Enhance Your Skincare Routine and Overall Wellness with Dandelion Plants 

Dandelion is a plant that is usually considered a troublesome yard weed, but for centuries, humans have used it in traditional medicine. The root of dandelion, along with its leaf and flower, can enhance the colour of your dish. In addition, they are frequently found in herbal teas and supplements, which are used as complementary medicine to help control blood sugar levels, improve skin, liver, and heart health.

This blog will delve more into the dandelion benefits that make it a useful ingredient in skincare. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects of dandelion, as it is with any natural remedy.

Dandelion Root Uses

Given below are a few of the many uses of dandelion root: 

1. Dandelion was considered a detoxifier, and its potential detoxifying properties may have been linked to promoting clearer skin and supporting overall skin health.
2. Dandelion has been used with other botanicals in herbal remedies or preparations to make topical ointments that support healthy skin.
3. Dandelion-infused products used to hydrate or nourish the skin may have been part of some traditional practices.
4. Dandelion roots, leaves and flowers were used for various purposes in herbal remedies, such as enhancing liver function, facilitating digestion, etc.
5. Some cultures consumed dandelion leaves as part of their diet, either raw in salads or cooked as greens. Dandelion root was occasionally roasted and used as a coffee substitute.
6. Dandelion extracts, oils or infusions were sometimes applied topically to the skin to relieve irritation, inflammation or minor skin issues. 

Dandelion Benefits

Generally, the dandelion root benefits remain unproven, and data on dandelion use is limited. Here’s what is known about dandelion benefits from the existing research:

1. Treating Obesity: Some research suggests that dandelion root benefits may treat obesity, which is one of the main contributing factors to diabetes.
2. Reducing High Cholesterol: Research suggests that dandelion extract may offer benefits in lowering cholesterol and improving liver function.
3. Preventing Chronic Liver Disease: In traditional medicine, dandelion has been used to promote liver health and remains a common use.
4. Reducing High Blood Pressure: Dandelions can act as a diuretic, meaning that they can cause you to urinate (pee). This may be beneficial in treating hypertension (high blood pressure) and, in turn, reducing the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).
5. Preventing Heart Disease: By replicating the action of diuretic drugs, some experts hypothesise that compounds in dandelion can actively fight or prevent heart conditions like atherosclerosis, heart valve disease, and heart failure.
6. Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis: Taraxasterol in dandelions is likely to reduce inflammation and protect against the long-term damage caused by RA.
7. Preventing and Treating Cancer: Some researchers suggest that dandelion compounds may protect against cancer. Several studies have shown that exposing different cancer cells to an alcohol-based dandelion extract has a cytotoxic (cell-killing) effect similar to chemotherapy—but without chemotherapy side effects.
8. Keeping Skin Healthy: Several studies suggest that dandelion root benefits skin health. Among them is a lab study using chicken embryos that found that the compounds in dandelion might help heal skin damaged by harmful UVB rays.
9. Promoting Digestive Health: Some studies suggest a role for dandelion products in aiding digestion. Dandelions contain prebiotic fibres known to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria and inulin, with similar effects.
10. Boosting Milk Production: Some people consider dandelions a galactagogue that can help people who are nursing babies boost their milk production.
11. Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Dandelions contain substances that are thought to counter chicoric acid, chlorogenic acid, sesquiterpene lactones, and, most especially, taraxasterol which can control Type 2 Diabetes.

Testing and consultation with a dermatologist or skincare specialist are recommended, especially for those with sensitive skin or specific skin conditions. 

Possible Dandelion Side Effects

Given below are a few possible dandelion side effects one can have after consuming it: 

1. Over Dosage

Dandelion is generally considered safe and well-tolerated if consumed in moderation. The overconsumption of dandelion or dandelion supplements can cause gastrointestinal side effects like:

• Heartburn
• Diarrhoea
• Upset stomach

2. Reaction with Diseases

If you have irritable bowel disease (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other chronic gastrointestinal disorders, be cautious while using dandelion.

3. Risk of Allergy

On rare occasions, dandelions have been known to cause an allergic reaction, including a potentially life-threatening allergy known as anaphylaxis. The risk of this is greater in people with allergies to plants.

4. Interaction with other Medications

Dandelions can interact with certain drugs and affect how they are absorbed or cleared by the body. Take advice from your healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following before starting a dandelion supplement.

Conclusion

The use of dandelion root is common in alternative medicine. Dandelion benefits from its leaves, flowers, and roots are under study for its use as antioxidants, anti-cancer agents, for their antibacterial properties, and more. There are no guidelines for the appropriate use of dandelion supplements. Generally, stay within the recommended dosage on the product label. If you experience side effects of any sort, stop taking the supplement and call your healthcare provider.