Hello, I hope you’re having a fantastic day! First of all I just want to thank all of you who have supported Natural Healing Wonderer by following this blog; it is very much appreciated 🙂

December is the season to be jolly; to eat rich foods and for a lot of us to have that one or two drinks more than we probably should; all of which puts a little extra stress on the liver and gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Taraxacum officinale radix (dandelion root) has been used for generations to treat stomach, liver, gall bladder and rheumatic complaints. Sesquiterpene lactones, also known as bitter principles are the active constituents of dandelion root responsible for stimulating digestive secretions (saliva production in the mouth, bile production in the gallbladder and bile flow from the liver) all of which is able to improve appetite, strengthen the digestion process and promote detoxification. Evidence also suggests taking dandelion root prior to eating may prevent dyspepsia (heartburn/ingestion), inflammation in the gallbladder and constipation.   So this silly season why not give your liver and GIT some extra support by making yourself a cup of dandelion root tea 15minutes before meals (up to 2g, 3times per day), especially before those meals where you know you’re going to indulge (even just a little) or if you’re accompanying it with a few alcoholic beverages.

In Australia, Austral herbs http://www.australherbs.com.au have a huge range of organic dried herbs available to buy online including roasted dandelion root which makes a beautiful pre-meal brew.

Please note due to the cholagogic effects of dandelion root (promoting the flow of bile), research suggests it should not be used by people with gallstones or bile duct obstruction unless supervised by a healthcare practitioner. Dandelion may decrease absorption of the drug Ciprofloxacin, reducing its effectiveness and therefore Ciprofloxacin should not be taken within two hours of any dandelion preparation. People with a sensitivity to inulin or who have a known allergy or sensitivity to any members of the Asteraceae family should also avoid dandelion preparations and finally due to insufficient evidence of safety, the Natural Standard (2015), suggests dandelion preparations should be taken cautiously by children or women who are pregnant or lactating.

This will be my last post for 2015, so until next year, have a wonderful festive season; stay safe, stay hydrated and take time out to enjoy those things you love to do most.

Have a beautiful day!

WellWithNature xxx