Dandelion and histamine: Use and tolerability
Dandelion is not only a valuable source of food for animals, but it also holds many positive qualities for humans. The flowers, leaves, and roots can all be consumed. And the best part is: the plant is suitable for a low-histamine diet.
Dandelion root: Is dandelion healthy?
Dandelion, also known as the blowball, is attributed with numerous positive properties. Its root was already considered very valuable in ancient times. The benefits of the dandelion root were already known to Native Americans and the ancient Chinese. In the Western world, it only gained attention around the 16th century. Particularly in veterinary medicine, the dandelion plant is valued today as a mineral- and vitamin-rich feed supplement. Not only the root is used, but also the herb. Areas of application in human medicine include, for example, rheumatic complaints as well as liver and stomach health.
What is dandelion good for?
The root itself contains many valuable ingredients, two of which stand out in particular. These are
- Taraxacin: a bitter substance
- Inulin: a prebiotic dietary fiber
Nowadays, we hardly consume any valuable bitter substances, as these are bred out for a more pleasant taste or are lost due to the industrial processing of food.
In our MetaFit, we also rely on selected plant-based ingredients such as dandelion root, milk thistle, and coriander. The formula is supplemented by natural vitamin C from acerola and choline, which contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function. MetaFit is vegan and suitable for a low-histamine, low-fructose, gluten-free, and lactose-free diet.
Inulin is classified as a water-soluble dietary fiber that binds water in the gut and stomach. Beneficial gut bacteria feed on prebiotic substances. These bacteria are essential for a balanced gut flora.
Eating and drinking dandelion
There are various ways to use dandelion root. It can be processed as a vegetable, vinegar, tea, or even coffee. Depending on the time of harvest, the taste of the dandelion root varies between sweetish-bitter or nutty. It has a long shelf life if you dry or freeze it.
Dandelion root vegetable
The root is very suitable for salads. Simply cut into thin slices and add. Like other root vegetables, the dandelion root can also be used in hot dishes. For this, it is also cut into small slices. The root is also a perfect fresh kick raw in a smoothie.
Dandelion root vinegar
To use the root as vinegar, simply chop or slice the root into thin pieces. If the pieces are dried, fill the jar only halfway with dandelion roots to leave room for expansion. With fresh roots, you can fill the jar completely. Then add apple cider vinegar (if tolerated), seal, and let it rest. Shake the jar once a day so that the nutrients can be better absorbed. Two weeks later, the mixture can be poured through a sieve and has a shelf life of about 1 year.
The mixture can also be used as a cure. For this purpose, drink about 1 to 2 tsp of vinegar daily with a glass of water on an empty stomach over a period of 4 weeks. The vinegar made from dandelion root is also suitable as a salad dressing or aperitif. 1 teaspoon is taken pure before every meal.
Dandelion tea
For a tea, you can use not only the flowers but also the roots. These are collected before flowering in the spring and cleaned, then cut lengthwise into strips and dried for a few days. For each cup, soak about 2 tsp in cold water overnight. The next day, briefly bring the tea to a boil and strain it. At least 3 cups daily are recommended. If you have a tendency for strong dehydration, it is advisable to stop the tea for the time being. Take a break after 2 weeks or switch to other teas.
Dandelion root coffee
Coffee made from dandelion root is perfect for a low-histamine diet. For this, the washed, chopped, and dried roots are roasted in a pan without fat. Turn the roots regularly to prevent them from turning black. The roasted pieces are processed into a fine powder in a coffee grinder. 1 tsp of the powder is enough for one cup. Simply bring to a brief boil, let it steep for about a minute, and enjoy.
Is dandelion poisonous?
Dandelion is not poisonous, but you should discuss its use with a doctor if you are taking medication regularly. The extract of the dandelion root can cause interactions in combination with chemical ingredients.
