Dandelion the best natural sources of potassium

dandelion 2232626 960 720Dandelion the best natural sources of potassium

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

I would like to introduce one of my favourite herb: dandelion. Don’t weed out your dandelions, embrace them 🙂

Constituents: Glycosides, triterpenoids, choline, up to 5% potassium.

Actions: Diuretic, cholagogue, anti-rheumatic, laxative, tonic.

Dandelion is a very powerful diuretic, its action comparable to that of the drug “Frusemide”.

The usual effect of a drug stimulating the kidney function is a loss of vital potassium from the body, which aggravates any cardio-vascular problem present. Patients which take Frusemide, also are monitored for Potassium level, and if the level drops under normal range, Potassium is administrated, to replace what was lost.

A moderate potassium deficiency can increase your blood pressure, lead to salt sensitivity, increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and reduce the health of your bones. In addition to heart arrhythmias, excessively low potassium levels — a condition called hypokalemia — can cause glucose intolerance, weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps and stomach problems. In some cases, heart arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, can be fatal and lead to sudden death.  When the heart does not beat properly, it cannot effectively pump blood to the brain, organs and muscles.

Potassium is well absorbed from the small intestine, with about 90 percent absorption, but is one of the most soluble minerals, so it is easily lost in cooking and processing foods.

On the other hand, with Dandelion, we have one of the best natural sources of potassium. It thus makes an ideally balanced diuretic that may be used safely wherever such an action is needed, including in cases of water retention due to heart problems.

As a cholagogue it may be used in inflammation and congestion of liver and gall bladder. It is specific cases of congestive jaundice. As part of a wider treatment for muscular rheumatism it can be most effective. This herb is a most valuable  general tonic and perhaps the best widely applicable diuretic and liver tonic.

The whole plant is bitter, particularly the root which has digestive stimulating properties. This action can be harnessed in a decoction to encourage bowel movements ( bile being a natural laxative) and is safe and effective even for children.

SUMMARY: Dandelion aids the liver and kidneys to clear bodily wastes, it is a go to herb for those suffering from chronic skin and joints problems, including acne and eczema, arthritis and rheumatism.

 

20171022 130903Homemade  dandelion and carrot soap: dandelion infused olive oil, carrot pulp, turmeric,  shea butter, coconut oil, palm oil. No flagrance. Anti-allergic, anti-fungal, antimicrobial.

Properties of the carrot and dandelion soap combine to make this a great soap for fighting acne, ageing, and is extra moisturising. Beta carotene, a precursor to active vitamin A is critical for healing any type of wound. Dandelion Rich in Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorous, these are all minerals which are required for healthy skin function. The natural anti-fungal content and the high alkaline levels, help fight off infection in the skin tissues, which can be useful for eczema and the bacteria which promotes acne. The anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties help to keep the skin clean and safe.

 

Madelena

herbal medicine

nutrition and weight management

MLD therapiest
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Madelena Tapliga
Madelena Tapliga

MSc Clinical Nutritionist, accredited Nutritionist of UK from Association for Nutrition (AfN)
Clinical Lead
Herbal Medicine
MLD therapy My specialities: Malnutrition (diet advice weight gain), Weight management, bariatric surgery recovery and lifestyle advices, recovery post surgery, gastrointestinal and colorectal health, type2 diabetes, food sensitivities, food intolerances, skin health, family and meal planning, nutrient deficiencies, thyroid disorders, IBO, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Hypochlorhydria (low acid gastric), Immune system, Arthritis, vgetarian and vegan diets, mindfulness eating, stress management, recipe developer, personalised nutrition. Intermittent Fasting, evidence based nutrition, sounds therapy, manual lymphatic drainage .

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