Dandelion root

Dandelion root [Taraxacum]
Is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae which consists of species commonly known as dandelion. They are native to Eurasia and North America
They are native to Eurasia and North America, but the two commonplace species worldwide, T. officinale and T. erythrospermum, were imports from Europe that now propagate as wildflowers. Both species are edible in their entirety.
Dandelions are found on all continents and have been gathered for food and medicine since prehistory.
The common name dandelion from French dent-de-lion, meaning “lion’s tooth”) is given to members of the genus. Like other members of the Asteraceae family, they have very small flowers collected together into a composite flower head. Each single flower in a head is called a floret. Many Dandelion species produce seeds asexually by apomixis, where the seeds are produced without pollination, resulting in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
Dandelions are thought to have evolved about 30 million years ago in Eurasia. They have been used by humans for food and as medicinal herb for much recorded history.
Dandelion leaves contain abundant vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, C, and K, and are good sources of calcium, potassium, iron, and manganese and phytonutrients.

How does Dandelion root work?

Historically, dandelion was prized for a variety of medicinal properties, and it contains a number of pharmacologically active compounds. Dandelion is used as a herbal remedy in Europe, North America, and China. It has been used in herbal medicine to treat infections, bile and liver problems,and as a diuretic.
Dandelion, long speculated to have antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective properties, Dandelion contains chemicals whose biological activities are actively being explored for roles in human health. In particular, evidence suggests that dandelion contains antioxidant and redness-resistant compounds is one such plant.Antioxidants: Every part of the dandelion plant is rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that prevent free-radical damage to cells and DNA, slowing down the aging process in our cells. It is rich in vitamin C and vitamin A as beta-carotene and increases the liver’s production of superoxide dismutase. It is also a diuretic, dandelion increases urination which then lowers blood pressure. The fiber and potassium in dandelion also help regulate blood pressure.Researchers believe this suggests dandelion could protect against oxidative stress related to certain circulatory disorders. Research results showed that dandelion positively affected antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid profiles. Studies also show that dandelion boosts immune function and fights off microbes and fungi.

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