Dandelions, roots and leaves, have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and teas, most notably for organ detoxification and for skin inflammation reduction. It is to this end, that Dandelion can detoxify the body and reduce inflammatory symptoms of acne vulgaris. Dandelion leaves contain high levels of potassium, a mineral that is often lost during increased urination. Potassium being important in nerve conduction, healthy skin growth and tissue repair. There is also medical research showing that this property of dandelion leaves, may help stabilize the blood sugar, which is another factor that aggravates acne and produces spots.
Dandelion plants have high levels of vitamin and minerals and these include vitamin A, B, C, D, magnesium, iron, manganese, silicon and zinc. Mixed with other herbs, such as that of stinging nettle and watercress, is useful for body cleansing and detoxification. This is used together with dietary changes in health spars and resorts, to enhance liver and gallbladder functions.
The main components in the dandelion herb, which account for its medical help for the liver and digestive system, are the compounds sesquiterpene lactones of the eudesmanolide and germacranolide types. These substances in dandelion root and leaves play a part in stimulating the digestive system and act as antioxidants to combat cell and tissue damage. Documented medical research indicates that dandelion roots and leaves, might be probiotic in nature and help promote a healthy growth of gut bacteria, thus working towards healthy functioning of the natural bacteria present in the gastrointestinal tract.
European peoples used dandelion to ward off fevers, boils, eye inflammation and symptoms of diabetes. It was brought to the United Sates by the Spanish around the year 1800 and since then, it has become a very popular herb, to treat various conditions like fevers, kidney and liver problems, diabetes, and various skin conditions. According to the old India medical discipline of Ayurveda, the dandelion herb was used to treat liver disorders like jaundice, cirrhosis of the liver and enlargement of the liver.
How to Take Dandelion
Take 3 or 4 times a day generally for 8 – 12 days:
1 teaspoon of dried root or herb, as tea
3-4 mL of concentrated tincture or extract
So the Dandelion plant in all of its forms can be very useful in cleansing the whole body, reducing inflammation, restoring a balance in the body and reducing the toxins. This in turn and can only help us with the fight against acne and spots.
