Dandelion Tincture (Apple Cider Vinegar Base)

Dandelion Tincture (ACV Base)  60 ml
Active Ingredient: Dandelion Root

Herbscrafters makes 2 Dandelion tinctures. This version uses a high quality, natural apple cider vinegar (ACV) as a carrier into which the elements of the Dandelion are infused. This is an effective tincture carrier liquid that has nutritional and curative properties of its own. We use ACV ‘with the mother’ because it is main reason that ACV is beneficial for your health. It is more expensive, but the added benefits are worth it. Read more below.
Carrier Liquid: Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, also sometimes referred to as ACV, is a vinegar made from fermented apple cider. Making apple cider vinegar starts with adding yeast to apple juice, transforming the juice into alcohol. Bacteria then transforms the alcohol into acetic acid.
The cloudy, stringy probiotic-rich blend of yeast and bacteria that is often visible in the bottom of a bottle of apple cider vinegar is referred to as the mother. The mother is a mixture of probiotic bacteria and yeast. While it is uncertain, many people believe the mother is responsible for most of the health claims about apple cider vinegar.
Be aware that other products made with cheap ACV are not as beneficial.
There are 3 areas where apple cider vinegar has a measurable impact backed by scientific studies — blood sugar control, weight loss, and cholesterol level.

Blood Sugar Control Research on the relationship between apple cider vinegar consumption and blood sugar has mixed results.
A study from 2007 looked at participants all living with type 2 diabetes. The researchers recorded their fasting glucose levels at a baseline, and then again 2 days later, after following a standardized meal plan and consuming apple cider vinegar at bedtime.
Results indicated that consuming ACV at bedtime can impact glucose concentration favorably in people living with type 2 diabetes.

Weight Loss A commonly cited Japanese study found that participants who consumed ACV lost more weight than those who did not consume ACV over a 12-week period, and experienced a reduction in BMI, body weight, waist circumference, and visceral fat area. Acetic acid is considered the main component of ACV responsible for weight loss.
While some studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can be effective for weight loss, it is important to keep in mind that, even when effective, the impact is minimal. Some of these studies have fallen short on controlling for variables — such as the impact of ACV causing nausea, therefore reducing hunger.

Lower Cholesterol A 2012 study first measured the base cholesterol levels in its participants. Participants then had to consume 30 milliliters of apple cider vinegar twice a day. After 2, 4, and 8 weeks, researchers took these measurements again. After 8 weeks, the apple cider vinegar consumption had led to a “significant reduction in cholesterol levels”.

Benefits:
The herb is a rich source of beta-carotene and potassium. According to folk medicine, dandelion was used for disturbances in bile flow, inflammatory conditions of the urinary tract, and dyspepsia. It was also used for liver and gallbladder disorders, hemorrhoids, gout, rheumatic disorders, eczema, and other skin conditions. The herb has a diuretic effect and is used for kidney and bladder complaints. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) uses it for acute mastitis and urinary disorders. Ayurvedic medicine uses it for chronic ulcers, tuberculosis, flatulence, colic, kidney disease, gout, and liver ailments. The German Commission E has approved it for stomach complaints, infections of the urinary tract, liver and gallbladder complaints, and loss of appetite. However, in a comprehensive review on the topic in humans, dandelion did not reduce inflammation, work as an antioxidant, counter cancer or colitis, treat diabetes, or work as a diuretic. New work shows it can suppress the growth of colon cancer cells and mouse melanoma cell lines.

Bladder infection and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Unlike many conventional diuretics, which cause a loss of potassium, dandelion leaves are rich in potassium. Using the herb as a diuretic results in a net gain of this vital mineral. Because of its diuretic effect, dandelion helps to relieve fluid retention in PMS and counteract urine retention in bladder infections.

Constipation, hemorrhoids, and indigestion. German research has shown that dandelion root is a mild bitter, or appetite stimulant. Bitters of all types activate a reflex that increases the secretion of digestive juices by the lining of the stomach. Dandelion root has a significant cleansing effect on the liver by stimulating the production of bile, which ultimately results in increased transport of a variety of potentially noxious compounds to the stool. Increasing the release of bile also relieves constipation without causing diarrhea and stops spasms of the bile duct.

Liver problems and gallstones. The bitter principles in dandelion increase bile production and bile flow in the liver. This makes it useful for people with sluggish liver function due to alcohol abuse or poor diet. It is restorative to the liver and helps reduce the risk of developing gallstones, but you should avoid it if you already have gallstones, since increasing the flow of bile could increase pressure against the stones.

Overweight. European herbalists frequently prescribe dandelion tinctures as a weight-loss aid. Dandelion reduces water weight by its diuretic effect. Dandelion may increase bile flow to improve fat metabolism in the body. In one laboratory study, animals that were given daily doses of dandelion extract for a month lost up to 30% of their body mass.

 

Recommended Uses
Dandelion can be taken in tablet, tea, or tincture form. Tea can be consumed in the morning and evening. If you use a tincture, 10 to 15 drops should be taken three times a day. Dandelion may cause increased stomach acidity and ulcer pain. Some people have reported heartburn, stomach-ache, and mild diarrhea with its use. There have also been rare reports of low blood sugar, contact dermatitis, and allergies. If you have ileus, gallstones, or biliary tract obstructions, you should avoid this herb. Dandelion should not be used as a substitute for pharmaceutical diuretics for hypertension. If you are using potassium supplements, avoid taking dandelion because it may interfere with the absorption of the supplements. Dandelion may increase the risk of bleeding in those who are using anticoagulant drugs. People with known allergies to related plants, such as chamomile and yarrow, should use dandelion with caution. Dandelion also should be avoided during antibiotic treatment, especially treatment with ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and enoxacin (Penetrex), since it may keep concentrations of these antibiotics from peaking in the bloodstream, diminishing their ability to fight infection.

Botanical Name: Radix taraxaci
English: Dandelion
Also, known as: Ackerzichorie, Amargon, Blowball, Butterblume, Cankerwort, Capo Di Frate, Chicoria Amarga, Cicoria Sarvatica, Dent-De-Lion, Dente Di Leone, Dhudal, Diente De Leon, Dhorsat Al Ajouz, Dudhi, Engraissa-Porc, Fl Orion D’or, Gol Ghased, Wiesenlattich, Witch Gowan, Yellow Gowan, Doon-Head Clock, Milk Witch, Lion’s-Tooth, Monks-Head, Priest’s-Crown, Gemeiner Löwenzahn, Gobesag, Irish Daisy, Hindabaa Beri, Pu Gong Ying, Puffball, Pugongying, Hokgei, Kanphul, Kanphuli, Kasni Sahraii, Kettenblume, Khass Berri, Lechuguilla, Lion’s Tooth, Löwenzahn, Maaritpauncin, Marrara, Milk Gowan, Min-Deul-Rre, Monk’s Head, Mourayr, Mourre De Por, Mourre De Pouerc, Oduwantschiki, Paardebloem, Patalagagna, Peirin, Pfaffendistel, Pfaffenröhrlein, Pferdeblume, Pilli-Pilli, Piochoublit, Piss-A-Bed, Pissa-Chin, Pissanliech, Pissenlit, Poirin, Po-Kong-Young, Porcin, Pusteblume, Ringeblume, Salatta Merra, Kuhblume, Lagagna, Cicouureya De La Bonne, Cicoureya Deis Prats, Laiteron, Sanalotodo, Saris Berri, Seiyo-Tanpopo, Sofi One, Srissi, Tarakh-Chaqoune, Tarkhshaquin, Tarassaco, Taraxaco, Telma Retaga,
Habitat: Europe & Asia
Origin: Poland
Harvested: Cultivated
Part used: Root

General Information:
Radix taraxaci is an herbaceous perennial plant consists of a rosette of basal leaves and occasional flowering stalks. The name Taraxacum established around 1000 AD. More than 500 common names of Dandelions are there, and they have been recorded too. Dandelions are believed to be grown for about 30 million years ago in Eurasia. According to the historic records, these plants have been used by humans for food and as an herb.

Dandelion leaves are longer than 5-15 cm, simple, lobed, and form a basal rosette above the central taproot. The flower heads are yellow or orange colored. The heads are borne singly on a hollow stem that is usually leafless and rises 1-5 cm or more above the leaves. Stems and leaves exude a white, milky latex when broken. A rosette may produce several flowering stems at a time. The flower heads are 1-5 cm in diameter and consist entirely of ray florets.

Dandelion leaves are among our most nutrient-dense greens. The tender spring leaves are full of nutrients. It is a time-honored tradition in many countries in Europe to pick those spring greens and eat them, not only for their valuable nutrition, but also for their ability to stimulate healthy digestion. Dandelions are used as both food and medicine and can be eaten in fairly high amounts.

It is said that the dandelion was intentionally brought to North America by European settlers who could not bear the thought of leaving this important food and medicine behind. In fact, dandelions are still admired in many European countries. The flowers are routinely made into jams and wine.

How to use:
Hot Infusion:
The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder. You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.