By Neil Garrison
The scourge of almost every homeowner's front lawn is that bothersome plant pest: the dandelion.
All of us labor long and hard to eradicate it. What we quickly discover, however, is that all of our efforts are to no avail. This pesky weed seems to thumb its nose at our feeble attempts at its destruction.
There is a popular saying that goes something like this: "If life hands you lemons  ...  make lemonade!" Thus, it might come as somewhat of a shock for you to discover that dandelion greens are a very nutritious food source. More traditional foodstuffs such as spinach and carrots can't hold a candle to dandelion greens when comparisons are made as to nutritional components such as iron, calcium and beta carotene. The nutritional value of dandelion greens far surpass that of spinach and carrots.
It is critically important, however, that you collect the dandelion leaves as early in the year as possible. If you delay for too long, the leaves will take on a bitter taste.
There is going to be a slight hint of bitterness even if you do everything right and collect the greens early in the year, rather than later. It is best, then, to combine the dandelion leaves with other, more traditional leafy greens and mild/sweet food combinations such as carrots, bell peppers and cauliflower.
Dandelions are a type of plant that is not "day length dependent;" this means they'll produce their colorful yellow flowers irregardless if the spans of daylight hours have or haven't lengthened sufficiently to signal the official start of the spring seasons. The chances are good, then, that you'll be able to find a few of the dandelion's flowers. You might want to pluck some of the flower petals and then use them as an eye-catching garnish to the top of the salad. Make a note, however, that you'll want to avoid the green component of the dandelion flower; that portion harbors too much of a bitter taste.
It would also do well to caution you to collect dandelions only in those places that have not been doused with chemical insecticides/herbicides. You want to be careful about what you put on your dining room table.
This fun exercise of gathering and consuming your own wild foods can serve as an excellent source of outdoor adventure for children. The end result might be a situation where Mom does not have to implore: "Now be sure and eat your veggies!"
If food collection and preparation is part of an outdoor game, children will be less likely to shun the culinary concoctions.
In the end, the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson probably said it best: "What is a weed? It is a plant whose virtues have never been discovered."
----
'''Health Benefits of Dandelions '''
'''Health Benefits of Dandelions '''
*Source:http://www.gbcghana.com/1.4357538
*Source:http://www.gbcghana.com/1.4357538

Revision as of 05:00, 28 February 2016

Herbal Remedies and Medicinal Cures for Diseases, Ailments & Illnesses that afflict Humans and Animals
Aloe Vera Astragalus Bankoro Bilberry Bitter Gourd (Ampalaya) Bitter Orange Black Cohosh Cat's Claw Chamomile Chasteberry Coconut Cranberry Dandelion Echinacea Ephedra European Elder Tree Evening Primrose Fenugreek Feverfew Flaxseed Garlic Ginger Ginkgo Ginseng (Asian) Golden Seal Grape Seed Green Tea Hawthorn Hoodia Horse Chestnut Kava Lavender Licorice Malunggay Moringa Oleifera Milk Thistle Mistletoe Passion Flower Peppermint Oil Red Clover Ringworm Bush (Akapulko) – Cassia alata Saw Palmetto St. John's Wort Tawa Tawa Turmeric Valerian Yohimbe
accept the bitter to get better


Dandelion.JPG
Dandelion Flower

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.



Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Dandelion blown.jpg
Mature Dandelion globe shaped flower. The wind distributes the seeds They look like helicopters in the wind.
Dandelion2.jpg
Hundreds of species of dandelion grow in the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Dandelion is a hardy, variable perennial that can grow to a height of nearly 12 inches. Dandelions have deeply notched, toothy, spatula-like leaves that are shiny and hairless. Dandelion stems are capped by bright yellow flowers. The grooved leaves funnel the flow of rainfall into the root. Dandelion flowers are sensitive to light, so they open with the sun in the morning and close in the evening or during gloomy weather. The dark brown roots are fleshy and brittle and are filled with a white milky substance that is bitter and slightly odorous.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Dandelion

The medicinal herb Dandelion as an alternative herbal remedy for liver diseases, kidney diseases - Dandelion greens are edible and a rich source of vitamin A.Common Names--lion's tooth, blowball

Latin Name--Taraxacum officinale Picture of Dandelion

What Dandelion Is Used For

  • Dandelion has been used in many traditional medical systems, including Native American and traditional Arabic medicine.
  • Historically, dandelion was most commonly used to treat liver diseases, kidney diseases, and spleen problems. Less commonly, dandelion was used to treat digestive problems and skin conditions.
  • Today, dandelion is used by some as a liver or kidney "tonic," as a diuretic, and for minor digestive problems.
  • Herbal remedy for liver and kidney deseases.

How Dandelion Is Used

  • Both the leaf and root are used for herbal remedies. The leaf helps with water weight gain. Women are especially prone to bloating due to water retention. Another benefit of dandelion is it doesn’t deplete the body of potassium like other diuretics do. The root is an excellent liver detoxifier. A clogged up liver is one of the main causes of weight gain, poor elimination, headaches, and a long list of other problems.
  • The leaves and roots of the dandelion, or the whole plant, are used fresh or dried in teas, capsules, or extracts. Dandelion leaves are used in salads or as a cooked green, and the flowers are used to make wine.

What the Science Says about Dandelion

There is no compelling scientific evidence for using dandelion as a treatment for any medical condition

Side Effects and Cautions about Dandelion

Dandelion use is generally considered safe. However, there have been rare reports of upset stomach and diarrhea, and some people are allergic to the plant. People with an inflamed or infected gallbladder, or blocked bile ducts, should avoid using dandelion. It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including dandelion. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

Herbal Remedy Products with Dandelion as part of the ingredients

Natural Moves.jpg
  • Natural Moves™ : Herbal remedy helps maintain regularity and support healthy regular bowel movements.
    • Maintains normal bowel movements and bowel regularity
    • Supports the body’s process of regular toxin and waste removal
    • Addresses non-recurrent and non-persistent constipation
    • Acts as an effective liver tonic
    • Supports healthy peristaltic movement through the digestive tract
  • What Natural Moves™ says about dandelion: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) contains bitter principles that have a tonic effect on the liver and digestive system by supporting the flow of bile. It is also a source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, D, C, various B vitamins, iron, lecithin, silicon, potassium, magnesium, zinc and manganese. It is of benefit in maintaining healthy fluid levels in the body. Dandelion is also considered to be an excellent cleansing tonic for the liver and recent studies suggest that it is especially beneficial with regards to digestive health. (Chakurski I, Matev M, Koichev A, Angelova I, Stefanov G. "Treatment of chronic colitis with an herbal combination of Taraxacum officinale, Hipericum perforatum, Melissa officinaliss, Calendula officinalis and Foeniculum vulgare." Vutr Boles. 1981;20(6):51-4. Bulgarian. PMID: 7336706).
Herbal remedies in zamboanga.PNG

Dandelions by Jude C Williams, M.H.

Dandelions are tap-rooted perennial plants. They will grow almost anywhere. They are also known as weeds. Dandelions are very difficult to get rid off. Dandelions are now common in all temperate regions. The flower of the dandelion matures into a globe of fine white filaments that are usually distributed by wind, carrying away the seed-containing achenes (akenes). The mature flower of the dandelion which is in the shape of a globe is also called the "clock". While many people think of the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) as a pesky weed, herbalists consider it a valuable herb with many culinary and medicinal uses. Dandelion is a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Its leaves are often used to add flavor to salads, sandwiches, and teas. The roots can be found in some coffee substitutes, and the flowers are used to make certain wines.

In traditional medicine, dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver problems. Native Americans also used dandelion decoctions (liquid made by boiling down the herb in water) to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn, and stomach upset. Chinese medicinal practitioners traditionally used dandelion to treat digestive disorders, appendicitis, and breast problems (such as inflammation or lack of milk flow). In Europe, herbalists incorporated it into remedies for fever, boils, eye problems, diabetes, and diarrhea.

Today, dandelion roots are mainly used as an appetite stimulant, digestive aid, and for liver and gallbladder function. Dandelion leaves are used as a diuretic to stimulate the excretion of urine.

Dandelion Tonic: In the early spring when dandelion flowers and plentiful, you can make dandelion tonic. Pour 1 pint of boiling water over an (1) ounce of dandelion flowers. Let steep covered for ten (10) minutes. Strain and sweeten. Drink several glasses a day for several days, or as many days you can before the flowers are gone.

Source: Jude C Williams, M.H.

News About Dandelions

Nature & You: Don't dilly dally; Feast on dandelion greens

By Neil Garrison

The scourge of almost every homeowner's front lawn is that bothersome plant pest: the dandelion.

All of us labor long and hard to eradicate it. What we quickly discover, however, is that all of our efforts are to no avail. This pesky weed seems to thumb its nose at our feeble attempts at its destruction.

There is a popular saying that goes something like this: "If life hands you lemons ... make lemonade!" Thus, it might come as somewhat of a shock for you to discover that dandelion greens are a very nutritious food source. More traditional foodstuffs such as spinach and carrots can't hold a candle to dandelion greens when comparisons are made as to nutritional components such as iron, calcium and beta carotene. The nutritional value of dandelion greens far surpass that of spinach and carrots.

It is critically important, however, that you collect the dandelion leaves as early in the year as possible. If you delay for too long, the leaves will take on a bitter taste.

There is going to be a slight hint of bitterness even if you do everything right and collect the greens early in the year, rather than later. It is best, then, to combine the dandelion leaves with other, more traditional leafy greens and mild/sweet food combinations such as carrots, bell peppers and cauliflower.

Dandelions are a type of plant that is not "day length dependent;" this means they'll produce their colorful yellow flowers irregardless if the spans of daylight hours have or haven't lengthened sufficiently to signal the official start of the spring seasons. The chances are good, then, that you'll be able to find a few of the dandelion's flowers. You might want to pluck some of the flower petals and then use them as an eye-catching garnish to the top of the salad. Make a note, however, that you'll want to avoid the green component of the dandelion flower; that portion harbors too much of a bitter taste.

It would also do well to caution you to collect dandelions only in those places that have not been doused with chemical insecticides/herbicides. You want to be careful about what you put on your dining room table.

This fun exercise of gathering and consuming your own wild foods can serve as an excellent source of outdoor adventure for children. The end result might be a situation where Mom does not have to implore: "Now be sure and eat your veggies!"

If food collection and preparation is part of an outdoor game, children will be less likely to shun the culinary concoctions.

In the end, the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson probably said it best: "What is a weed? It is a plant whose virtues have never been discovered."


Health Benefits of Dandelions

(GBCGhana)

The health benefits of dandelion include relief from liver disorders, diabetes, urinary disorders, acne, jaundice, cancer and anemia. It also helps in maintaining bone health, skin care and is a benefit to weight loss programs.

Despite the health benefits of dandelions, they are traditionally more popular as ornamental flowering plants than as medicine, because the flowers of dandelions look brilliant and are frequently seen in gardens and parks. There are many varieties of dandelion, but the common dandelion is scientifically known as Taraxacum Officinale. In terms of history, the plant is believed to have evolved about 30 million years ago in Eurasia.

Dandelion, which literally translates into “lion’s tooth” in French, is rich in vitamin-A, C, iron and calcium and detoxifiers which explains its common inclusion in medicines. Below, we will discuss the different things that benefit can do for us, besides decorating our gardens.

Health Benefits of Dandelions

Bone Health: Dandelions are rich in calcium, which is essential for the growth and strength of bones, and they are rich in antioxidants like vitamin-C and Luteolin, which protect bones from age-related damage.

Liver Disorders: Dandelions can help the liver in many ways. While the antioxidants like vitamin-C and Luteolin keep the liver functioning in optimal gear and protect it from aging, other compounds in dandelions help treat hemorrhaging in the liver. Furthermore, dandelions aid in maintaining the proper flow of bile, while also stimulating the liver and promoting digestion.

Diabetes: Dandelion juice can help diabetic patients by stimulating the production of insulin from the pancreas, thereby keeping the blood sugar level low. Since dandelions are diuretic in nature, they increase urination in diabetic patients, which helps remove the excess sugar from the body.

Urinary Disorders: Dandelions are highly diuretic in nature, so they help eliminate deposits of toxic substances in the kidneys and the urinary tract. The disinfectant properties of dandelions also inhibit microbial growth in the urinary system.

Skin Care: Dandelion sap, also known as dandelion milk, is useful in treating skin diseases which are caused by microbial and fungal infections. This treatment stems from the fact that the sap is highly alkaline and has germicidal, insecticidal and fungicidal properties. You should be careful while using this sap, and avoid any contact with the eyes. This sap can be used on itches, ringworm, eczema, and other skin conditions without the risk of side effects or hormonal disturbances commonly caused by pharmaceutical skin treatments.

Acne: Dandelion juice is a good detoxifier, diuretic, stimulant and antioxidant. These four properties make it a great treatment for acne.

Cancer: Dandelions are high in antioxidants, such as vitamin-C and Luteolin, which reduce the free radicals (major cancer-causing agents) in the body, thereby reducing the risk of cancer. It also detoxifies the body, which further helps protect from the development of tumors and various cancers.

Jaundice: Jaundice is primarily a disorder of the liver in which the organ starts overproducing bile, which ultimately enters the bloodstream and wreaks havoc on the body’s metabolism. The excess bile is also reflected through color of the skin, and eyes, which typically develop a yellow tint. The treatment of jaundice includes three main steps. First, you need to curb the production of bile. Second, you must remove the excess bile from the body, and third, you have to fight the underlying viral infection. Gall Bladder Disorders: Dandelions are very beneficial for the gall bladder and liver, because they improve their general functioning, protects them from ill effects of oxidants and infections, and regulates the various secretions from both organs.

Constipation: Certain components of dandelion, namely the high levels of dietary fiber, make it a beneficial aid for digestion and proper intestinal health. Dietary fiber stimulates healthy bowel movements by adding bulk to stool, and also reduces chances of constipation as well as diarrhea. It regulates bowel movements, which can prevent more serious gastrointestinal issues.

Anemia: Dandelions have relatively good levels of iron, vitamins, and protein content. While iron is the integral part of hemoglobin in the blood, vitamins like vitamin-B and protein are essential for the formation of red blood cells and certain other components of the blood. This way dandelion can help anemic people keep their condition in check.

High Blood Pressure: Urination is an effective way of lowering blood pressure. In fact, most of the modern medicines for lowering blood pressure are based on this phenomenon. Dandelion juice, being diuretic in nature, increases urination, both in quantity and frequency. Therefore, it helps lower high blood pressure. The fiber in dandelion is also helpful in reducing cholesterol and thereby assists in lowering blood pressure, since cholesterol is one of the factors that increases blood pressure. Finally, there is the high potassium content of dandelions, which is very effective in lowering blood pressure by replacing sodium.

Other Benefits: Dandelions can also be used as a vegetable and is a good source of fiber. It promotes digestion, and in the past, it was used to treat scurvy, because of its high levels of vitamin-C. It also has healing effects on dyspepsia, infections in the stomach, intestines and urinary system.

A Few Words of Warning: Dandelions can be helpful to diabetics by lowering blood sugar, but for patients already taking blood-sugar modulators, this can result in hypoglycemia, an equally dangerous condition. Consult your doctor before adding dandelion supplements on top of your normal treatment. Also, the milk sap of dandelions has been known to cause itchiness, irritation, or allergic reactions on the skin, and should be kept away from the eyes. Finally, there is a rare type of fiber in dandelions called inulin, and some people have a predisposed sensitivity or allergy to it which can be quite severe. When first adding dandelion greens to your diet in any way, start small and closely monitor your body’s response.

Other than that, pick some delicious dandelion greens and get healthy!


Is Dandelion Coffee the Next Big Health Craze?

By Kristina Rodulfo

Kombucha. Birch Sap. Maple Water. Bee Panacea. In case you aren’t clued into the wide world of wellness, these are just a few buzzy drinks health fiends are fond of obsessing over. And while they’re decidedly more unique than a cup of green tea, they’re pretty tame compared to the latest superfood craze: Dandelion coffee.

Yes, dandelions—the yellow flowers typically considered lawn weeds—have steadily been gaining attention for their nutritional value, especially in the form of instant “coffee.” Although don’t expect to see this concoction pop up at your local Starbucks any time soon. The caffeine-free herbal drink is made from a blend of roasted dandelion root, sugar beet, rye and chicory root—so no, it’s not really coffee—but fans claim the flavor is a pretty convincing stand-in.

Although it’s having a resurgence among the wellness crowd, dandelion—like kombucha and matcha—has been a health solution for centuries. In Chinese medicine it was used for detoxifying the liver, gallbladder and kidneys and for aiding inflammation. More recent reported claims of dandelions’ health benefits are extensive, including lowering cholesterol, fighting diabetes, suppressing appetite, balancing pH levels in your body, containing probiotics and giving that much-needed early morning or afternoon slump energy boost.

But does it really work? “The plant itself does contain vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium and zinc, but that isn’t reason enough to start chowing down,” said Amanda Foti, senior dietitian at weight management company Selvera. Foti explained that beyond Chinese medicine sources, “there’s insufficient human trials to prove dandelions’ efficacy. Some preliminary animal studies demonstrate dandelion to have positive effects on cholesterol panels, but we cannot jump to conclusions just from these studies.”

Based on her knowledge, Foti doesn’t recommend ditching your morning coffee for a dandelion blend permanently, and suggests instead turning to—you guessed it—water if you’re looking for a legit drinkable health boost. “The best thing I can recommend for a client to drink is water, water, water!” Foti said. “Most of us are chronically dehydrated so it’s important to drink at least 48 to 64 ounces of fluids daily.” It might not be as exotic as flowers and sugar beet, but it’s definitely more accessible.


Cleansing the body

By Maureen Minto

WE all want to be healthy. In our quest to be healthy, we often emphasise the need for building our bodies by consuming foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, and little starch or fat. We savour the salty, sweet and sour taste of foods and often refuse bitter-tasting foods that compliment the cleansing process of digestion.

Is cleansing foods right for me?

Our bodies give us many simple warning signs that it needs cleansing. These signs are often ignored or treated as symptoms of more serious illnesses. These symptoms may be: biliousness; dizzy spells; bloating; high body odour; dark colour and strong odour of urine; dark colour and strong, unpleasant odour of stool. Our bodies are naturally designed to handle toxins or waste. Our liver, kidneys, lungs, bloodstream, colon, and skin are built to neutralise or eliminate toxins and waste. To compliment this natural cleansing process, ancient man would utilise the benefits of bitter herbs.

Foods that are bitter to the mouth are sweet to the belly. The truth is the chemical rush that bitter cleansing herbs create throughout the body might influence the quality of digestion, absorption and elimination. This bitter benefit is often destroyed by adding sweeteners to the bitter preparation.

Throughout the 6,000 years of man's existence, herb has played a vital role in maintaining excellent health. Jamaicans have used herbal treatment for cleansing toxins and waste from the body. The dandelion plant is one of the most commonly used herb for cleansing the liver and kidneys. I grew up hearing that my sister was born with a hole in her heart and that the dandelion was a part of the useful treatment that corrected it. Coincidentally, I have used it for the same ailment and still observe similar benefits.

It is back-to-school time again and I know that may households still practise the twice-year purging or cleansing that was a very vital part of preventative treatment against diseases.

BEST TYPES OF CLEANSING

Today, there are many products and methods of cleansing on the market - pharmaceutical or herbal. Herbal methods are recommended as they are natural and when rightly applied have no side effects. Not every product or method of cleansing the body is effective for all organs, persons or health conditions. For example, if you take herbs for cleansing the liver only, when the toxic blood is passed through the liver again, toxins from the blood will be re-deposited in the liver.

It is sad that man is exposed to so much toxins daily. Our food, air and water is very toxic. Today, food and beverage advertisers collectively spend billions of dollars in an attempt to convince us to consume their product filled with preservatives, additives, sugar, fat, artificial colouring, and flavourings that burden our minds, bodies and spirits.

Many nutritionists agree that lack of bitter-tasting food or herbs contribute to the increase in digestive-related diseases and ulcers, inflammatory conditions, immune challenges, diabetes, and many other serious illnesses.

Each year, lifestyle diseases are responsible for a significant number of all deaths. Many of these deaths could be prevented if the tradition of taking bitter cleansing herbs were followed. Now, more than ever, there is an urgent need for total body cleanse.

Photos of Dandelion Flowers and Plannts