Health Benefits of Dandelions
The dandelion flower is edible in its entirety, from the blossom all the way down to the root, and will provide you with great health benefits.
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· Dandelions contain two types of antioxidants: polyphenols and beta-carotenes. Antioxidants are used to neutralize the effects of free radicals in our bodies and help protect cells from damage and slow down the signs of aging skin.
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· Dandelion extracts and compounds have pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
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· Can aid in soothing digestive ailments.
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· Dandelion salve can have soothing effects for aches and pains and can be good for sore and tired muscles and joints. Dandelion soap and moisturizers work wonderfully for dry, cracked, itchy, and irritated skin.
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· Dandelions are loaded with vitamins such as vitamin A, C, K, E, and small amounts of B vitamins; and minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and folate.
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· Dandelion root is most commonly used in teas and is rich in inulin, a type of soluble fibre, which helps keep your intestinal tract’s bacterial flora healthy.
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· Dandelion tea is a natural coffee substitute and is a good diuretic.​
Dandelions vs. Sunflowers
· Dandelions are actually from the same family as sunflowers: Asteraceae family.
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· Like a sunflower, a dandelion head opens in the morning with the sun and closes at night to go to sleep.
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· Dandelions usually only grow up to three feet tall, whereas between the different varieties of sunflowers, the height can range anywhere from 6 to 20 feet tall.
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· Historically, and even to this day, dandelions and sunflowers can be and are used as medicine, food, and dyes.
Dandelion Uses
There are a number of ways to utilize dandelions. Here is a list of some things you perhaps wouldn't think of making.
· Dandelion baked goods, honey, root bitters, tea (hot and cold), salads, wine, and jelly.
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· Dandelion Playdough.
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· Dandelion infused oil, tincture, lotion, salve, and soap.