(NaturalNews) Time to put the "dandelions are annoying weeds" thoughts to rest.

Its roots, sap and leaves are powerful ways to help heal the body, ranging from improving liver function to combating skin conditions such as eczema (1). In fact, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, "Native Americans also boiled dandelion in water and took it to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn and upset stomach." (2)

Dandelion has been used successfully across a variety of cultures, for several applications. It's no secret that it's an excellent way to keep the body healthy.

Here's a closer look at some of the top health benefits of dandelion.

How dandelion helps health

1. Maintains proper liver function. Dandelion root is known to prevent liver hemorrhaging, but it also improves blood purity and the flow of bile, which the liver manages and plays a role in.

2. Fights acne and eczema. Have a case of bad acne? Drinking dandelion juice acts as a stimulant, detoxifier, diuretic and antioxidant that helps to fight off toxins which often result from out-of-balance hormones. The toxins are ultimately sweat out through the skin and because of the juice's stimulating ability, pores are widened to help ease the process. Dandelion sap may also be used topically.

Furthermore, because its sap is highly alkaline and has germ-fighting properties, it's touted as an ideal way to manage a variety of skin conditions including general itching, eczema and ringworm.

3. Improve eye health. The American Optometric Association advises people consume at least 12 milligrams combined of lutein and zeaxanthin daily to help lowers the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (3). Dandelion greens contain both of these nutrients. In fact, just one cup exceeds the American Optometric Association's recommendation to maintain eye health, containing 15 milligrams of lutein and zeaxanthin.

4. Weight loss aid. Consuming dandelion greens is ideal for those trying to shed a few pounds. Not only are they low in calories, but they act as a diuretic, causing water weight to be omitted through urination in a safe manner.

Sources for this article include:

(1) http://www.naturalnews.com

(2) http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/dandelion#ixzz317yXXUQA

(3) http://www.livestrong.com

About the author:
Raw Michelle is a natural health blogger and researcher, sharing her passions with others, using the Internet as her medium. She discusses topics in a straight forward way in hopes to help people from all walks of life achieve optimal health and well-being. She has authored and published hundreds of articles on topics such as the raw food diet and green living in general. >>> Click here to see more by Michelle