Field dandelion or dandelion? Differences, applications and properties

Dandelions, a weed common throughout Europe, are often confused with dandelions. Both plants come from the daisy family and are deceptively similar to each other. Only one of them has healing properties, so it’s worth knowing the differences.

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Dandelion or field spurge – the main differences

Dandelion (Latin: Taraxacum officinale), also called common dandelion or dandelion, grows in meadows, pastures, roadsides and gardens throughout Europe, but also occurs in Asia and North Africa. Sometimes we perceive it as an unwelcome guest, a weed that is difficult to eradicate but has many beneficial properties. The field spurge (lat. Sonchus arvensis L.) is a weed.

Dandelion and dandelion – what do they look like?

What do field spurge and dandelion look like? Contrary to appearances, they are quite different from each other, which makes it easy to tell these two plants apart.

dandelion It can have one or more stems growing from a single root system. Only one inflorescence grows on each leafless stem. The leaves of the common dandelion are arranged in a rosette and grow independently of each other. After flowering, the plant turns into a dandelion, and the seeds in the form of delicate fluff can travel long distances.

dandelion However, it only has a thick trunk that splits into side shoots and is covered with leaves. As the following pictures show.

self-promotion

Dandelion – flower or root?

Dandelion has exceptional health benefits and is widely used in pharmacology as it contains many medicinal substances. The basic active ingredients are found throughout the plant, from the flowers to the leaves, the stem to the root. Why don’t we appreciate that?

The use of dandelion in treatment

Dandelion is considered Drug that increases bile secretion in diseases of the liver and gallbladder. It also increases the amount of digestive juices excreted and increases the amount of urine produced. At the same time, it does not lead to a decrease in the level of potassium in the blood, since its richness in this mineral compensates for its loss in the urine.

The richness of the plant in mineral salts and vitamins is also used during the treatment anemia. It allows you to cleanse the body of toxins circulating in it and restore the correct composition of the blood.

dandelion positive also affects the immune system. The interferon it contains forces the body to fight bacteria and viruses. The herb also lowers blood sugar levels, which makes the use of dandelion possible in the early stages of diabetes and has a relaxing effect.

Flowers are used during treatment chronic sore throat and mouth. They also regulate menstrual and ovulation disorders.

dandelion

Dandelion for beauty

Applied externally, dandelion accelerates the healing process of skin damage, fights warts and warts. For this purpose, compresses of fresh leaves or white juice are used, which they secrete.

Dandelion is used as a cosmetic plant – it is an additive to some creams for the care of dry and aging skin.

Dandelion against cancer?

Dandelion may also help fight cancer. Research conducted at the University of Windsor in Canada has shown that dandelion root can reduce the number of cancer cells. In tests, some cancer patients improved when they took dandelion infusion. Although these are promising results, it should be remembered that no herbal therapy can replace adequate oncological treatment.

Infusion, decoction, wine, juice, dandelion salad

Dandelion leaves and roots can be eaten both raw and cooked. The leaves can be used to make a spring salad, which, unlike other countries, is not very popular in Poland. Young leaves are also added as a spice to soups and sauces. In Central Europe, dandelion leaves were eaten before harvest. Basket buds used to be used as a substitute for capers, and the roasted root replaced chicory. A flower wine with a characteristic honey-herb bouquet is obtained from dandelion petals with the addition of lemon and sugar. Dandelion root, along with burdock root, is an ingredient in a traditional soft drink that is particularly popular in Britain. Herbal tea can be made from different parts of the plant.

The most popular home use of dandelion is:

• root and herbal infusion,
• root decoction,
• flower infusion,
• root wine,
• flower wine,
• fresh leaf and root juice,
• any fresh lettuce.

See also the article: dandelion syrup [PRZEPIS]. Dandelion Harvest Time. Where, how and what to collect?

Herb mixtures with dandelion

Dandelion root is a component of herbal mixtures: Adiposina, Hepatina, Diabetina, Pancreaflos, Digesflos, Cholagoga II, Fito Mix XI, XII, XIII, Diabetosan, Normosan, Neonormosan, Degrosan, Pulmosan, Taraxaflos Tea. Root extract, in turn, is a component of Gastrochol, Cholesol, Nieron, Cholagogum preparations.

Contraindications for dandelion

There are some contraindications to therapy with this herb. It should not be used by people with ulcer problems as dandelion increases the amount of gastric juices. It also happens that using dandelion can provoke an allergy, which is manifested by a small rash on the skin.

Dandelion poisoning – first aid

Spurge and their actual characteristics. Finally, we will debunk the myth about the harmfulness and toxicity of field spurge. This plant is not poisonous to humans or animals. The myth surrounding its alleged toxicity stems from the fact that it is a nitrogen-storing plant that, in extremely nitrogen-rich soils, caused nitrogen poisoning in animals (particularly cattle) whose diets were unchanged and based solely on spurge. First aid is not required if you eat milkweed or taste its milk.

Text and photo: Roman Szymański
(Ed.: JS)

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No-Boil Dandelion Syrup ie Homemade Healthy Cold Syrup [PRZEPIS]

dandelionsyrup [PRZEPIS]. Dandelion Harvest Time. Where, how and what to collect?

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