When you think of Dandelions, you probably think about spring and start planning ways to get rid of the yellow pop ups all over the yard. But, what if I told you that this "pesky weed" is actually something that you can keep in your dog pantry for herbal supplementation throughout the year!
Dandelion is a plant with yellow flowers. Taraxacum officinale is the most common variety of this plant, and it grows in many parts of the world. It's leaves, stem, flower, and root of the dandelion can all be used for medicinal purposes!
The Dandelion benefits for your dog include:
A healthy dose of Antioxidants!
If you read my last post on them, you know how important they can be for helping the body stay in tip top shape and boosts the immune system. Dandelions contain beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Research shows that carotenoids such as beta-carotene play a vital role in reducing cell damage. The flower of the dandelion is also full of polyphenols, which are another type of antioxidant.
Lowing Cholesterol.
Dandelions contain bioactive compounds that may help lower cholesterol levels. One study from 2010 examined the effects of dandelion consumption in rabbits. Its results found that dandelion root and leaf could help lower cholesterol in animals on a high-cholesterol diet.
Another study in mice found that dandelion consumption reduced total cholesterol and levels of fat in the liver.
Regulate Blood Pressure.
Dandelions have high levels of potassium. There is clinical evidence that shows that potassium can help reduce blood pressure in human cells.
Reduce Cancer Risk.
There is limited studies on this, but there still are some! These studies have shown So far, that dandelion’s impact on cancer growth in test tubes and found that it may help with slowing the growth of colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, and liver cancer.
One study examining cancer growth in a test tube determined that dandelion extract may help reduce the growth of liver cancer.
Stimulates the Immune System and guards against toxic cells.
Research has shown that dandelions show both antiviral and antibacterial properties. This study shows how Dandelion works against dangerous cells such as Hepatitis B in both humans AND animals.
Gives a Nutrition Boost to food.
Dandelions are highly nutritious plants loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Dandelion greens can be eaten cooked or raw and are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain vitamin E, folate, and small amounts of other B vitamins.
The greens provide a substantial amount of several minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The root of the dandelion is rich in the carbohydrate inulin, a type of soluble fiber found in plants that supports the growth and maintenance of healthy gut bacteria in your digestive tract. This study A study looking at animal digestion indicated that some chemicals present in dandelions helped improve the digestive system.
Can help fight inflammation in the body.
Some test-tube studies note significantly reduced markers of inflammation in cells treated with compounds extracted from dandelion (6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).
One study in mice with inflammatory lung disease showed a significant reduction of lung inflammation in those that received dandelion.
Removes Excess Fluid in the Body.
This is the reason I found Dandelion in the first place! Mayson suffers from heart disease which can sometimes lead to excess fluid in his chest or around his heart. Dandelion is a great Diuretic. Dandelion leaves can act as a diuretic when your dog’s body is retaining too much fluid. Conditions like heart failure, swollen tissues, diabetes and gallbladder and kidney disease cause fluid retention.
Hypoglycemic for Diabetic Dogs
Diabetes occurs in dogs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. Insulin is required for your dog’s body to efficiently use sugars, fats and proteins.
Research shows dandelion is a hypoglycemic herb that can help manage diabetes. That’s because it reduces sugar levels and increases insulin sensitivity.
How to prepare Dandelion for your dog:
**If harvesting natural Dandelion, ALWAYS make sure the area has never been sprayed with weeding chemicals.
Collect your dandelion parts and give them a good wash with some warm water and organic Apple Cider Vinegar, place on paper towel and dry. You can dehydrate the leaves in your oven or dehydrator if you have one for longer storage but you can feed fresh as well.
Fresh leaves: If you’re feeding dandelion to your dog, add flowers or a few torn leaves to his dinner as needed. For smaller dogs use 1-2 leaves and for large dogs you can use 3-5. Blending the leaves in a blender with some water and add to the meal and help them absorb in your dog's system better.
Dried leaves or root: Crumble dried herb onto your dog’s meal. General guideline is 1 tsp per 20 pounds body weight (Dogs Naturally)
Dandelion tea:
Use 5g to 30g dried herb (leaves, root or flowers) infused in 8oz water for 10-15 minutes.
You can use 1/3 of a cup of tea per 20 pounds of your dog’s body weight, up to 3 times a day.
You can also purchase dandelion extract or dried already and add that to their meals as well. For the extract, the general guideline is 1ml per 25lbs of body weight.
Enjoy Spring and all the amazing natural fresh herbs that come with it! 💚
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