Known to most as weeds, dandelions have actually long been used medicinally to treat many conditions. There are many benefits of dandelions including improving the immune and digestive systems.
![a dandelion in the grass with pink flowers behind](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Untitled-design-14.png)
You know the stage when babies put everything in their mouths? When you are trying to get something done in the garden, but your little one eats everything (worms, dirt, rocks etc.).
Dandelions are a great thing to give your baby when they won’t stop putting things in their mouth.
They are completely safe if the baby ends up eating them, plus, your baby may even get a taste for these healthy plants. Just make sure she doesn’t choke on them!
Another fun activity for kids when they get a bit older is using the dandelions as makeup! Smear some of the bright yellow flowers on your face. Beautiful! (Talk about natural makeup! Don’t know if I would go to the grocery store like that though:).
There are so many benefits of dandelions, and the best part is, dandelions are usually pretty readily available!
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![two dandelions](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/dandelion-g8ecbedaef_640.jpg)
Helps boost the immune system
Eating dandelions may help your body fight against sickness.
Dandelions contain antiviral and antimicrobial properties that help the body fight against infections and viruses.
The many different compounds present in dandelions help support and boost the immune system.
Dandelions contain many vitamins and minerals that help the immune system functioning optimally.
Excellent source of vitamins and minerals
A wide variety of vitamins and minerals helps the body do what it needs to.
Dandelions are known to contain vitamins A, B6, C and K.
These vitamins help keep your vision, skin, immune system, metabolism, and protein synthesis functioning and healthy.
Minerals present in dandelions include calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and potassium. These minerals are important for circulation, energy, hemoglobin production, and healthy blood pressure.
![closeup of dandelions with mountains behind](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mountain-g0243f1ebb_640.jpg)
Promotes good digestion
Helps promote good gut health and fights constipation.
Dandelion contains a prebiotic fiber called inulin. Inulin helps clean the gut out and aids digestion.
If you are suffering from constipation, it is likely that you would benefit from getting more good fiber in your diet.
Dandelions are a good source of fiber and also contains prebiotics, vitamins and minerals needed for proper digestive function.
High in antioxidants
Antioxidants are important to fight disease-causing free radicals.
Some of the benefits of dandelions are that they are high in antioxidants. These antioxidants help provide protection against certain diseases that are known to be caused by free radicals, such as cancer and diabetes.
Free radicals attack certain macromolecules resulting in damaged cells and a weakened immune system.
Dandelions contain three main types of antioxidants: beta-carotene, flavonoids and polyphenols.
These antioxidants work together to protect the cells from damage, prevent free radicals, regulate cell activity and protect against oxidative stress.
![child holding a bouquet of dandelions](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/dandelion-g0f383b091_640.jpg)
Promotes healthy skin
The skin is the body’s largest organ and can tell you a lot about what is going on inside the body.
Dandelion helps the body in a wide variety of ways such as helping with inflammation, lowering blood sugar and providing essential vitamins and minerals.
This wild edible promotes healthy skin because it promotes a healthy inside. What you see on your skin is quite often a reflection on what is going on in your body.
To reap the benefits of dandelions for your skin, you can drink it as tea or make a ACV/dandelion face wash.
May help lower cholesterol
Cholesterol is a normal build up of fats in the blood stream, but too much can be fatal.
Cholesterol is a normal, healthy and necessary compound in your body. However, too much ‘bad’ cholesterol can result in stroke, heart disease, or other issues.
Lipids, a type of fat, are one of the compounds that make up cholesterol.
Dandelions are known to help lower blood lipids, resulting in lowered cholesterol.
![a girl jumping up in the air with the sunshine behind her](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/inspiration-g3f56d9675_640.jpg)
May help lower blood pressure
Certain minerals in dandelion have been linked to lowering blood pressure.
Dandelions contain potassium, a mineral that has been known to help lower blood pressure by helping to regulate the amount of sodium in the body.
High blood pressure often occurs when the body is holding on to too much sodium.
Dandelions also help lower blood pressure by being a diuretic, which helps the body get rid of excess water.
Reduces inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s response to harmful stimuli.
Dandelion contain an antioxidant compound called taraxasterol. Taraxasterol helps regulate white blood cells so that they do not have to trigger as much of a response to certain stimulus.
Therefore, dandelion is a helpful herb in reducing inflammation linked to certain disorders such as arthritis.
![a bee on a dandelion](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bee-ge3dfa3e33_640.jpg)
Supports bone health
Vitamins and minerals present in dandelion are linked to better, stronger bones.
Benefits of dandelions include strong healthy bones. There are three certain nutrients present in dandelions which work together to help prevent bone fractures and support overall bone health.
- Calcium helps the bones stay strong and healthy and are also important for muscle contraction and nerve function.
- Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin that promotes bone formation.
- Magnesium helps support calcium regulation in the body.
Boosts mood and cognitive function
Dandelions may help protect brain cells and even support brain functions.
The antioxidants present in dandelions may help to protect the brain cells against oxidative stress (which can kill cells).
Lowering oxidative stress can lower risk of age-related cognitive decline.
Dandelions also contain a nutrient called choline. Choline assists in the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that supports cognitive function and memory.
![dandelion in the lawn with pink flowers behind it](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/meadow-gc2fb77921_640.jpg)
Helps to relieve menstrual cramps
Dandelions contain compounds which can promote comfort throughout the menstrual cycle.
Menstrual cramps can be eased by dandelion because of its anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties.
Dandelions also aid in reducing water retention and bloating, making the body overall more comfortable.
This herb also helps to balance hormones by flushing out metabolized estrogens.
Identify time:
Dandelions are characterized by toothy or notched leaves that come from the base of the plant.
A short stem comes out of the middle of the notched leaves.
The short stem is topped by a bright yellow flower head.
![dandelion flowers in a bowl with dandelion leaves lying beside the bowl](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/dandelion-gce0d780b2_640.jpg)
How to use:
Every part of the dandelion is available to use excluding the stem.
Flowers:
- Eat in salads
- Make into tea
Leaves:
- Eat in a salad raw or cooked
- Make into a tincture
- Make into a tea
Roots:
- Make into a tincture
- Coffee substitute
![several dandelions by a tree trunk](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/dandelion-g594465ca6_640.jpg)
Some cautions:
Use caution when adding dandelions to your diet as they can be quite potent and may cause some discomfort. Some side effects from ingesting dandelions include:
- Heartburn
- Allergic reaction
- Stomach discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
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Read more about wild edibles
Health Benefits and How to Use Elderberries
7 Amazing Reasons You Should be Using Stinging Nettles
What are your favorite ways to eat dandelions?
Let us know in the comment section!
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