Dandelion Root Organic ~ Taraxacum officinale There are over 250 species of Dandelion on record growing in the British Isles alone. The dandelion family was first mentioned in China in the Tang Materia Medica back in the 7thcentury. In the 11th century, the Arabian physician, Avicenna, cited the dandelion as a plant that could gradually restore health. Dandelion root is the traditional partner to burdock in the classic botanical drink ‘dandelion & burdock’. The root has been used to make dandelion root beer; they can also be used to obtain a magenta-brown dye dependant on the type of mordant used. The root is also used to make a caffeine-free ‘coffee’ substitute. Dandelion Root Benefits Reduces Cholesterol High cholesterol is one of the major contributors to coronary heart disease. This waxy substance can build up in the blood vessels, causing arteries to become hardened and narrow and making it harder for blood to flow through. Changing your diet is one of the easiest ways to prevent high cholesterol. Along with limiting your intake of ultra-processed foods, including more whole foods like fruits and vegetables can help lower cholesterol. Dandelion root has also been shown to reduce cholesterol levels. In one study, rabbits were fed a high-cholesterol diet and supplemented with dandelion root. Dandelion led to a reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and bad LDL cholesterol as well as an increase in beneficial HDL cholesterol. When combined with regular physical activity and a healthy diet, including a serving of dandelion root in your day could help keep your heart healthy and ward off heart disease.
