Benefits Of Dandelion ( Dudhal/Handri/Dudhi) Taraxacum officinale

            

         Dandelion is actually drived from a french phrase, dent de lion, which meant tooth of lion, because of the shape of the sharp leaves of the plant, in fact, these types of leaves are called toothed leaves. It is very common in my village Bandrai. This plant is seen everywhere in the village.

              It is perennial plant can grow 15 to 25 cm high and has sharp tooth-like leaves, the yellow flower blooms in the spring season, opening at day after the flower matures the plant forms a puffball of seeds that dispersed by wind or by children playing (Budha-Budhi foo)

folk healers have long prescribed dandelion roots for liver and digestive problems. This herb is useful for a wide range of disorder. It is mainly used to control, liver disorders, diabetes, urinary disorders, acne, jaundice and anemia Its milk is useful in treating skin diseases which are caused by microbial and fungal infections. It also helps in maintaining bone health, skin care, and weight loss Its roots acts as mild laxative, so a tea made from it may provide a gentle remedy from constipation.The Japanese have patented a freeze-dried extract of dandelion root to combat tumors and the Chinese are using dandelion extracts to help fight breast cancer.

           Dandelion is a very rich source of beta-carotene. This flowering plant is also rich in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus, B complex vitamins, trace minerals, organic sodium, and even some vitamin D too.

             Dandelions can also be used as a vegetable in kishtwar (j&k) called Handri ke sabzi or Handal. Dandelion leaves, flowers, and roots are all edible. They have a slightly bitter in flavor that can be minimized by harvesting them in spring. The young leaves are tenderer and less bitter, making a great addition to raw salads. Cooking dandelions cuts the bitter flavor of both the leaves and the roots.

              Dandelions are so healthy, they are sold in health food stores in the form of teas and capsules. I’m lucky that I live in an area where they grow in abundance, I get my natural medicine and health tonic for free just by pulling weeds…

Dandelion are not “weeds” they are” medicine”