Holland and Barrett Dandelion Root

Dandelion is often seen as an annoying weed that infests our gardens. However, the plant with the beautiful golden petals is not a weed at all, but an herb with medicinal qualities that has been used for thousands of years in medical treatments and is rich in potassium and vitamin A (beta carotene).

This week we look at Holland and Barretts ‘Dandelion Root’ and examine the many claimed advantages

Health Benefits of Dandelion

Weight Loss - Our urine contains up to 4% of fats. So, more we urinate, more water and fats are lost from the body. Dandelion, being diuretic in nature, promotes urinating and thereby helping lose weight without side effects.

Liver Disorders - Dandelion can help liver in many ways. While its anti oxidants such as vitamin-C and Luteolin keeps it functioning in full gear and protect it from aging, other compounds in it help treating hemorrhage in liver, maintaining proper flow of bile etc. It also stimulates liver and promotes digestion.

Gall Bladder Disorders - Dandelion is very beneficial for gall bladder and liver, as it improves their functioning, protects them from ill effects of oxidants and infections and regulates secretions from them.

Diabetes - Dandelion juice can help diabetic patients by stimulating production of insulin and thus helping to keep blood sugar level low. Since it diuretic in nature, it makes the diabetic patients urinate frequently which too helps remove the extra sugar from the body. Moreover, dandelion juice is slightly bitter to taste, which also effectively lowers sugar level in the blood, as all bitter substances do.

Urinary Disorders - Dandelion is highly diuretic in nature. In fact, its French name literally means “urinate in bed”. Thereby it helps clean deposits of toxic substances in the kidneys and the urinary system. Also, its disinfectant properties inhibit microbial growth in the urinary system.

Acne - Dandelion is a good detoxifier, diuretic, stimulant and anti oxidant. These four properties make it a good treatment for acne. Dandelion juice, being a stimulant, diuretic and detoxifier in nature, can help regulate proper secretion of hormones, increases sweating and widens up the pores facilitating removal of toxics through sweat and also through urine, as it is diuretic too.

High Blood Pressure - Urinating is an effective way of lowering blood pressure. In fact, most of the modern drugs for lowering blood pressure are based on this phenomenon. Dandelion juice, being diuretic in nature, increases urinating, both in quantity and frequency and thus helps lower high blood pressure. The fibre in dandelion is also helpful in reducing cholesterol and thereby assists lowering of blood pressure, since cholesterol is one of the factors which make blood pressure high. Then there is potassium, which is in plenty in dandelion juice and is very effective in lowering blood pressure by replacing sodium.

Our View

At around €8-10 for 100 capsules, roughly 50 days worth, this works out as very good value. Each capsule also contains a powerful 520mg of dandelion root meaning with over 1,000mg per day you’ll start benefitting straight away. We highly recommend not going over the daily dosage and as it is a herb it is definitely not suitable for those pregnant or breast-feeding