Dandelion Anti-Cancer

Other common names: Blowball, Cankerwort, Lion’s tooth, Priest’s crown, Puffball, Swine snout, White endive,Wild endive

Dandelion can assist in a holistic cancer treatment. Dandelion will not cure cancer alone but in combination with other herbs, juices and therapies, dandelion will boost cancer treatment effectiveness.

Dandelions are highly nutritious and contain several vitamins and minerals to promote well-being. Dandelion leaves contains more beta-carotene than carrots, which is important for improving a person’s ability to see in dim light. The leaves contain iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc, as well as vitamins B-1, B-2, B-5, B-6, B-12, C, D, E, and P.

Dandelions are edible and a rich source of vitamin A. It has also been used as a Chinese medicine to treat inflammation and infection. It is being studied for use in the treatment of liver disease, cancer and Alzheimer disease. Dandelions are regarded as one of the very best herbs known for gall bladder, spleen and liver complaints, and one of the safest and most active plant diuretics.

Dandelion Nutritional Benefits

According to the University of Maryland’s Medical Center in its online article, “Dandelion,” dandelion roots are used today mainly for liver and gallbladder function, as an appetite stimulant and a digestive aid. However, here are other healing benefits of dandelion.

Dandelion and Cancer

The root of the dandelion contains beneficial sources of vitamins A, C and D as well as B-complex. The root also contains the minerals zinc, iron and potassium. When eaten as a food, dandelion root offers a high antioxidant value to the diet which, according to the National Cancer Institute, studies show can be effective in preventing cancer and fighting tumors.

Preliminary research suggests that dandelion may show promise as an anti-cancer agent. In a 2008 study on breast and prostate cancer cells, researchers found that dandelion leaf extract slowed the growth of breast cancer cells and stopped the spread of prostate cancer cells. However, neither dandelion flower extract nor dandelion root extract had any effect on either type of cancer cell.

Antioxidants in Dandelion

In a 2003 study, scientists found that dandelion flower extract may fight free radicals (chemical by-products known to damage DNA). Dandelion herb contains a generous store of antioxidants & so may help prevent cancers which require an oxidized environment.

Treating Anemia

It is beneficial for building red blood cells in the body to treat anemia because of the high content of iron in dandelion root.

Dandelion and Diabetes

Dandelion root has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in patients. In Europe, it’s used to treat diabetes. Tests on diabetic mice show that dandelion extract may help regulate blood sugar and keep cholesterol in check. Of course, animal studies don’t confirm similar efficacy in humans.

Detoxification of Vital Organs

Because of the diuretic abilities of dandelion root, it is beneficial for flushing out the liver, kidneys and gallbladder. This also makes it a good herb for fighting infections. Dandelion could help prevent gallstones. That is because it stimulates bile which is needed to digest fats. Dandelion’s ability to stimulate bile and relieve constipation & stomach ache make it ideal for alleviating hangover. This also suggests that dandelion is helpful against liver disease including cirrhosis, hepatitis & toxicity. Dandelion root, when made into a tea, is beneficial for relieving constipation, flatulence and fullness.

One of the general benefits of dandelion herb includes its diuretic (rids body of water) effects has several benefits. It helps relieve bloating associated with PMS. It relieves hypertension similar to the effects of many prescription medications.

Its diuretic effects also improves congestive heart failure. Helping to eliminate water also reduces weight but those effects may be short-lived. Dandelion root is a natural diuretic. When combined with its high potassium content, it is an effective treatment to lower blood pressure.

Dandelion as mood enhancer: Due to the high amount of vitamin B-complex, dandelion root can help to stabilize mood and treat depression.

Dandelion root is used for arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout. Ongoing studies are working to link the benefits of dandelion root to treatment of cancer and as a medicine for lowering cholesterol.

Dandelion is also chock full of lecithin & choline. These two nutrients improve brain functioning & may prevent Alzheimer’s.

Another of the general benefits of dandelion include its action against bacterial infections. Dandelion may also help prevent such infections including yeast infections. Its dis-infective properties also work against pneumonia, bronchitis & other bronchial infections. Its diuretic properties also help the body get rid of infections via urine explaining why dandelion may help with bladder/ urinary tract infections.

Consuming dandelion herb or supplements may also help your body fight bacteria that are associated with acne. Dandelion’s infection fighting abilities also work against infections linked to eczema.

Pregnant and post-menopausal women can gain the benefit of all these nutrients detailed above by taking dandelion extract, and it also has a diuretic effect. Although mild, this can help to remove excess water from the body, and helps to reduce blood pressure and the effects of heart problems. LDL cholesterol levels can be reduced by virtue of its anti-oxidant properties, and can help to resolve minor digestive complaints.

Breastfeeding can lead to inflammation of the nipples, a painful problem termed mastitis. Boiling an ounce of dandelion root in 2 cups of water until only 1 cup remains & compressing the liquid on the nipples relieves mastitis. Applying the milky dandelion substance that comes out of leaves & stems to warts may banish them. Apply daily for one week.

All parts of the dandelion–flower, leaves and roots–are used for medicinal and nutritional purposes. In Europe, the leaves of the dandelion are eaten in salads, sandwiches or other ways that greens are eaten for their nutritional value. The leaves are best when harvested in the spring; roots are most functional if harvested in the fall. Dandelion roots are dark brown, fleshy and brittle and filled with a milky substance that is bitter to the taste with a slight odor.

Using Dandelion Root, Leaves, Supplements

• Dandelion leaves can be eaten fresh, in salads or lightly cooked in stir frys. If eating leaves, choose only young leaves a solder ones are very bitter.
• For more serious disorders such as PMS, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, take dandelion as a tea or tincture. As a tea, steep for 10 minutes & drink 2 – 3 cups a day.
• Dandelion root benefits can be realized by simmering 2 tsps of powdered root per cup. Strain & enjoy.
• As a tincture, take 3 – 6 tsps daily in divided doses.
  For yeast infections, simply add a bunch of dried leaves & flowers to bath water.

Dandelions Properties & Uses

• Aperient : a mild laxative used to stimulate the bowels.
• Cholagogue: a substance which increase the flow of bile to the intestines.
• Diuretic: Diuretics form a class of drugs which increase the volume of urine produced by the kidneys. It can be used effectively to treat mild cases of edema when kidney function is good and when the underlying abnormality of cardiac function, capillary pressure, or salt retention is being corrected simultaneously. Diuretics are not an appropriate treatment for edema caused by inflammation of the kidneys, and are useless in cardiac edema associated with advanced kidney insufficiency. There are a variety of diuretics with different modes of action. Among the diuretics are spironolactones, triamterene, and theobromine.

  The diuretic property of dandelion has also been observed in several studies. This property may be attributable in part to the presence of potash. In one study a fluid extract of the plant decreased body weight in a month by 30%.

• Laxative: an agent which acts to loosen the bowels; it is therefore used to threat constipation. Laxatives may act by increasing peristalsis by irritating the intestinal mucosa, lubricating the intestinal walls, softening the bowel contents by increasing the amount of water in the intestines, and increasing the bulk of the bowel content. Dandelion root is also a mild laxative and is used to help with regularity.
• Stomachic: a substance which excites, strengthens, and tones the stomach.
• Tonic: an agent which strengthens or tones.

Dandelion Effective Herbal Treatment

Dandelion Tonic: Cancer, Liver, Kidney

Dandelion goes into a revered mix for cleansing the kidneys, liver and for cancer treatment.
To prepare:

• Take enough dandelion leaves to hold in the ring of thumb and finger, 8 good sized leaves of comfrey, 10 marshmallow leaves (violet or peach leaves can be substituted) 1 large cup full of alfalfa leaves.
  Place in a blender with two 850g cans of unsweetened pineapple juice and blend.
• Keep in non-airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Take 225ml (1cup) morning and evening, chewing before swallowing.
• Take for 5 weeks; and during this time, take any amount of diluted dark grape juice.

Dandelion Tea Recipe

• Six dandelion leaves should be used for one cup of tea. The leaves should be torn into strips first, the mid vein removed and placed onto the bottom of the cup.
• Boiling fresh water should then be poured into the cup, and the tea should be left to stand for 5-10 minutes.
• After standing, the tea should be strained before drinking.
• For a sweeter tasting tea, add one teaspoon of honey.
• Unsweetened dandelion tea may be cooled and applied as a skin wash. The skin wash can be used on minor scars and inflammations.

Dandelion Sources

The leaves and roots of the dandelion, or the whole plant, are used fresh or dried in teas, capsules, or extracts. Capsules, root juice, power or liquid extract and tincture are available, as well as a tea form. Dandelion root is also available in a salve for skin irritations. Dandelion leaves are used in salads or as a cooked green, and the flowers are used to make wine.

Dandelion Dosage

There is no proven effective dose for dandelion in adults. However, doses of 2-8 grams of dried root taken by mouth in an infusion or decoction have been used.

Doses of 4-8 milliliters of a 1:1 leaf fluid extract in 25 percent alcohol have been used.
Doses of 1-2 teaspoons of a 1:5 root tincture in 45 percent alcohol have been used.

There is not enough scientific research to recommend dandelion for use in children in amounts greater than those found in food.

Dandelions Precaution

Dandelion use is generally considered safe. However, there have been rare reports of upset stomach and diarrhea, and some people are allergic to the plant. The most common reported adverse effects are skin allergy, eczema, and increased sun sensitivity following direct contact.

According to traditional accounts, gastrointestinal symptoms may occur, including stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and heartburn. People with an inflamed or infected gallbladder, or blocked bile ducts, should avoid using dandelion.

Parasitic infection due to ingestion of contaminated dandelion has been reported, affecting the liver and bile ducts, and characterized by fever, stomach upset, vomiting, loss of appetite, coughing, and liver damage.

Dandelion should be avoided by individuals with known allergy to honey, chamomile, chrysanthemums, yarrow, feverfew, or any members of the Asteraceae/Compositae plant families (ragweed, sunflower, daisies)

Dandelion Interactions

Dandelion may reduce the effects of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (Cipro®) due to reduced absorption of the drug. In theory, dandelion may reduce the absorption of other drugs taken at the same time.

Dandelion may lower blood sugar levels, although another study notes no changes. Although effects in humans are not known, caution is advised in patients taking prescription drugs that may also lower blood sugar levels. Those using oral drugs for diabetes or insulin should be monitored closely by a health care professional while using dandelion. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

Dandelion Safety

The only real hazard from consuming dandelion is that long term use of any diuretic can deplete needed stores of potassium. If taking dandelion, make sure to eat foods with high potassium content like bananas & vegetables.

Luckily dandelion contains some potassium making its use somewhat self-corrective.

Buy Dandelion Products Online

Here is a vendor of dandelion root products:
http://www.catefarm.com/

Dandelion Supplements
Healthy, Natural Supplements for Body & Mind

Search Google.com for the Dandelion products.

Dandelion Research Links

Dandelion Research
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/dandelion-000236.htm

Metformin and cancer: Doses, mechanisms and the dandelion and hormetic phenomena.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20305377