It is widely believed among the people that the dandelion is a weed, from which it is better to get rid of it faster. But few know that it is very often used as a medicine. In this article we will talk about the benefits of dandelions, their use in medicine, cooking and cosmetology, as well as the possible harm in their use.
Description and photo
Currently, dandelion - a fairly common plant, which is often found in forest glades, parks and gardens, near rivers and lakes.
Did you know? In some countries, dandelions are grown for industrial purposes. In Japan, France and the United States, you can see the whole plantation of these flowers.Everyone knows what a dandelion looks like: a yellow flower on a long stem with a height of no more than 0.5 m with a rosette of basal leaves.
It has a branched vertical root, often exceeding the ground part of the plant.Dandelion fruits are lightweight dry achenes with a white edge that are easily blown away with the slightest gust of wind. The period of its flowering falls in the spring - from April to May, and it bears fruit from June to September.
Chemical composition
As part of the dandelion medicinal contains useful substances, thanks to which it helps with many diseases. It is distinguished by a large number:
- proteins, fiber, carbohydrates;
- vitamins A, B4, C, K;
- macronutrients (calcium, phosphorus, sodium);
- trace elements (cobalt, iron, copper).
You will also be interested to learn about the benefits of such weeds as amaranth, wheat grass, quinoa, white mace, dodder, spurge, sow thistle, ambrosia.
Pharmacological properties
This medicinal plant contains bitterness, which allows it to be used to improve the absorption of food and normalize digestion. This action occurs by activating the production of gastric juice, which leads to an increase in bile secretion. 
It also has an anti-atherosclerotic effect, interferes with the absorption of harmful cholesterol, eliminates toxins and has a positive effect on the body.
Did you know? Dandelion is often used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, as it is characterized by the stimulation of insulin production.Due to the high saturation of potassium, dandelion leaf juice is an excellent diuretic, and the root of a healing plant has a positive effect on the liver and helps break down stones.
Application
Because of their medicinal properties, dandelions are often used in medicine, cosmetology and cooking. Below we give a few recipes based on them.
In medicine
The range of application of dandelion medicinal is wide. It has a soothing, choleretic, antiseptic and laxative effect. 
For medical purposes, dandelion tea is used, which brings significant benefits to the body.
It is used for jaundice, gastritis, digestive disorders and as a means of worms. You can use a variety of tea recipes:
- To two teaspoons of dried leaves, add 250 ml of boiling water and infuse for 10 minutes. Mix thoroughly, squeeze and add sugar. Take two or three times a day for a teaspoon of infusion.
- One teaspoon of dried roots pour only boiling water, leaving to infuse for 20 minutes. Eat per day no more than 3 times.
Important! Over time, tea from dandelions becomes bitter, so long storage of it is impractical.Another dandelion is effective as a good laxative, for the preparation of which its roots are used. They need to grind to a state of powder and take half a teaspoon 2-3 times a day.
In cosmetology
The contribution of dandelion to the cosmetology industry is invaluable. It has anti-inflammatory action, cleansing the face of non-aesthetic acne and blackheads.
Lotions and masks, in the composition of which this plant is present, give the skin elasticity and reduce the number of freckles
In cosmetology, dogwood, enotery, radish, nasturtium, periwinkle, linden, peony, bird cherry, parsnip, and garden savory are also used.Effective recipe for the information of small warts on the basis of this miraculous plant. To do this, 3 tablespoons of dandelion leaves pour 500 ml of water and boil for 15 minutes.
After that, gently strain the broth through the gauze, cool it and wipe the face with it. 
In cooking
Dandelions are made from a huge number of dishes: jelly, capers, jam, pancakes. Yellow flowers plants decorate dishes and add them to salads. In cooking, use and root, and leaves, and inflorescences of this amazing plant.
Did you know? In England, for a long time, they make traditional dandelion wine, which is famous for its delicate honey-floral taste.We recommend simple salad with dandelions, which can be quickly prepared at home. 100 g of fresh leaves for 15 minutes should be soaked in cold water and cut into strips.
Boil 3 hard boiled eggs, chop, add leaves and grated horseradish. Add salt and sour cream. 
Contraindications and harm
Even with a large number of positive characteristics, in some cases dandelions are not recommended for use because they can cause harm to the body.
Despite its healing properties, dandelion root has contraindications. Drugs based on it are characterized by a laxative effect, therefore, people with a predisposition to intestinal disorders do not use them.
Gastritis with increased acidity and gastric ulcer also forces to limit or completely stop the use of drugs, which include this plant.
Care should be taken in the use of dandelion roots for problems with the gall bladder. Since the choleretic effect of this plant can cause bile duct obstruction, treatment with its use is possible only after a visit to the doctor. 
Dandelion leaves are also famous for their beneficial properties, but also have contraindications. These include obstruction of the biliary tract, gastritis and gastric ulcer.
Care should be taken to follow the recommendations regarding the dosage of this drug, failure to comply with which may cause nausea and diarrhea.
Individual intolerance of a plant is not excluded.
Preparation and storage of medical raw materials
Dandelion stocking is a process that requires special attention. It should be collected on a sunny morning after the flowers open. Stems with leaves finely chopped, and the roots cleaned from the ground and tear from them the lateral processes. Then they need to be washed thoroughly, cut into pieces of 5-10 cm and dried well. 
Drying should be carried out in areas with good air circulation or in special dryers. Store medicinal raw materials recommended in canvas bags, boxes of wood or cardboard. Dandelion shelf life to 5 years.
Important! The most suitable period for collecting dandelion roots is August-September and April-May, flowers and dandelion leaves from spring to early summer.The dandelion medicinal - - the widespread plant available to everyone. A knowledge of the beneficial qualities and contraindications will allow you to apply it with the greatest benefit to the body.
