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In this fast world where most people lead an unhealthy lifestyle, health problems are common. Diseases and health risks are not far behind damaging any organ, be it the heart, kidney, or some other parts of the body.
One of the essential organs that a human needs to function is the kidney. This crucial organ removes waste and extra fluid from the human body by filtering it.
Also, it maintains a healthy balance between water, salts, electrolyte, and minerals in the blood. Thus, it is advisable to maintain the health of the kidneys.
People pop up many pills to keep up the health of their kidneys. Many plants with medicinal properties are also used for the same.
One such is the dandelion. Dandelion is readily available anywhere from gardens to wastelands. This exponentially growing weed is filled with a lot of goodness. So let's know dandelions, a little bit more in detail.
1. About Dandelion
The term dandelion has its origin in the French phrase 'dents de lion', which means 'teeth of the lion'.
Considered chiefly by people as a weed, Dandelion or Taraxacum Officinale is used as a medicinal herb.
The whole plant is safe for the consumption of humans.
The leaves are great for salads, sandwiches, and tea. The roots are dried, and those dried roots are used as an alternative substitute for coffee. The flowers of the plant are used in the making of wine.
Dandelion tea is widely used for a kidney cleanse.
Dandelions grow in the temperate region in Eurasia and North America. It is so common in the USA that people can recognize it in one go. Dandelions need significantly less sunlight to grow.
The growth of a typical plant is up to 12 inches.
The leaves of dandelion are like a spatula and have a deeply-nosed edge that is shiny and hairless. The bright yellow flower grows on the top of the stem.
The flowers bloom with the rising sun and close with the sunset. The dandelion roots are a bit fleshy and filled with a white milky-like substance that is bitter.
2. Dandelion as a Medicinal Herb
Dandelion is considered more than a weed growing in the yard in the neighborhood.
The people of the ancient era were well aware of the medicinal properties of dandelion. It is believed to be used as food and for treating joint problems and skin conditions in ancient times.
The nutritional and medicinal benefits of dandelions have been known for centuries.
Be its roots, leaves, or flowers, every part of the dandelion is used in different medicines. It is available as supplements in capsules, tablets, herbal tea packets, or powder form.
It manages blood sugar and helps digestion and health of various organs like kidneys, heart, and liver.
The whole plant of dandelion is safe to consume, having a little bitter chicory-like taste. In the USA, dandelions are widely found in different regions.
The dandelion leaves are a source of Vitamin A, C, and K.
They can be cooked or consumed in raw form by adding to salads. Dandelion roots are rich in Carbohydrate Inulin, which helps maintain a healthy digestive tract by supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
3. Uses: Dandelion Benefits for Kidney
Researchers have conducted many studies and stated multiple health benefits of dandelion.
It is beneficial in the treatment of liver ailments to digestion problems. Native Americans used dandelions to cure many disorders and diseases in those ancient times.
In America and many cultures, such as Chinese and Arabic, Dandelion has been used for medicinal purposes. In ancient times, the Chinese used dandelions to treat breast problems like inflammation and lack of milk in a new mother.
Many researchers claim that dandelion is a safer alternative to other conventional antibiotics. The nutritional benefits of dandelion make it suitable to consume for better health.
Dandelion treats digestive disorders and liver, kidney, and bile duct problems. Dandelion roots boost a person's appetite, help with minor digestive issues, and can help in easing constipation.
According to a study in August 2016, some anti-diabetic properties found in dandelion can help treat type 2 diabetes. (1)
As per a study published in November 2017, the extracts of dandelion root help fight cancer. (2)
Dandelion extract is found helpful in protecting the skin against any damage from ultraviolet rays and is useful in the medical care of various skin conditions, such as acne and eczema.
4. Health benefits of a Dandelion Root Kidney Cleanse
A dandelion root kidney cleanse is an effective way to manage your kidney health. The roots of dandelion are used in different ways in both dried and fresh forms in medicine.
The ancient people of different cultures and modern researchers are very much aware of the health benefits of dandelion roots.
Let's look at some uses of dandelion roots in various diseases.
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The roots are roasted to make coffee.
The coffee made from dandelion roots is non-caffeinated and apt for coffee-loving people with health problems.
It is always a part of the conversation of health enthusiasts, made from the leaves or roasted dandelion roots. It helps maintain liver and gall bladder health by detoxifying them. This is known as a Dandelion Kidney Detox.
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Dandelion roots are beneficial for kidneys as well.
Potassium in dandelion roots increases urine generation, which decreases the chances of any crystal formation or urinary infection. It also helps in the breakdown of any stone in the kidney.
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Many scientists think that dandelion roots contain anti-diabetic properties
Inulin, a soluble fiber present in dandelion roots, helps in replacing healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract by getting rid of unhealthy ones. and helping them grow.
This replacement increases insulin sensitivity by slowing the flow of sugar from the intestine to the blood. As a result, the sudden rise in blood sugar or insulin is prevented.
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Researchers claim that maybe dandelion roots consist of some anti-cancer agents
These agents may be causing apoptosis that interferes with cancer cell growth.
Currently, researchers are studying the cancer-fighting potential of Dandelion roots, and until now, the result is on a good note. Some studies show that dandelion root extracts can cause apoptosis in cases of leukemia and melanoma.
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Cures skin ailments
For ages, the dried form of dandelion root is ground into a paste and used to treat skin diseases like acne and eczema, rashes, acne, etc.
The mild anti-inflammatory of these roots help treat skin diseases and also help prevent sun damage to the skin. You can consume it in the form of dandelion tea.
There are other teas such as hibiscus tea for kidney pain andParsley tea which have a similar anti-inflammatory properties.
RECOMMENDED READING: Best Tea For Kidney Stones
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Fights Comorbidity
The diuretic properties of dandelion roots can help with high blood pressure, heart failure, and prediabetes.
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Boosts immunity
Dandelion is a source of vitamin C, which helps in immune system support. Consumption of dandelion root can help a person build a more robust immune system against seasonal diseases like cold and cough.
According to NCCIH, dandelion root supplements are safe for consumption in a limited dose with almost no side effects.
The only thing that should be in mind is that the people who are allergic to dandelion shouldn't consume it at any cost. People on medications should also consult their doctors before taking dandelion.
There are many ways in which dandelion root can be consumed. There are no such strict guidelines regarding the dosage and usage of dandelion roots in the USA.
The supplements made from dandelion roots like tea, powder, extracts, or dried organic roots are available at many drugstores in the USA.
5. Daily Dosage of Dandelion root
Since research is ongoing, there is no clear dosage set for dandelion root capsules, extract, or tinctures.
Therefore, it would be prudent to consult a doctor before taking the dandelion roots in any form. It is better to avoid dandelion roots if a person has some gall bladder disease.
You should only include dandelion root tea if the doctor claims it is safe for you. Sometimes dandelion root tea can interfere with other medications and lead to some unusual side effects.
6. Learn how Dandelion Root Benefits Kidney
Dandelion benefits kidney by maintaining the health of the kidney and urinary tract. The tea prepared from the roots of dandelion proves to be beneficial for kidneys.
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Prevents crystals: Dandelion tea helps a lot to decrease swelling, increase urine production, and helps prevent crystals in urine. These crystals can lead to infections in the kidney and urinary tract
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Protects from infections: Sometimes, herbs like uva and ursi are added along with dandelion in the tea. These herbs increase the antibacterial properties of dandelion tea. The use of other herbs with dandelion roots in tea prevents bacteria from getting attached to cells of the bladder wall. Thus, it helps prevent bladder infections, which results in the prevention of kidney infections.
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Dissolves Kidney stones: Dandelion roots are very beneficial in the case of kidney stones, it calms the inflammation and helps dissolve the kidney stones. According to Reader's Digest book, the continuous intake of dandelion roots can help break the kidney stone and flush it.
Whether as a whole or only the root, in the form of tea or a dried state, the Dandelion plant is known to be beneficial in different ways.
But if the usage of dandelion causes itching, rashes, difficulty in breathing, or any other symptom, then proper consultation with a doctor is the best move.
7. Precautions while using Dandelion
Dandelion is a herb and can trigger side effects in some cases. So it is wise to take precautions rather than deal with side effects. Anyone allergic to dandelions must avoid them.
This herb is not going to help you in any way in such cases. It can cause rashes, stomach acid, and heartburn.
It is advisable for people with kidney problems or stones to consult their doctors and take dandelions on their advice.
It is also possible that dandelions can interact with different medicines and drugs and affect their effectiveness in the body.
In such cases, it will be proved more harmful to the body. It may affect the absorption of certain medications in blood and their ejection from the body in the form of urine.
Some common medicines that interact with dandelion are;
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Antacids - Dandelions reduce the effect of antacids by the amount of stomach acid.
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Diuretics - Dandelions act as a diuretic in the body, causing more urine production. If a person takes some other prescribed diuretic, there is a risk of electrolyte imbalance due to dandelions.
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Increases the side effect of Lithium - For patients with Bipolar disorder, it is advisable to stay away from dandelions. Dandelions can worsen the side effects of lithium used in treating bipolar disorder.
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Lower sugar level - Dandelions are known to lower the sugar level in the blood. So, you should consult a doctor if you already have symptoms of low-sugar levels in your body.
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Pregnant and breastfeeding women - There is no proper scientific research regarding the usage of dandelion by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Dandelion has been used since ancient times by them. But conditions and lifestyles have changed a lot. Now, it is not safe to consume it without any proper scientific research by a pregnant or breastfeeding lady.
There are many more medicines that do not go well with dandelions. So, it is better, safe, and advisable to consult a doctor about the usage of dandelion and its dose.
Have more queries aboutKidney cleanse? Use our guides to the following topics for support:
1. Does Tea Cause Kidney Stones?
2. Is Tea Bad For Your Kidneys?
3. Can Turmeric Cause Kidney Pain?
5. Can Eating Disorders Cause Kidney Problems?
6. Foods To Cleanse Liver And Kidney
Conclusion
Dandelion is a miraculous medicinal herb that can be found easily. Every part of the dandelion plant is good to consume in some way or other. But, it is always safe to consult a physician before adding it to your diet.
Researchers are still finding out more about dandelion, its benefits, and especially the cancer-fighting element in the plant.
Dandelion is more than just a weed. It is a valuable plant found in every backyard in the USA.
