Do You Have To Cook Dandelion For Dogs Or Eat Raw

[Updated July nineteen, 2022]

MEDICINAL DANDELION OVERVIEW

– Utilise dandelion as an offshoot to your dog'south fresh, wholesome, nutritious diet for best consequence.

– Grow your own dandelion, and try it yourself!

– If a veterinary has prescribed a pharmaceutical diuretic for your dog, inquire her most slowly replacing the drug with dandelion, under her supervision.

At that place is no such affair as a stand-alone herb that serves every purpose; each herb in my medicine chest serves as an integral part of an interdependent health intendance organisation. Withal, there is a single herb that persists and flourishes in my memory, just as it does in the fields and gardens where it lives.

I'm not speaking of a rare plant, harvested nether the supervision of an aboriginal medicine homo from the primordial rainforests of Southward America. Nor is my favorite herb meticulously farmed in high-tech greenhouses under the scrutiny of horticultural experts. Much to the contrary. The herb I'm talking well-nigh is a common, and often-hated weed: Taraxacum officinale, the apprehensive but lovable dandelion.

Dandelion offers a broad spectrum of medicinal and nutritional applications that can be freely accessed and safely employed by anyone. Contained within its leaves, roots, and flowers is a myriad of medicinal actions: diuretic, diaphoretic, cholagogue, alterative, astringent, antimicrobial, analgesic, immunostimulant, and nutritive, only to name a few.

Dandelion's Long Use in Medicine

A native of Eurasia, dandelion's use equally medicine dates back thousands of years. It was introduced into North America by the earliest of European settlers, who revered dandelion as a "cure-all" tonic that could be propagated quickly and hands to aid heal and prevent virtually everything from scurvy to cancer. Non long after its introduction into the New World, knowledge of dandelion'south healing attributes spread throughout many of the Native American nations, and soon the persistent yellow flowers were blooming from coast to declension.

Dandelion became known past physicians as "the official remedy for disorders," and was incorporated into the U.S. Pharmacopoeia as a wide spectrum tonic and diuretic medicine in 1831. There it remained equally an important office of the American pharmacy for nearly 100 years – but eventually, like so many other medicinal plants, dandelion's mainstream spotlight began to dim with the nascence of allopathic "miracle drugs." Dandelion the wonder herb soon became only another darned weed.

Although it's largely lost to conventional Western medicine, dandelion remains popular in herbal preparations throughout the globe, especially in Europe and Asia. Despite the fact that it's more versatile than many trendy herbs, dandelion remains relatively obscure in the modernistic marketplace, perhaps by virtue of its weedy abundance.

Instead of embracing dandelion as a healing marry, lodge'southward commonage awareness remains centered on a futile urge to eradicate it, and today dandelion's greatest contribution to the American economic system remains in the sale of herbicide intended to impale information technology. Information technology's not being marketed as an "herbal awareness" – subsequently all, why would an herb company spend an advertising fortune to promote a establish that grows from cracks in the sidewalk? Regardless of market entreatment, dandelion is i of the first herbs to consider when choosing remedies for your herb cabinet, especially if you intend to gather and process your own medicines.

Dandelion equally a Nutritive

To begin an accurate assessment of dandelion's deep-reaching medicinal attributes, we must first put healing into a whole torso perspective.

All higher organisms maintain vital body functions within tightly knit parameters of systemic cooperation. A precise and balanced relationship between diet and elimination of waste is a critical part of this cooperation, and if a systemic backlog or deficiency occurs that the body cannot correct through emptying, supplementation, or immune system intervention, it will try to recoup by shutting downwardly a system or storing waste materials wherever information technology tin. In other words, a state of "dis-ease" results.

Enter dandelion, i of the almost complete plant foods on earth. A 1 loving cup serving of fresh dandelion greens will provide every bit much as 2000 IUs of vitamin A (one½ times the RDA for an adult human); twenty percent poly peptide (double of what spinach provides); vitamins C, One thousand, D, and B-complex; iron; manganese; phosphorus; and many other trace minerals. It'due south also a rich source of potassium, which I'll discuss more than below.

All of these vital nutrients are conveniently contained inside a single source, in quantities that the trunk tin fully blot. This means that dandelion volition gently supplement the diet without overworking the liver and kidneys with backlog vitamins and minerals (this is often signified by dark urine), a problem that sometimes occurs with the employ of high-dose vitamin supplements.

Dandelion as a Bitter Tonic

Dandelion leaves besides possess what herbalists call a "bitter tonic" principle. Bitter tonics accept been well-known for centuries in Europe and Asia, where dandelion and other bitter greens are commonly consumed before a repast to stimulate the secretion of digestive juices (this is how the dinner salad was born). The idea is to "warm upward" digestive metabolism before we ask the digestive system to go to work. When a modest amount of a bitter herb is taken into the rima oris, a sudden increase of salivation occurs. Meanwhile, equally the bitter herb reaches the stomach, bile and other digestive agents are triggered into production. This results in less indigestion, better absorption of nutrients, and increased ambition.

The bitter principle is no secret to animals. If you have an opportunity to sentry a deer as information technology begins its solar day of feeding, you will likely see it nibble at a few bitter plants before turning to the forage it prefers. Even many domesticated dogs and cats nibble bitters when afforded the opportunity.

Bitters are specially useful in animals who have a chronic problem with indigestion. If your companion has frequent gas and/or passes food that does not announced digested, go him to chew a fresh dandelion leaf, or apply a few drops of dandelion tincture (the type made with glycerin are well-nigh palatable) onto his tongue.

Dandelion as a Diuretic

Dandelion is a safety but powerful diuretic and liver stimulant. Diuretics promote urine elimination; normal urination is disquisitional to health. The efficiency of diuresis (the elimination of backlog water and systemic waste) tin can mean the difference between life and death. Congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema, arthritis, gall bladder affliction, kidney stone – these are all imbalances resulting from the body's inability to eliminate water and/or accumulated excesses.

In conventional veterinary practices, drugs such as furosemide (widely known under the brand proper noun "Lasix") are ofttimes used to pull excess fluid from the torso and thus promote the elimination of accumulated waste material materials. Pharmaceutical diuretics are fast-acting, like shooting fish in a barrel to administer, and very effective, but they tend not to discriminate between what the torso needs to keep and what it needs to lose. As a result of pharmaceutical diuretic therapy, the body ofttimes loses too much potassium – a crucial centre and brain chemical – through the urinary tract. In this issue, potassium must be supplemented throughout the therapy.

Dandelion leafage, in dissimilarity, contains its ain rich source of fully assimilable potassium, which helps to replace what would otherwise be lost through urination.

Many contemporary herbalists (including medical researchers, physicians, and veterinarians) claim that when used equally a strong tea, dandelion may be as effective as furosemide. And, unlike many other herbal diuretics that work largely by acid-induced kidney irritation, dandelion is very gentle and soothing to the kidneys.

The tradeoff is ease of assistants and the fourth dimension it may take for dandelion to offset working. While furosemide can be administered in a little pill, a dandelion therapy involves getting your canis familiaris to drink warm tea or take a tincture extract (over again, the aforementioned broth method works nicely).

NOTE: If your dog receives conventional pharmaceutical diuretic therapy, see a holistic veterinarian before seeking the dandelion alternative. But on the other hand, in that location's no reason why your animal can't do good from dandelion'due south replacement of potassium while eating it on his meals.

Dandelion is a Liver Tonic, As well

While dandelion's leaves are very nutritive and diuretic, the root possesses its ain usefulness as a safe, reliable liver tonic. The liver is the chief filtering organ of the trunk, responsible for removing toxins and excesses from the blood for emptying via the kidneys.

The liver as well plays critical roles in digestion through its production of bile, bilirubin, and various enzymes. If bile ducts in the liver or gall bladder become congested, blocked, or otherwise diseased to the indicate of dysfunction, the body will invariably suffer 1 or more toxicity-related imbalances. Such imbalances may be characterized by symptoms such as jaundice, rheumatoid weather, eczema, dandruff, or chronic constipation. And while dandelion leaf tea or tincture may help relieve the symptoms of such conditions through a nutritive/diuretic activeness, the root will work closer to the underlying causes.

Dandelion root has a proven ability to stimulate bile product and circulation throughout the liver. In one report involving dogs (bear in mind that I strongly oppose creature testing), researchers observed a iii to four times increase in bile production after assistants of dandelion root.

The gallbladder (which stores bile from the liver) is besides stimulated, causing this modest, hollow organ to contract and release bile into the digestive tract, thus aiding in digestion and acting every bit a gentle laxative to promote the elimination of solid waste material. And in clinical studies using an over-the-counter preparation of the root, dandelion was shown to be constructive in treating inflammatory diseases of the liver and gallbladder, including gallstones.

(Simply please remember: Most of these conditions are preventable, and improper nutrition is often the underlying crusade. Although dandelion has been used successfully in the treatment of liver illness, it is all-time used at the onset of such conditions; and when adjustments to diet, surround, and the reduction of introduced toxins remains the primary course of therapeutic action. If your animal is in an advanced stage of liver or kidney disease, see your holistic veterinary for guidance.)

Dandelion for Diabetes

The autumn-harvested root of dandelion is known to comprise up to 40 percent inulin, a concentrated dietary fiber that is comprised chiefly of the carbohydrate (sugar) fructose. Inulin is easily assimilated by diabetics, and at that place is aplenty evidence to suggest it possesses insulin-like properties that may serve, at least to a limited degree, as an insulin substitute in insulin-dependent diabetic people and their animals.

Additionally, the fructose probable helps to maintain blood saccharide levels, while the liver stimulating/diuretic actions of the root improves kidney office and the absorption of needed nutrients. Many herbalists also believe that dandelion root strengthens pancreatic role; an action that may prove very benign in the maintenance of diabetic animals.

More than Ways to Use Dandelion

Although not every bit powerful as goldenseal, dandelion does possess mild infection-fighting qualities and can be used as a gentle, soothing astringent/disinfectant wash. Different goldenseal, dandelion isn't being wiped out in the wild past market demands. A weak decoction (a simmered tea) of dandelion leaves can be diluted in sterile saline (available in the eye intendance portion of your drugstore) and used as soothing eyewash for conjunctivitis and full general eye irritations. Use ¼ teaspoon of the decoction diluted in one ounce of saline; a few drops in the eyes daily should bring relief. The solution volition only proceed for a few days, so mix it upward sparingly.

The roots likewise have balmy immunostimulant qualities – certainly not that of echinacea, only useful as the slight push to the immune organization nonetheless. What dandelion lacks in the car-allowed department it makes up for in the form of powerful nutritive qualities. A well-fed body stands potent against infection.

The flowers of dandelion are known by herbalists to be high in lecithin and to have weak but useful analgesic qualities as well.

Identifying and Gathering Dandelion

Dandelion is oft confused – fifty-fifty by experienced herbalists – with several other species of the sunflower family. And although nosotros may detest to admit it, many of usa have been fooled into using 1 of the wait-alikes. The primary consideration to bear in heed when identifying Taraxacum officinale or whatsoever of its hundreds of variations is this: Dandelion has no branching characteristics, but instead grows in a rosette mode, directly off of its taproot. And dandelion never has spines on its midrib, as does Lactuca serriola ("Prickly Lettuce"), which otherwise looks very similar when young. Although dandelion'due south impostors likely won't harm y'all, they won't offer you dandelion'due south benefits, either.

Gather dandelion greens in early on bound for apply in salads; they get bitter with age. Leaves intended for herbal teas and medicines can be gathered anytime, provided it is done in dry weather. Moisture dandelions tend to develop mold while they are drying, so don't wash them after picking! Shake them off and dry out them on newspapers in a well-ventilated surface area, away from lite. Then stir them frequently to prevent molding and store them in Zip-Loc bags but later they are completely, crispy dry out. Gather the roots as late in fall as possible; this is when they contain the greatest concentration of beneficial constituents. Chop them up (I use a nutrient processor), then spread them onto paper and dry with the aforementioned consideration you gave to the leaves.

If you wish to propagate dandelion (no, I'yard not insane!), give them deep humus-rich soil, full dominicus, and be moderate with the h2o if you intend to apply them for medicinal purposes. If tabular array fare is your goal, give them lots of water and at least partial shade; this volition produce larger, less bitter, tender leaves (but pocket-sized roots). And you lot need not be a "cupboard" dandelion grower; organically farmed dandelion greens are showing up in wellness nutrient markets and on gourmet menus everywhere. And they often sell for $three or more than per pound!

How to Use Dandelion

The start and foremost consideration in using dandelion as food or medicine is the cleanliness of the plants. Always make certain that the greens you feed have never been sprayed with herbicide. If they have, don't try washing them; move on to another patch – you lot won't have problem finding more than!

Aside from locating a clean source, supplementing your dog's diet with dandelion is as simple as aging the dried greens onto his food. If that doesn't piece of work, or if you demand to get nutrients into your animal more quickly, attempt making a leaf tea using organic, unsalted vegetable or meat broth in place of plain water. Plan on feeding your dog about a teaspoon of the dried herb for each 20 pounds of his body weight each day. If your companion is sensitive to changes in diet, and then start him off with a piddling at a time.

When feeding dandelions to your dog, don't forget yourself; stale dandelion greens can exist used in place of parsley flakes, and the young fresh greens add together a delicious biting dissimilarity to tossed salads. Try them with lemon.

A Safe Holistic Starting Point

Dandelion is "generally regarded equally safe" by the FDA, and aside from whatsoever plant allergies, no toxicity or contraindications have been noted relative to its reasonable use.

All of what dandelion offers us plays directly into the entire scheme of what herbal medicines do best. Dandelion does not override the body'south functions, it gently assists them. When nosotros use dandelion, we are not approaching the problems of diet and healing from a symptomatic approach (such every bit when we use dandruff shampoo for a symptom of liver dysfunction); nosotros are addressing the whole trunk and what information technology needs to finer heal itself. In brusk, dandelion is a very proficient whole body tonic.

In holistic healing, the first and foremost goal is to reestablish a state of harmonious balance within the body. To do this, everything must function as smoothly as possible. If the torso is preoccupied with its duties to a congested liver, overworked kidneys, and a chock-full, inefficient digestive tract, it cannot delegate enough healing energy elsewhere. Dandelion tin assistance residue the body'south attention to these tasks. This constitute is a persistent and forgiving ally that remains everywhere for united states and our animal companions, only waiting to re-emerge equally the guardian angel information technology truly is, despite everything we throw at it.

Greg Tilford serves as a consultant and formulator to hundreds of holistic veterinarians throughout the globe, and is CEO of Fauna'southward Apawthecary, a company that develops herbal products specifically for use in animals.