Quite often considered a weed growing profusely in our gardens, the dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) is awild plant that deserves our full attention.

Petit historique

Traces of the use of dandelion for its medicinal virtues can be found during antiquity in Greece, but it is mainly in Chinese and Native American medicine that this plant will be exploited to treat all sorts of pathologies such as digestive disorders and malignant tumors.

Forgotten for nearly 1000 years, the virtues ofthis plant were rediscovered a few years ago.

In 2008, the International Journal of Oncology hypothesized that dandelion can stop the growth of prostate cancer cells.

In 2009, a doctor noticed a decrease in cancer cells in one of his patients who ingested dandelion root teas for several weeks.

A whole series of studies followed and in 2010 a study was undertaken by Dr. Siyaram Pandey at the University of Windsor in Canada. Numerous experiments are conducted on cancer cells and Professor Pandey comes to the conclusion that the use of dandelion root extract as a continuous treatment brings very conclusive results. Indeed, following this treatment, the cancer cells are targeted and die while the healthy cells remain intact.

Le pissenlit contre le cancer ?

Dr. Pandey's study as well as the various studies that followed have demonstrated that dandelion root extract has a positive effect on certain cancers such as prostate cancer, breast cancer or leukemia.

Decoctions of dandelion root have a so-called cytotoxic action, meaning that they inhibit or prevent the functioning of cells on these three diseases.

In 2017, researchers found that taking this extract decreased the number of cancer cells in chronic monocytic myeloid leukemia (CMML) by 96% as early as 48 hours of use.

Also in 2017, the Department of Health of Canada (Health Canada) launched a clinical study for the marketing of a dandelion root extract that can be used clinically.

Also note that dandelion is a plant very rich in antioxidants, which helps to fight against damage caused by free radicals that can lead to the formation of cancer cells.

Autres avantages du pissenlit

The dandelion, although considered a weed, is a very nutrient-rich plant. It is a good source of calcium, potassium, and iron, as well as vitamins A, C, and K and antioxidants. It can be used in salads or in infusions and all its parts can be eaten: flowers, leaves and root.

The dandelion has the advantage of having a global action on the whole body: it stimulates the liver, stomach, pancreas and intestines; it has an action on blood sugar by reducing sugar, which makes it an ally for diabetics; it is a diuretic and prevents urinary tract infections; it fights against inflammation and plays a preventive role for certain chronic diseases, ...

Used by the Chinese more than 1,000 years ago to fight certain cancers, dandelion roots have a depurative action, stimulating on the liver and useful for fighting joint inflammation, eczema and acne.

Consumed in infusionDandelion has a detoxifying action, reduces bloating, calms stomach aches and reduces constipation.

Beware, however, that there are certain contraindications to consuming dandelion. It is recommended not to consume it during pregnancy, in case of intestinal obstruction, occlusion of the bile ducts or duodenal ulcer.

It is also advisable to consult your doctor before consuming dandelion if you have kidney failure or heart problems.

Tisane maison

First of all, it is important to choose your dandelions carefully because these, found in parks and gardens, often contain herbicides. Pick them in your garden or in a wood. The leaves are most tender in spring while the roots are sweetest in fall or winter. Dig deep enough to extract the long root. Wash your plants well, dry the leaves and roast the roots.

Then simply pour hot water over it and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain, add lemon or honey if you find the drink too bitter and you're done.

Conclusion

Without substituting treatments anti-cancer such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, the dandelion however deserves to be considered as natural treatment of certain cancers such as prostate, breast, pancreatic or leukemia.

In order to learn a little more about the subject, feel free to check out the following scientific report: https://www.nature.com/article/srep42957