Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
The dandelion is the "bitter chicory" because of it's the taste, and it is considered one of the most valuable medicinal plants. The origin of the name "taraxako" may be Greek since it is derived from the words"taraxis" (restlessness) and "akeomai" (treat, correct).
The English name is Dandelion due to the shape of leaves that resemble the teeth of a lion (Dens Leonis). So in French, said Dent de Lion (Lion's teeth).
Theophrastus described the plant by the name "afaki". Chinese practitioners recommend for treating colds, pneumonia, bronchitis, hepatitis and ulcers, urinary tract infections and in cases of breast cancer and lung.
The Arab physician Avicenna on 10th century mention it as "taraxagan" and used it as a diuretic, while in the Middle Ages in Europe is prescript against the stone of bile and kidneys.
Traditionally used for the control of diabetes.
In folk medicine dandelion was used against urinary retention, constipation, and chronic eczema. Since the extract of roots were producing pills tonic and stimulating appetite. Its milky juice is used it for acne, calluses, warts and insect bites.
• Dandelion stimulates the liver functions, fights constipation, stimulates the secretion of bile and keeps low cholesterol levels. It is an excellent tonic for the liver helps to remove toxins whatever their origin.
• The root and stem of dandelion contain tannins, carotenoids, flavonoids, insulin, and a bitter substance, laktopikrini. The leaves of dandelion rich in glycosides, terpenoids, choline salts, potassium, iron, vitamin A, B, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, folic acid, vitamins C, D, E, K, and magnesium.
• It has diuretic properties without causing potassium loss, like most diuretics, as it contains a large amount and supplies the body as well as consume it. Thus, dandelion supports diets, is beneficial in cases of fluid retention, in excess uric acid, in lithiasis and urinary infections or diseases of the urethra, bladder, and kidneys.
• Dandelion effectively helps in weight loss, helps in burning fat and sugar metabolism, combats obesity and helps maintain weight at normal levels
• Many aphrodisiac properties are attributed to the herb as it is believed to stimulate and enhances the libido.
• It improves appetite, helps with digestion, causes gastric acid secretion and benefits to digestive disorders such as indigestion, diarrhea, colitis, including stomach ulcers and ulcerative inflammation of the intestines and is considered a mild laxative.
• Cleans blood and is an ideal tool for detoxification while the beverage of dandelion is stimulant of the body, reduces blood sugar levels and high blood pressure, protects against heart disease, prevents the concentration of atherosclerotic plaques and atherosclerosis, improving the functioning of the circulatory systemic.
• Offers substantial care and protection from liver disease, supports the proper function and runs parallel detoxifying and tonic. The dandelion regulates the glandular system and combats pain in the liver, jaundice and swelling of. Detoxifies the liver, helps restore the health of alcoholics and drug addicts and protects from side effects and drug interactions that affect the liver.
• Protects against infections of the upper respiratory tract, relieves symptoms of tonsillitis and possible cough and contributes to faster healing from pneumonia.
Still, the dandelion has no known side effects so far in humans.