Description
This is a plant that grows perennial, usually measuring about 40 cm in height, approximately, its leaves are lanceolate with a central rib. It belongs to the so-called acaules plants, because its stem is extremely shortened and remain that way. Its flowers are golden yellow and its corollas in ligules finished in 5 small teeth tends to flower from spring to late summer. Aquenio or cipsela is the fruit that emanates from this plant.
Habitat
This plant of European origin, has spread across virtually all continents. It is usually found on roads, meadows or pastures. We can plant them in pots, although many times this plant is born and is considered a weed.
Applications
The use that has been given to this plant has been varied its active component Taraxacum is attributed anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, it also contains phenylpropanoids, triterpenoid saponins and polysaccharides. Let's see other uses that we can give to this plant:
In infusions:
-.This plant is depurative, it is used to purify the organism of toxic elements.
-.Actuates in the liver, kidney and gallbladder.
-.By its diuretic effect prevents the appearance of kidney stones.
-.It is used as a digestive tonic against constipation and alcohol hangover.
-.Improves the health of the eyes.
-.For its high content of iron (root) is very useful to treat anemia.
-.It is used in some places to treat diabetes, since it lowers blood sugar levels.
-.Although the leaves of this plant seem unreal, it contains a large amount of vitamin A, C, iron, which makes it richer in iron and calcium than spinach or other vegetables.
Un use that few know is that with this plant you can make coffee. This coffee-like beverage helps detoxify the body of toxins and free radicals that damage the body. To prepare the dandelion coffee you will need:
A considerable amount of roots, enough to fill a four-liter container. Clean the roots very well and leave them to soak for a few hours. Rinse them a couple more times so that the roots are even cleaner. Choose and separate the roots, removing and discarding the "hairs" and any damaged part. Cut the roots into slits about 2.5 cm long. Place them on an oven tray and let them dry at 110ºC for four hours, or until the roots get a dark brown color inside and out; grind the roots and prepare it as if it were a regular coffee in the French press, and keep the remaining roots in an airtight glass jar.
Topical use:
This plant is effective to clean impurities from the skin such as acne or hives, as it has a high content of inulin, mineral salts, phenolic acids and other substances that provide benefits in the skin.
Culinary use:
-.This plant can be consumed in salads in some countries of the Mediterranean is appreciated a purifying spring salad made only with the leaves of dandelion.
-.The petals of the flowers help to give flavor and color to certain types of mixed salads.
-.The buttons of the flowers are very appreciated when preparing with olive oil.
-.The tender shoots can be consumed naturally or with extra virgin olive oil sautéed in a pan with garlic.
If you are allergic or present a health problem remember to talk with your doctor.