Nature's Way Dandelion Root

Natures Way Dandelion Root Details

The name of this root has been derived from the French word “dents du lion”, which literally means teeth of the lion. This name is very fitting because the shape of its leaf is like the “teeth of the lion”.

While they may be a gardner's worst enemy, dandelions can be one of your body's best friends. With potent "bitter" properties, dandelion root can help detoxify & optimize functioning of your liver & kidneys.

Natures Way Dandelion Root Highlights:

• Stimulates detoxification of the liver and kidneys
• Natural diuretic properties
• Stimulates bile production
• Helps to cleanse the urinary tract
• Convenient capsule form

Natures Way Dandelion Root? Isn't that a Weed?

It’s hard to believe that the “weed” that many of us try to prevent from making its home on our lawn is such an important medicinal herb.  Dandelion roots are used for digestive disorders because it stimulates the release of bile, which helps the body to digest fats.  It may also help to regulate cholesterol levels.  The release of bile also flushes the gallbladder and liver of processed toxins, making dandelion an excellent liver cleanser.

Dandelion roots and leaves have a bitter taste that stimulates the release of saliva and stomach acid, thus increasing appetite.  Dandelion leaves act as a potassium-sparing diuretic that compares favourably to some prescription diuretics in studies.  Dandelion leaf can be used to treat water retention such as retention that is due to PMS.  Dandelion leaf also flushes fluid through the kidneys and is a good herb for cleansing the urinary tract.  Dandelion has some antimicrobial properties that make it useful for infections like abscesses and boils.

Diet & Lifestyle Support for Healthy Liver Function  

Liver supportive foods include artichokes, black radish, beets, carrots, spinach, sauerkraut, tomatoes and watercress.  

• Make sure that you are getting enough water-soluble fibre in your diet, as found in apples, oats and supplemental inulin. They help to eliminate bile and toxins from the intestines.
•  Avoid sugar, alcohol, red meat, trans-fatty acids and processed foods.  They are difficult for the liver to process.  
• Avoid high doses of niacin and vitamin A because they can raise liver enzymes.
• Avoid excessive use of alcohol, medications and recreational drugs.  
• Exercise promotes liver health by increasing circulation.  
• It also stimulates the bowels to release processed toxins.  Slow bowel transit time allows toxins to re-circulate in the body and forces the liver to repeat its detoxifying activity.

Traditional Asian medicine identifies emotions as a contributing agent in many disease processes. The liver is affected by anger.  Anger reduction techniques, like biofeedback, or activities, such as yoga, can improve liver functioning.

Sometimes the liver’s pathways are not working up to speed or become blocked.  The back up of waste material makes it harder for the rest of the body to function normally and ultimately leads to disease.  Since the environment in which we live makes it impossible for us to maintain a pristine lifestyle, regular liver cleansing is essential.  Liver detoxification involves dietary, supplemental and physical interventions.  For more information see the article on detoxification.