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Dandelion
Dandelions have diuretic,
laxative, tonic, stomachic, antioxidant, hepatic
and
anti-inflammatory properties. They are rich in minerals such as
potassium,
zinc and calcium and some of their main constituents are inulin, levulin, choline,
taraxacin, mucin and saponins.
A cup of dandelion root tea
or coffee a day, or the consumption of the leaves,
is recommended
for anyone with liver complaints. The green leaves are a
valuable
alkali for the body; eaten regularly they assist in the reduction of
excess acid. Dandelion has been found to sooth the digestive tract,
absorb
toxins from the bowel, help friendly flora to thrive and stem
the production
of unfriendly bacteria. Dandelion is also helpful
for people who suffer from
skin conditions, such as eczema. It can
be used to treat asthma, arthritis,
rheumatism, low blood pressure,
poor circulation, ulcers, anemia, constipation,
colds, heart burn, hot
flushes, and can even be used to help bring on sleep at bedtime.
The dandelion is a member of
the Asteraceae family, and is a native of
both Europe and
Asia, but is also found in Canada, New Zealand, Russia,
Australia
and the USA. The dandelion is perennial and has tap roots.
Above
the root sits a rosette of leaves that can grow up to 30cm long.
The leaves are bright green with uneven, jagged margins of backward
pointing indentations.
The green colouring of the dandelion leaves
changes from pale lime green to a darker green
as the plant ages.
The stems of the dandelion are hollow and are crowned with a single
yellow flower, which after a few days turns into a ghostly globe of
delicate feathery seeds
or, as they're correctly called in the world
of botany. achenes. These seeds resemble
fluffy little parachutes
that blow into the air with the gentlest of breezes, carrying each
seed away to new places.
There are some 250
species of Taraxacum on record in the British Isles alone.
Added to those are the White Flowered Dandelion (Taraxacum
albidum),
native to Japan, and also the Japanese Dandelion (Taraxacum
japonicum).
There is also the Red Seeded Dandelion (Taraxacum
laevigatum), which is
found
in places around the UK.
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