Good afternoon everyone! Today I want to share information about how to prepare dandelion flower tincture at home. My great-grandmother often used it for joint pain, as well as lilac tincture, for radiculitis and other diseases.
She often prepared tinctures from medicinal flowers. Spring was the time for collecting and preparing medicinal plants. I remember these bottles, they were in the pantry. I also prepared delicious honey from dandelion flowers, which is also very healthy.
Today I became interested in this information, and I decided to take old medicinal books from our family library and collect useful recipes for you.
Moreover, very soon it will be possible to stock up on flowers and prepare various useful remedies from them.
So, medicinal dandelion from the Asteraceae genus is a plant that is familiar to adults and children. It is found everywhere in the forest-steppe zone, growing in fields, forests, along roads, near residential buildings and in vegetable gardens.
Many people consider dandelion a weed and try to remove it from their summer cottages. But if you study the chemical composition, you can understand that it has a lot of useful properties. It’s not for nothing that dandelion tincture is used as a remedy to combat various diseases.
Beneficial properties of dandelion tincture
The plant has a rich chemical composition, and roots, juice, and leaves are used for medicinal purposes. What components determine the benefits of dandelion:
- Organic compounds taraxacin and taraxacenin. Contained in the juice of the plant. The components promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue, increase joint mobility, reduce swelling and inflammation, and are used to treat diseases of the gallbladder and liver.
- Vitamin C. Regulates redox processes in the body, affects blood clotting, promotes skin regeneration, improves immunity, has a pronounced antioxidant effect, and reduces vascular permeability. Contained in dandelion flowers and grass.
- Vitamin A. Needed for vision, bone growth, during pregnancy, important for the skin and mucous membranes. Determined in dandelion inflorescences and leaves.
- Vitamin B Regulates many processes in the body, supports eye functions, and is necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin.
- Vitamin E. Has an antioxidant effect, participates in tissue metabolism processes, improves the condition of capillaries.
- Vitamin PP (niacin). Dilates blood vessels, improves microcirculation, has a weak anticoagulant effect, and participates in metabolism.
- Choline. Protects cells from damage, reduces cholesterol levels in the blood, has a nootropic and calming effect.
- Saponins. They are used as mucolytic, sedative, diuretic agents, and have a mild laxative effect.
- Manganese. It affects growth, blood formation and the functioning of the reproductive system.
- Iron. It is necessary for the transport of oxygen to tissues, participates in metabolism, and the functioning of the body’s defense system.
- Calcium. Helps activate and regulate the level of certain hormones, accelerates metabolism, has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects, and is necessary for bones and teeth.
- Phosphorus. Maintains healthy bone and dental tissue, normalizes energy metabolism, and reduces pain in arthritis.
- Inulin. Contained in dandelion rhizomes. It belongs to dietary fiber, and in medicine it is used as a prebiotic for intestinal microflora. Is the basis for fructose.
It is thanks to this composition that the benefits of dandelion tincture are determined. It has the following properties: diuretic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, hematopoietic, decongestant, analgesic, hypotensive, sedative.
Features of a medicinal plant
Dandelion officinalis. Botanical illustration from the book "Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen", 1887.
Field dandelion, or medicinal, ordinary, pharmaceutical - the names of the same plant variety. This variety is used for medicinal purposes and in cooking.
Area
Common dandelion is a medicinal plant of the forest-steppe zone. An unpretentious flower, it is a persistent weed. It takes root well in wet (meadows and forest clearings) and dry soils (wastelands and fields). It can often be seen near homes, in garden plots. Gardeners are well aware that this is a difficult weed to eradicate. Dandelion officinalis is found throughout Europe, but also in Siberia, the Far East, China and Central Asia.
Dandelion is whitish. Autumn dandelion, or Crimea-sagyz. Dandelion Bessarabian.
Kinds
There are over two thousand small species of dandelions. Also in botany, about 70 large, or “composite” species of this plant are described. The most common of them are whitish dandelion, white-tongued dandelion, flat-leaved dandelion, and Zhukova. For example, autumn dandelion, or Crimea-sagyz, contains a lot of milky juice - it is a natural rubber plant. In addition, tea is prepared from it, and a healthy coffee drink is obtained from ground roots. Dandelion whitish and Zhukova are included in the Red Book of Russia and are grown as ornamental flowers. The greatest medicinal value is the dandelion. There are also varieties that are prohibited to be taken internally due to the high content of milk juice - Bessarabian, late, red-fruited.
Collection and preparation
To preserve the medicinal properties of dandelion, it is necessary to properly prepare, dry and store the raw materials. The entire aerial part and roots are harvested.
- When to prepare. Dandelion blooms twice - in May and August (September). It is recommended to collect leaves and flowers during the first flowering. It is better to harvest roots in the fall - in September-October.
- How to dry. The above-ground part is dried in natural conditions, without direct sunlight, and is often turned over so that the grass does not rot. The roots are dug up with a shovel, washed under running water, slightly withered and dried. If the weather is dry and warm, you can dry the roots naturally. If it is cold and damp, it is better to dry the roots in an electric dryer at a temperature no higher than 50°C.
- How to store. Dry grass and roots are packaged in canvas bags. Must be stored in a dry place. The roots retain healing properties for 5 years, and the shelf life of leaves and flowers is 2 years.
Traditional healers still recommend renewing raw materials annually, especially leaves and flowers.
Healing effect
Healing properties are contained in all parts of the herb - rhizome, leaves, inflorescences.
- Medicinal properties of dandelion flowers. Lots of carotenoids, saponins, vitamin C, as well as vitamins B1 and B2, E, PP, protein, iron, phosphorus, manganese, potassium and a lot of calcium. The inflorescences also contain the carotenoid lutein, which is especially beneficial for vision in adults and children.
- Medicinal properties of dandelion root. Contains triterpene glycosides, which affect the synthesis process in tissues. It also contains sterols, bitterness, tannins, rubber, fatty oil; beneficial oleic, cerotinic, lemon balm, linoleic acid, mucus, wax. The roots of the plant contain 24% inulin. What are the benefits of this dietary fiber? Once in the stomach, inulin breaks down into fructose and fructooligosaccharides, acting as a natural prebiotic and sorbent. Inulin is also found in the roots of chicory, Jerusalem artichoke and elecampane.
- Beneficial properties of dandelion leaves. Dandelion leaves have the same composition as the inflorescences. They are also high in phosphorus (higher than leafy vegetables) and protein. Therefore, the leaves are valued not only in medicine, but also in cooking due to their nutritional properties.
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Pharmachologic effect:
- choleretic;
- bactericidal;
- soothing;
- mild laxative;
- diuretic;
- multivitamin;
- anti-sclerotic (prevents atherosclerosis);
- hypnotic;
- anthelmintic;
- antipyretic;
- diaphoretic;
- blood purifying.
Indications for use
For what symptoms and diagnoses will dandelion treatment be effective?
- Dandelion for treating joints. Due to its blood purifying properties and beneficial effects on metabolism, dandelion helps with arthrosis and rheumatic pain. The grass is high in calcium and magnesium, which strengthen bones. For joint diseases, the remedy is taken orally and compresses are made.
- Metabolic disorders. The herb enhances insulin production, regulates carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Therefore, it is often prescribed for diabetes, thyroid diseases, to lower blood cholesterol levels, and to lose weight.
- To cleanse the body. The herb cleanses the blood thanks to inulin, high content of vitamins and microelements. Inulin absorbs toxins, waste, heavy metals, radionuclides, carcinogens and removes them from the body. Dandelion is often used for general detoxification of the body, and for various poisonings - food, chemical, medicinal. The herb also promotes hematopoiesis, increases the level of leukocytes, and is effective against inflammation of the lymph nodes.
- Digestion. The herb well supports various functions of the gastrointestinal tract - secretory, motor, endocrine, immune, absorption. Thanks to inulin, healthy microflora is maintained and beneficial bifidobacteria multiply in the intestines. Therefore, it is useful to drink it for digestive disorders, after a course of antibiotics. Dandelion is used to treat pancreatitis, hypoacid gastritis (with weakened secretion), liver stones, hepatitis, constipation and hemorrhoids, colitis and enteritis, flatulence.
- Respiratory diseases. The herb has a diaphoretic, antipyretic effect, and can be drunk when the temperature rises. It also helps with coughs due to acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, bronchitis, and alleviates the condition of pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Nervous system. Relaxes the nervous system, relieves stress, helps with insomnia.
- Urinary system. The herb has mild diuretic and bactericidal properties. Medicine from dandelions helps with inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, and kidney stones.
- External use. The herb is used to treat eczema, psoriasis, acne, allergies, warts, corns, calluses on the feet, burns, boils.
- For women. The herb is taken for diseases of the mammary glands; dandelion is also a lactogenic herbal remedy. Its decoctions and infusions promote milk production. Dandelion contains phytohormones that help with menstrual irregularities. In addition, women often use this plant for cosmetic purposes.
- For men. According to Tibetan medicine, the herb accumulates male yang energy, therefore it is useful for men. Increases not only potency, but also the strength of the male spirit.
- For older people. Dandelion accumulates a lot of solar energy, it is not for nothing that people call it “sun-gazer”. This plant contains a lot of protein, vitamins, microelements, tones, and maintains strength in old age.
Dandelion is also used for cancer to support the body. The herb helps get rid of toxins, cleanses the blood, and restores the body's defenses.
What are the contraindications of dandelion? Diarrhea; acute inflammation of the bile ducts, their blockage; acute cholelithiasis; stomach ulcer and gastritis with increased secretion; individual intolerance and allergic reaction. There is no scientific evidence that the herb can cause harm during pregnancy. However, before using it, consultation with a gynecologist is necessary.
Tincture of dandelion flowers with vodka: application, what diseases does it help with?
Medicinal alcohol tincture is used for the treatment and prevention of certain diseases and conditions:
- Diseases of the heart, blood vessels;
- Disorders of the central nervous system;
- Pathologies of the liver and gall bladder;
- Cough with ARVI;
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system, joints;
- Skin rashes – dermatitis, eczema;
- Diabetes;
- Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Avitaminosis;
- Improper metabolism;
- Decreased appetite.
The medicinal composition is used in several ways. It can be taken orally, compressed and rubbed.
This is interesting! Followers of traditional medicine believe that dandelion tincture helps protect against cancer.
The benefits and harms of dandelion tincture
Proper use of the medicinal composition will help tone the entire body, and can also stop inflammatory processes. The herb and root of the plant help cleanse the body of waste and toxins.
Dandelion is useful for people suffering from constipation, increased gas formation, and intestinal microflora disorders. The tincture helps to normalize the functioning of the digestive organs and urinary system.
Herbalists claim that the remedy is effective for removing stones from the urinary and gall bladder.
The plant is also useful for those losing weight. It helps remove excess fluid from the body, and inulin helps to gently cleanse the intestines. Positively affects skin, teeth and nails.
Despite the many healing properties, using the tincture can be harmful. It is important to follow the dosage and take breaks in treatment. Excessive use of the composition can cause nausea, and in severe cases, vomiting and diarrhea.
Dandelion is dangerous if you have an individual intolerance. So if you've never taken a plant-based product, here's a simple test to take.
Apply a small amount of the composition to the skin and wait a while. If a rash appears or your general condition worsens, using dandelion-based products can cause serious harm to the body.
Attention! Alcohol or vodka enhances the effect of the plant's components. You cannot take such tinctures uncontrollably.
Contraindications, restrictions on the use of dandelions, side effects
Some active ingredients contained in the plant often cause refusal to use home remedies. The main contraindication is serious diseases of the digestive system (gastritis, pancreatitis, ulcers). Blockage of the bile ducts is another reason to avoid using dandelion in the treatment of joint diseases.
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There are no more prohibitions or restrictions on the use of herbs, but herbal medicines can cause serious harm if they are overdosed, used low-quality herbal raw materials, or misused.
Side effects often include diarrhea, pain in the abdomen, general deterioration in health, and vomiting. The skin can react to some substances with the appearance of rashes, an unpleasant burning sensation, and itching (especially when the compositions are used externally).
How to prepare dandelion tincture with alcohol and how to use it?
For the medicine in the spring, you need to collect the flowers of the plant along with the stem. Rinse the dandelions under running water and dry on paper for several hours. To do this, choose darkened places where the sun's rays do not penetrate.
The finished raw materials are placed in a glass jar. You need to fill ¾ of the space and fill the flowers with alcohol or vodka. Close the jar tightly. The tincture takes 3 weeks to prepare. It is important to shake the vessel once every 2 days. The finished composition is filtered and stored in a dark place.
But dandelion roots for tincture are collected in late autumn. At this time they contain the maximum amount of inulin.
The roots must be washed and dried. Grind 100 grams of raw materials and put them in a jar. Pour a bottle of vodka or 250 ml of pure alcohol and close. The preparation time, as in the previous recipe, is 21 days.
Attention! Collect preparations for tincture away from roads and industrial facilities! Dried roots, flowers and stems can be used.
How to take orally:
- To treat cough, take 40 drops twice a day. Within a week, all signs of a cold disappear.
- To treat hepatitis and cleanse the blood, mix 2 parts glycerin and 1 part dandelion tincture.
- For oncology, 100 drops of the product should be diluted with water and drunk throughout the day.
- To improve metabolism, take the composition three times a day before meals.
- To treat other diseases, the tincture should be drunk according to the standard regimen: 20 ml 3 times a day before meals. Duration of treatment – 3 weeks. You can repeat 3 courses of treatment. The main thing is that there is a break of at least 7 days between them.
Important! You need to start with 15 drops, gradually increasing the dose to the recommended one. This is necessary to prevent the development of possible side effects, such as diarrhea.
External use options:
- To combat pigmentation and freckles, you can wipe the skin twice a day with a cotton pad soaked in dandelion tincture. To avoid burns, the composition is diluted with clean water in a ratio of 1:3.
- You can make a lotion from dandelion juice and tincture mixed with water. It will improve skin color, remove acne, rashes and spider veins. After using the product, to avoid overdrying, you need to use a moisturizer.
- If you have radiculitis, you can rub your back. The procedure lasts several minutes until a feeling of warmth appears. After rubbing, the sore spot should be wrapped with a scarf. Can be repeated up to 4 times a day for muscle and joint pain.
- For osteochondrosis and muscle overload, massage is performed. To do this, the tincture must be mixed with any vegetable oil. The total exposure time is no more than 7 minutes.
- For external rubbing, you can prepare a tincture with dandelion roots and oak leaves. The components are poured with vodka and left for a week. Rubbing is done for 7 days.
Carefully! In case of severe pain, massage is not recommended! If the patient has intervertebral hernia, the procedure is also contraindicated.
How to make dandelion tincture on triple cologne?
In folk medicine, triple cologne is often used to prepare herbal tinctures. You will need 15 g of roots and 130 g of dandelion leaves and stems. The raw materials are poured with 300 ml of cologne and left in a cold place for 15 days.
To speed up the process, the vessel with the tincture is shaken periodically.
The finished mixture is filtered and stored away from sunlight.
Of all the recipes, this is the most dubious. This product can only be used externally. Plus, cologne has a strong smell that some people can't stand. It is still better to infuse dandelion flowers and roots with purified moonshine or good vodka.
Does tincture of dandelion flowers in vodka help joints?
When joints hurt and swell, it affects your quality of life. Pain syndrome hinders movement and causes not only physical but also psychological suffering.
In combination with medications and physical procedures, dandelion tincture can be used to alleviate the condition.
For all types of arthritis and arthrosis, take 30-45 drops three times a day before meals for a month. What effect can you expect:
- Relief of inflammation;
- Regeneration of articular and cartilage tissues;
- Reduced pain;
- Restoration of motor function.
For joint pain, you can prepare a multicomponent mixture. Mix dandelion and nettle leaves with burdock oil and leave for 5 days. The mixture is applied to the affected joint for 10 days. For greater effectiveness, you can make compresses at night.
Dietary supplements are produced based on taraxacin, which is part of dandelion roots. Manufacturers promise improvement of cartilage tissue, reduction of joint pain and swelling.
Treatment of joint diseases with dandelion oil
It’s easy to prepare dandelion oil at home – the herbal remedy can easily help with joint ailments. If necessary, combine drug therapy (take medications prescribed by a specialist), alternative treatment (use oil externally).
An integrated approach will significantly speed up recovery, but only if medical requirements are strictly followed. Preparation:
- Wash the fresh flowers of the plant and leave to dry on a napkin for 1-2 hours.
- Fill a small glass container with plant materials (it is better to use a jar with a wide neck).
- Place vegetable oil on the stove (any kind is allowed - sunflower, olive), heat thoroughly, do not bring to a boil.
- Pour hot oil over the vegetable raw materials, stir, and leave to infuse for 5 days.
- Strain, be sure to store in the refrigerator, shelf life is 3-4 months.
Rub the prepared vegetable oil onto sore joints before going to bed. Do not use force when massaging the skin - there is a risk of provoking additional painful sensations. Complete the procedure by warming the joint - wrap it in a warm compress from a scarf or scarf.
Painful sensations lose intensity after just a few days of regular treatment, but it is recommended not to stop the course until complete recovery. In case of chronic joint diseases, prevention should be carried out - rub the problematic parts of the body for 7-10 days in a row every month. It is not necessary to use compresses.
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