Dandelion is a plant that has long been used as food and herbal medicine. This plant can be consumed raw, boiled, or mixed in salads. However, the efficacy and side effects of dandelion need to be re-examined so that it is not harmful.
Dandelions or Taraxacum is a wildflower or plant native to North America and Eurasia. In the early 10th century, dandelions were used by an Arab physician for medicinal purposes. Then this wild plant is widely cultivated in Europe and Asia. The name dandelion itself comes from the French language which means "lion's tooth".
Dandelion leaves are foods that are low in fat and carbohydrates, but are one of the richest vegetable sources of beta carotene which produces vitamin A. Dandelions are also a source of fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, thiamine, folate, riboflavin, as well as vitamins C, D, E, and K.
Claim Dandelion Benefits from Seed to Root
This plant is claimed to contain many benefits, including:
- Dandelion is thought to have good benefits to help maintain blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
- This plant is claimed to be able to treat abdominal pain, joint pain, eczema, bruises, muscle aches, loss of appetite, viral infections, to cancer.
- The leaves and roots of dandelion were formerly processed by boiling to treat liver disorders, stomach pain, and heartburn.
- In China, North America, and Europe, dandelion is widely used as an herbal plant to treat liver disorders, diuretics, and infections.
- Dandelion flowers contain antioxidants, so this herb is believed to help boost the immune system.
- Fresh or dried dandelions are used to increase appetite.
- Dandelion root may act as a natural laxative or laxative.
- Dandelion is believed to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
- The leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, K, minerals, calcium, manganese, iron, and potassium, making them the perfect combination for healthy salads and sandwiches.
- Roasted dandelion root can be used to brew coffee with caffeine-free coffee results. Dandelion is also widely used in the manufacture of wine or wine.
However, upon closer inspection, research on the benefits of dandelion to treat various medical conditions is generally applied only to animals and not to humans. Plus, actually not all the animals tested showed a positive effect.
Dandelion Side Effects
Although it is said to have been used since prehistoric times as an herbal medicinal ingredient, there is actually little medical evidence that validates the benefits of dandelion. On the other hand, if consumed inappropriately, dandelion can actually have some side effects. Here are some of them:
- Allergic reaction
Dandelion contains iodine and latex which can cause allergic reactions, especially for people who are allergic to similar plants. ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, chamomile, feverfew, yarrow, and other plants in the family Asteraceae such as sunflowers and daisies.
- Contact dermatitis
In people with sensitive skin, dandelion can cause contact dermatitis. The side effects of dandelion on this one are itchy skin and rashes.
- Reduce male fertility
Consuming large amounts of dandelion is thought to reduce male fertility. Studies in laboratory animals have shown that dandelion can reduce sperm production and quality, but this effect in humans has not been established.
This does not mean that you absolutely do not need to consume dandelion. Some of the guidelines below are expected to be a benchmark in consuming them, namely:
- We recommend that you limit the consumption of dandelion in pregnant and lactating women, because the effect is not known with certainty.
- Be aware of the appearance of drug interaction reactions when dandelion is taken together with other drugs, for example
- Patients with gallbladder infection and bile duct blockage are advised not to consume dandelion.
- People with hemochromatosis are not advised to consume dandelion, because of the iron content in it.
- Make sure the quality of the soil used to grow this plant is good, because dandelions absorb heavy metals such as lead, nickel, copper, cadmium, pesticides, and other substances from the surrounding environment.
Now dandelion is widely processed and packaged into supplements in the form of tablets, pills, and teas. However, dandelion in its natural form is better than processed products. The appropriate dose for each person depends on the age and health conditions of each person. Therefore, first consult a doctor before consuming dandelion, and obey the rules of use.