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How to Use Dandelion to Treat Indigestion

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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Indigestion is a broadly used term to describe any number of digestive issues including heartburn, gas and bloating, nausea, stomach discomfort and constipation. There are numerous over-the-counter and prescription drugs designed to provide relief from the symptoms of indigestion, but these may have side effects. If you want to treat your indigestion holistically, use dandelion.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Fresh dandelions
  • Carrots
  • Apples
  • Juicer
  • Dandelion tea
  • Tea strainer or filter
  1. Step 1

    Cultivate dandelions in your backyard or garden. Dandelions are often seen as a nuisance to most gardeners, but they have many useful medicinal applications. Designate an area where dandelions can grow freely so you can harvest your own herbal remedies.

  2. Step 2

    Pick fresh dandelions to eat or make into herbal remedies. Young dandelions picked in the spring are usually the best, but the older leaves can be delicious when cooked.

  3. Step 3

    Use dandelion leaves in a salad before your meals. Dandelions contain a substance called taraxacin that causes them to taste extremely bitter, which stimulates the digestive system to produce bile and hydrochloric acid. Eating bitter aperitifs has long been practiced in other countries as an essential part of a healthy diet.

  4. Step 4

    Juice dandelion leaves and roots in a home juicer and mix with carrot juice and apple juice for taste. This tonic can be taken throughout the day to keep the digestive system functioning properly.

  5. Step 5

    Use dandelion tea to treat indigestion symptoms. Dandelion tea can be bought commercially, or you can make your own. Just dry the dandelion leaves, flowers and roots, crush them up and put them into a tea strainer or filter.

Tips & Warnings
  • Eat or drink dandelion to ease and prevent constipation. Dandelion is a mild, effective laxative.
  • Before using dandelion to treat indigestion symptoms, consult your doctor. Dandelion has properties that can complicate ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, acute diarrhea, hyperacidity, gallstones and other conditions.
  • If you are allergic to latex, you should avoid touching or ingesting dandelion. Dandelions contain milk latex that can trigger your latex allergy.
  • Avoid using any type of chemicals including fertilizer on your lawn if you plan to harvest your dandelions.
  • Don't take dandelion capsules to treat indigestion. While the dandelion may go down easier in capsule form, you will not be able to taste the bitterness, which is a crucial part of its effectiveness.
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