Every spring, in April-May, depending on climatic conditions, bright yellow flowers are pleasing to the eye, filling all meadows, clearings, urban and country green areas, parks, gardens. In just a few days, whole fields of dandelions appear around us. They look very beautiful - juicy, bright green and yellow colors give an unusual fresh combination and good mood. But these plants cannot be assembled into a bouquet, as they wither very quickly. Although bright flowers often attract the attention of kids who are happy to collect them. It is on dandelion flowers that girls learn to weave wreaths.
Description
What kind of amazing plant is dandelion? This is a perennial. It belongs to the family of asters, or Asteraceae. There are a lot of dandelions in the world, and they are diverse.
In total, more than 1000 species grow in the world. Some of them are very small and are listed in the Red Book, as they are threatened with extinction.
Where does the flower grow?
In the European part, common dandelion grows mainly, which, unlike others, is widespread. This species in Russia alone has about a hundred varieties. Places where dandelions grow can be found almost all over the planet. Due to their unpretentiousness, they grow both in moderately cold climatic conditions and in subtropical. That is why they are on different hemispheres of the earth. But there are especially many such flowers in the Eurasian part of the planet. It is here that you can see whole fields of dandelions.
In Russia and the CIS countries, a wild dandelion is growing, with which they try to fight like a weed. Although in the USA, Italy, Great Britain, China and some other countries, it is specially grown. In these countries there are huge fields where dandelions grow. There they are carefully looked after as a healthy, edible plant.
What is the root system of dandelion? Why is Russia struggling with this plant?
In the first year, dandelion leaves appear in the form of a rosette, and a very developed, branched root system is formed. It can reach 50 centimeters in length.
It is for this reason, if this happens on a summer cottage, then the gardener gets more work. Since the plant interferes with the growth of cultural plantings. Where dandelions grow, if they are not completely eliminated, garden crops will die. Even if the weed is mowed or dug up, it may reappear. This is due to the fact that even in mowed and undermined form, seeds can ripen and spread by the wind. In addition, the shoots from the root are also able to produce new shoots.
Gardeners, gardeners and field growers have developed a whole system of combating dandelions and other weeds. Some farmers struggle with them using peeling. Others use the method of early autumn plowing. Still others turn to the early pure vapor method. Sometimes perennial forage grasses, such as clover, are specially planted.
Gardeners are advised to timely weed and deeply cut the roots, immediately throwing the remains away from the garden plot.
Urban landscapers must prune their roots or plant the entire lawn in a timely manner. In some places, grass is simply cut regularly. In cities, dandelions are constantly mowing also because in some people fluffy seeds cause allergic reactions.
Stem
In the second year, dandelion stalks appear. The stem of dandelion is long, hollow inside. Subsequently, a bright yellow flower appears on it, which then inseminates. Some species of dandelions have a lilac or purple flower, as well as white inflorescences with a yellow middle.
The seeds are arranged in round baskets, so that the seeds look like a fluffy ball, which is easily amenable to wind and spreads the seeds. Dandelion is one of the few plants that can bloom for a very long time, from May to late autumn.
Why is it called medicinal? Dandelion properties
Despite the fact that this plant is considered a weed, it has certain benefits. No wonder the common dandelion is also called medicinal. For a long time it has been used as a folk remedy for many ailments. But only when collecting them you need to carefully select the place where dandelions grow. Do not pluck the plant along the roads, in the city, near industrial facilities. It is better to do this in ecologically clean areas.
Dandelions are used for the prevention and treatment of blood diseases, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, skin diseases, as a diuretic, diuretic, antispasmodic, sedative, sleeping pill and diaphoretic. Dandelion is used as a choleretic. Also, the plant is recommended as a treatment for chronic liver diseases.
For treatment, roots and young dandelion leaves, as well as flowers, are used. All this is collected in May and June. The roots can be dug in both spring and autumn. The plant is taken for medicinal purposes in the form of decoctions and infusions. Dandelion juice is used to treat skin diseases and get rid of warts. In addition, there is a very interesting recipe called "Elixir of the Sun." To do this, dandelion flowers and sugar are stacked in a jar in layers, gently squeezing, squeezing the juice. Then this juice is drunk on a teaspoon or added to tea. In some European countries, fresh dandelion flowers are simply chewed to cure diseases.
Dandelion tea: indications and contraindications
Health-conscious people often use dandelion as tea. To do this, finely chopped roots and finely chopped leaves are poured with boiling water, insist for 15 minutes. Drink such tea is recommended in the morning and evening for four to six weeks. Only in case of prolonged use can you feel the healing effect. Dandelion tea is an excellent diuretic, a product that cleanses toxins. It is believed that it helps to remove stones and sand from the gallbladder, but not at the stage of exacerbation.
And of course, people who have gallstones can drink dandelion tea only under the supervision of a doctor, otherwise there may be complications. Therefore, do not forget that when using dandelion inside, there are some contraindications. Do not eat and use dandelion as a medicine for people prone to diarrhea. In addition, it is contraindicated to take orally suffering from gastritis and a stomach ulcer.
The medicine
Dandelions are used not only in folk, but also in official medicine. Extracts of this extraordinary plant are part of diuretic and choleretic medicines.
