Dandelion Root Extract

Dandelion is a herbaceous plant, whose binomial name is Taraxacum officinale. The leaves of the plant are somewhat jagged. Due to this appearance, the plant is known as dandelion, which means lion's teeth. The plant is perennial in nature, and its population is dominant in the temperate regions of the world.

This species is considered to be a weed, that usually grows on roadsides, lawns, and places where all kinds of unwanted plants or weeds grow. Most people know dandelion to be a cosmopolitan weed, but very few are aware of its healing properties.

The benefits of the extract include:

• Dandelion root helps reduce hypertension, and improves blood circulation. Being rich in sodium, it helps in maintaining the levels of electrolytes in the blood.

• The root also aids in bringing down the cholesterol levels in the blood, and the levels of uric acid.
• It also helps in the treatment of liver disorders. It stimulates the liver detoxification process in the body. It even helps in cleansing the bladder.

• The extract is also believed to help slow down the progression of breast cancer, as well as prostate cancer.
• The extract serves as a mild and natural diuretic, due to the presence of potassium. It is a better option than taking OTC diuretics, which have the tendency to cause various side effects.

• The use of this extract stimulates the liver to produce more bile, which in turn, helps improve the function of the organ. For the same reason, it helps reduce the risk of developing cirrhosis, hepatitis, and toxicity.

• Since the extract enhances the production of bile, it improves the process of fat metabolism. In this way, dandelion might also help facilitate weight loss.
• The extract has anti-inflammatory properties, which is why, its use may provide great relief to people with rheumatoid arthritis.
• The use of root extract might also help alleviate the symptoms of pneumonia, bronchitis, osteoporosis, anemia, tumors, boils, ulcers, itching, dental problems, and even obesity to some extent.

Here are some easy tips that you can follow to make the extract yourself at home.

• Get hold of the roots (at least about 4 oz.).
• Get rid of any dust, stones, pebbles, or insects from the roots.

• Get your hands on a knife and a cutting board. Slice off the roots to ¼ inch.
• Get a bowl and fill it with 2 qt. of water. Place the sliced roots in it and bring the water to a boil. Let it boil till the water reduces to 1 qt.
• Thereafter, strain the water with the help of a cheesecloth, and reserve.

• Now get another quart of water and place the roots in it, and boil again. Let it boil until the water is reduced to a pint. Strain and reserve the liquid.
• Mix the reserved liquids, and boil it for the last time, keeping the pan covered.
• Let the mixture boil until it is down to 2 oz. This might take some time.
• Allow the 2 oz. liquid to cool down. The root extract is ready.

To conclude, pour the extract in a dark stopper bottle. You can add vegetable glycerin in order to keep the liquid from getting spoiled.