Dandelion Greens
Dandelion greens are increasingly showing up in natural food stores and farmers markets, but most people can find them growing in the back yard. Like most wild growing plants, dandelion greens offer more nutrients than other commercially grown greens. Considered a pesky lawn weed by many, dandelion has been used for hundreds of years in China, Europe, and the Americas for medicinal purposes.
If you pick wild dandelions, rather than purchasing them at the market, you can take advantage of the flower and roots, each of which offers its own health benefits. Be sure to pick dandelions in areas that are safe from car exhaust and passing dogs.
| Serving size: |
100 g (about 2 cups) |
| Region: |
Native to Europe and Asia, common throughout North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand |
Health Benefits
| Antiviral |
The roots possess strong antiviral properties. |
| Blood Sugar |
May help stabilize blood sugar levels. |
| Digestion - General |
The root acts as an appetite stimulant, helps promote digestion and gastrointestinal health, encourages the growth of healthy bacteria, and alleviates flatulence. |
| Gallbladder |
Cleansing and healing to the gallbladder. Typically, the roots or juice from the leaves are used for this. |
| Heart |
May help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL). |
| Kidneys |
The leaves support kidney function and act as a diuretic. |
| Liver |
The roots promote liver detoxification. |
| Menstruation/PMS |
Alleviates the bloating associated with PMS. |
Nutrients
