Eating common plant found in garden can prevent bloating and improves gut health

You'd be forgiven for thinking the common dandelion is nothing more than a garden weed – however, a forager has claimed it possesses several significant health benefits.

Feebee Foran regularly provides insights into natural ingredients and remedies via TikTok and her latest clip explores dandelions' impact on the gut. "A single dandelion has so much power in it - particularly for your gut and your bile," she began.

She advised that eating one dandelion leaf 30 minutes before a meal will help your body produce the "perfect amount of bile" to process your food at the right pace. "That means you're going to have less bloating and less tummy problems," she added.

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Feebee admitted jokingly that although they may be an "acquired taste", so was vodka and beer when she first tried them. She went on to highlight the dandelions' petals also had benefits, and she said these could be "sprinkled over a salad".

"As a herbalist we consider the dandelion to be the perfect plant," she gushed. "Every single part of the dandelion is made to help you." In a second video, Feebee explained another way to utilise the plant is to dig up the roots, chop them and up and place them in the oven to roast.

"Then those roots can be made into a tea – or as they really call it, a coffee – but you make it exactly the same way as a tea by covering them in boiling water," she added. "It makes a really dark, bitter tasting coffee that will take care of your insides.

"I absolutely love this, we are brought up that they are to be destroyed but yet they look like sunshine and are so helpful," declared one Feebee's 3,000 followers in response.

A second reported: "I grow dandelions and nettled in a pot in the garden. I add them to stews or make a pot of tea." A third TikTok user hailed: "I absolutely love this video reason being is you’ve made the information for and you’ve made me want to go out and try dandelion leaf which I am going to do."

Whilst a fourth praised: "My stomach has been so much better for swapping coffee for dandelion coffee alternative!" Others questioned whether dandelions would have any effect on bile in those who have had their gallbladders removed. "I have no gallbladder," explained Feebee. "Even without a gallbladder, Dandelion will help stimulate bile from your liver."

Healthline backs up Feebee's advice, stating on its web site: "Dandelion greens can be eaten cooked or raw and are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain vitamin E, folate, and small amounts of other B vitamins.

"Dandelion greens provide several minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Dandelion root is rich in the carbohydrate inulin, a type of soluble fibre found in plants that supports the growth and maintenance of healthy gut bacteria in your digestive tract."

Richters supports the gallbladder subject, adding: "Even without a gall bladder, you can stimulate the production and flow of bile from the liver with bitter herbs. Dandelion root is a common herb used to stimulate the secretion of bile. A dandelion root tincture (or tea, if you like the taste) should be taken 15 minutes before you eat."

However, it's important to make sure dandelions are completely clean before you enjoy them. You should also avoid eating dandelions that have grown in public places.