An Introduction
Dandelions have been around for thousands of years. For many children, they are playthings whose flower contains cute tiny seeds that look like helicopters when blown in the air. Many of these kids also believe that wishing on them before blowing them away would make their wishes come true. Thus, dandelion seeds can be regarded as a symbol of hope for those youngsters.
Adults have a different way of dealing with dandelions. For them, these plants are no more than an ordinary weed that they need to get rid of. They were considered a nuisance for home gardeners who want them to be removed permanently. But dandelions are not just your ordinary weed. These wonder plants are highly nutritious and an excellent source of antioxidants. Other benefits include its ability to help fight inflammation, aid in controlling the blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, aid weight loss, support healthy digestion, help fight cancer, and promote a healthy liver which is the focus of this article.
Australians and their Liver Health
It is common knowledge that without the liver, it is impossible to live. The liver plays a very important role in the overall function of the body since it filters toxins from your blood. Without it, you will have fewer defenses against bacterial/fungal infections; your blood will not properly clot, you will experience uncontrolled bleeding, and there is a big possibility that you will acquire cerebral edema (also known as swelling in the brain). Cerebral edema is a life-threatening disease.
Despite its role in the human body, liver health is being neglected by many. In fact, liver diseases are pandemic in the modern world and approximately two million people die from liver disease each year. One million due to complications of cirrhosis and another one million due to viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma which is the most common type of liver cancer.
In Australia, there are six million people who suffer from liver disease with more than 7,000 deaths annually. The causes of this include Hepatitis C, obesity-related fatty liver disease, and alcohol. Fatty liver which is one of the most common liver diseases in the country affects about one in 10 Australians. It can be the result of excessive alcohol intake. There are also cases where it can be found in people who do not drink to excess. In fact, 1 in 3 adults are affected by Non – Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and some Australian teenagers are even diagnosed with it.
Fatty liver disease is reversible, but if it is left untreated, it can lead to developing liver cirrhosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.
Dandelion Root and Your Liver Health
Every part of the dandelion plant is edible, from its flower down to its root; each part is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber that help keep the body healthy and strong. Dandelion roots, which can be brewed for tea, are particularly good for the liver. Teas made from its roots are known as liver tonics, because of their effectivity and potency.
Below are the two main reasons why Dandelion Root Tea is good for you and your liver:
- Increases bile production
Bile is an alkaline fluid that is produced by the liver. It is extremely important because of its role in detoxifying and digestion. It makes absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins possible, helps you digest proteins and starches, regulates the intestines’ level of good bacteria and yeast, and destroy dangerous organisms as they invade the body. Without proper bile flow, one can experience symptoms, ranging from mild to severe like fatigue, acne, sinus problems, allergies, mood swings, migraines, constipation, gall bladder disease, Non – Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, and Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease.
The root of the dandelion plant promotes healthy bile flow. It has compounds that can cause an increase in bile production. Loaded with powerful components, it can also promote hepatic healing.
- Maintains liver health and may repair liver damage
Humans have been using dandelions to treat their ailments for centuries. It is a popular natural remedy for liver disorders. Book author and highly – respected herbalist, Andrew Chevallier, mentioned in his book, “Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine” that dandelions help in detoxifying the liver and in increasing the production of bile.
These plants are a good source of Vitamin K (a fat-soluble vitamin that helps maintain bone health and promote wound healing, Vitamin A (which supports cell growth), Vitamin E (a fat-soluble nutrient that can greatly improve those who are suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease since it can help protect cells from damage), Vitamin B12 (which can improve liver function), and Vitamin C ( a powerful antioxidant that is essential for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues, formation of collagen, absorption of iron, wound healing, and the overall health of the immune system).
Other nutrients that can also be found in Dandelions are iron (which is important because of its functions like its involvement in the transportation of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues), folate (a B-vitamin that is needed to make red and white blood cells in the bone marrow), calcium (a mineral that is essential in building and maintaining strong bones), and magnesium (a nutrient that can help your body in the process of energy creation, protein formation, gene maintenance, muscle movements, and nervous system regulation, to name a few).
Overloaded with goodness, a cup of Dandelion Root tea guarantees that this plant which is commonly mistaken as a useless weed is not only good for the liver, it can nourish you and the other parts of your body as well.
Dandelion Root Tea: Nature’s Gift in a Cup
Our Dandelion Root Tea comes in two versions: the roasted and unroasted. The roasted version is what many of our customers patronize to cut down caffeine and to take advantage of the health benefits that it offers. It has a lovely warm flavor similar to that of coffee which many of them love. For a more nutritious version, we recommend the unroasted one since raw Dandelion roots are slightly more potent and effective.
