Continuing research that began in 2009, Siyaram Pandey, a biochemist at the University of Windsor, and his research team are finding that
dandelion root extract is turning out to be a very aggressive natural remedy for cancer cells associated with Leukemia. The extract of dandelion root has been shown to cause chronic
monocytic myeloid cells to commit suicide. Due to this initial success, the team has recently been issued a $157,500 grant (totaling $217,000 overall) to discover how this natural remedy can treat Leukemia altogether.
Since the idea of dandelion extract being a potential cancer treatment
sparked in 2009, Dr. Siyaram Pandey and Dr. Caroline Hamm saw this treatment to be a "revolutionary change" that could completely alter the direction of cancer research and cancer treatments. While a cancer treatment will likely never be accepted since it would cost the drug companies billions of dollars, this natural solution did receive approval by Health Canada for clinical trials on humans.
This is good news, as Dr. Hamm noticed that patients drinking dandelion tea seemed to be improving.
A Handful of Dandelion's Beneficial Properties Dandelion, known to many as Taraxacum officinale (meaning "official remedy for disorders") has already been proven to help with a host of diseases including preventing liver disease, slowing hepatitis, and jaundice, cleansing the system of kidney stones, assisting in weight loss, eliminating acne, improving bowel functions for those who suffer from either constipation or diarrhea, eliminating acid indigestion and acid reflux, and controlling diabetes.
Dandelion provide so many benefits that the edible weed is considered one of the top
Chinese healing herbs.
Dandelion leaves have some of the highest levels of Vitamin A (more than cod liver and beef) and are full of other micronutrients including copper, zinc, boron, molybdenum, cobalt as well as lots of Vitamin D. Rounding out the benefits of Dandelion, they are decent source of plant-based protein. Dandelion is also rich in fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium and B vitamins.
Considering more people are turning to better nutrition to treat their cancers, it seems that dandelion is yet another natural treatment, with the perfect combination of nutrients to support non-cancerous cells and to eliminate unhealthy ones.
Now, with more clinical research to document dandelion as a cancer cure, it can possibly take the place of expensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments that eradicate healthy cells and bank accounts too. You can pick your own dandelion leaves, dry them in the sun, and make your own teas by pouring near-boiling water over the leaves, roots and stems, or you can purchase the supplement in tincture or pre-made tea forms, just look for certified organic and fair trade if you won't be making your own dandelion tea.
Additional Sources:
CBC News MetroNews Source: Natural Society
