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10 Ways Dandelion Tea Could Be Good for You

Written by Resurchify | Updated on: January 09, 2023

10 Ways Dandelion Tea Could Be Good for You

It's true that many still consider dandelions to be weeds, and that they can be an eyesore when they spring up in your yard, but recent research suggests that eating the blossoms could have positive effects on your digestive system and immune system. Many people claim that the flower adds a rush of nutrients to foods like salads and drinks.

The Healing Power of Dandelion Flowers

The common dandelion, with its puffy, yellow blossom head, has been misunderstood for a long time despite its frequent appearance in manicured lawns and flower beds. Even though it's typically considered a weed, dandelion root can be used as a healthy herbal tea treatment.

The dandelion, whose name comes from the French for "lion's tooth" due to the resemblance of its brightly colored, exploding petals to chrysanthemum blooms, produces seed pods that sway readily in the wind.

 It boasts the longest flowering season of any common plant, with blossoms appearing in the spring and lasting well into the summer. This seemingly random distribution may be because the seeds are as light as air and can be dispersed as far as five kilometers from their birthplace.

The health advantages of dandelion are extensive, and its beverage preparations can range from mildly pleasant to quite strong. Caffeine-free and widely available, there's no excuse not to brew up a delicious cup and enjoy the health benefits. Come with us as we explore the many uses of dandelion tea in further detail.

What Is Dandelion Tea?

Traditional herbal remedies often included dandelion root in the form of a tisane. Because of its deep hue, dandelion coffee is another name for it. In most cases, the root of the dandelion is used to make tea, but the stem, leaves, and even the entire plant can be used. Dandelion tea is popular due to its purported health advantages.

For those who enjoy coffee's aroma and flavor but can't tolerate caffeine, dandelion tea is a great alternative. Dandelion root is similar to coffee in its dark hue and rich, smokey flavor, but the leaves and stem can be brewed for a lighter, flowery flavor. As you can see, this herbal tea has the potential to be extremely adaptable and to provide a significant nutritional and metabolic boost.

The ubiquitous yellow flowers of the dandelion. Eastern European pastures brought to your backyard. If you want to avoid the hassle of selecting your dandelion root and the possibility of accidentally picking up pesticides, you may always buy pre-picked, dried, and bagged dandelion tea.

Benefits of Dandelion Tea

Although it is every gardener's worst nightmare, dandelions do have their uses. In reality, these plants have long been and widely serve a medicinal purpose in traditional traditions. Dandelion tea can refer to either an infusion prepared from the leaves of the plant or a beverage prepared from the roasted roots of the dandelion plant.

Both are useful and harmless (unless your yard has been treated with pesticides or herbicides).

Eases Bloating

Since it stimulates the urinary system to flush out excess water, dandelion tea might be helpful for those suffering from bloating.

Research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in August 2009 found that dandelion leaf extract increased the frequency with which its subjects urinated. A loss of water weight and flatulence.

Is there any truth to the claim that dandelion tea aids in fat burning? Because of its diuretic properties, dandelion is sometimes suggested as a weight loss aid. Drinking too much dandelion tea might cause dehydration, which can be useful if you're retaining water.

Diuretics may help you drop a few pounds temporarily, but all that water weight is just that and not fat. Once you get back to your normal water intake, the weight you lost will come right back.

Good for Digestion

It has been found that drinking dandelion tea can have several beneficial effects on the digestive system. Dr. Ritika Samaddar, Head of Dietetics at Max Super Speciality Hospital, claims it stimulates hunger and calms gastrointestinal issues. The consistent production of bile is something that dandelions are credited with helping us with, as shown in several studies. Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja of Fortis Hospitals says dandelion tea aids mineral absorption and calms the stomach lining.

Supports Liver Health

Ritieni suggests adding dandelion tea to your daily routine as a way to support your body's natural detoxifying functions. Liver health is important for detoxification, and this supplement has been demonstrated to do both.

New York City family and emergency medicine doctor Janette Nesheiwat, M.D., agrees that drinking the tea helps improve liver health. She explains that it aids in the cleansing process by "basically" recharging and revitalizing the body. The enzymes and antioxidants in the tea work together to boost the liver's metabolic rate.

Healing Diuretic Effect

Drinking dandelion tea can be a natural diuretic for those who are always fighting bloating or who need to flush their system. If you drink this concoction often, it will encourage you to urinate, which will flush your system of harmful substances and keep you feeling healthy and refreshed.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Taraxasterol, found in dandelion, is a substance with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. You may keep your white blood cells in check and prevent them from causing unnecessary inflammation by taking taraxasterol.

It Reduces Water Weight

Dandelion tea's diuretic properties and increased urination could help alleviate gas. Two 1-cup servings of dandelion tea, which is brewed from the plant's leaves, were associated in one research with an increase in urine production.

Full of Vitamins and Minerals

Dandelion, despite its reputation as a pesky weed, is quite potent. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, one ounce of dandelion greens has:

  • Value per Day for Vitamin K: 184% (DV)
  • One-tenth of the Daily Value of Vitamin C
  • 7 % of the Daily Value for Vitamin E.
  • Supplemental Value (% DV) for Vitamin A: 16
  • Vitamin D: 2% DV
  • Protein: 5% DV
  • Vitamin K2: 2% DV
  • Percent Daily Value for Magnesium: 2%
  • Supplemental Zinc 1% Daily Value

Detoxifies the Liver

In addition to filtering and detoxifying the blood, the liver produces bile (which aids enzymes in the body in breaking down fats into fatty acids). Dr. Ritika Samaddar says that the vitamins and nutrients included in dandelions aid in liver cleansing and maintenance.

Improves Cellular Health

Dandelion tea may assist your health on a microscopic level, according to Ryan Andrews, R.D., chief nutritionist and adviser at Precision Nutrition. Dandelion's antioxidant properties "may have far-reaching benefits for cellular health." Free radicals, which have been linked to diseases as diverse as heart disease and cancer, are thought to be neutralized by antioxidants.

Lowers Blood Sugar

Dandelion tea can be a useful tool in the fight against the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes. A study published in Diabetic Studies found that dandelions helped reduce insulin resistance and blood sugar levels.

Other Health Benefits

It Can Act as a Natural Coffee Substitute

Pre-prepared dandelion root products can be purchased from some grocery stores, but you can also grow your non-insecticide-treated dandelions in your yard and use those instead. Young dandelion plants' roots are roasted until they attain a deep brown hue. Then, it can be used as a replacement for coffee by steeping it in hot water and filtering it.

Dandelion Tea May Soothe Digestive Ailments

Although much of the data is anecdotal, drinking dandelion root tea may have several beneficial impacts on your digestive system. Historically, this herb has been used to help people eat more, deal with mild stomach pain, and even get rid of constipation.

It May Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

Dandelion roots and leaves, when combined with another herb called uva ursi, may help prevent UTIs. Dandelion's diuretic effects and the antibacterial chemicals in uva ursi are thought to be responsible for the combination's success.

Lowers Cholesterol

Those who want to lower their risk of heart disease and other health problems should work to lower their cholesterol levels. In 2012, researchers found that using dandelion to treat hyperlipidemia in animals was effective.

When there are abnormally high levels of lipids in the blood, especially cholesterol, this condition is known as hyperlipidemia. In the study, the rats given dandelion root extract had lower levels of cholesterol than the control group. Until this is confirmed by human studies, there may be an advantage of drinking dandelion tea.

Shortens the Length of the Flu

Dandelion tea may be helpful for people who have been sickened by the flu and are trying to restore their health and strength. Researchers have looked into whether or not dandelion extract can inhibit viral growth. Even though this study was conducted in vitro and further research in humans is required, the results showed indicate promise that dandelion could shorten flu recovery without any unwanted side effects.

Improves Skin Health

As a result of their healing and calming properties, flower extract and other plant ingredients are frequently hidden in skin care creams and other products, making them look like a vision of spring. Dandelion is no different, and its colorful tiny flower is thought to shield skin from the sun's harmful rays, slow the aging process, and even clear up acne. The anti-inflammatory properties of dandelion are complemented by claims that it increases collagen formation and hydration, resulting in a radiant, youthful glow that lasts throughout the day.

Promotes Gut Health & Gut Flora

Brewing up a cup of dandelion tea is an ancient folk treatment for folks with stomach problems. This vibrant and confident bloom is just what the doctor ordered to help you get your digestive system back on track, as it has been shown to improve bile flow, calm the stomach lining, and increase mineral absorption in the intestines. It has also been discovered that the dandelion plant can strengthen your body's natural probiotic characteristics by raising your lactobacillus.

May Help Stabilize Blood Sugars

According to Ritieni, dandelion tea may assist to control or regulate blood sugar levels and enhance insulin tolerance. This is supported by research from as recently as 2016, which examined the effects of dandelion on people with type 2 diabetes. Dandelion tea may provide the extra help you need in controlling your blood sugar. It's a view shared by Dr. Nesheiwat. Blood sugar levels have been observed to drop after taking this, she says.

She cautions, "It's not a replacement for your medicine, but you can occasionally decrease the quantity of medicine you take if you include it in your diet." But she stresses the importance of consulting your doctor before making any alterations to your current prescription schedule.

Helps Treat Urinary Tract Infections

Treatment for a urinary tract infection (UTI) with a strong antibiotic can lose its efficacy over time if the bacteria involved develop resistance to the drug.

Dr. Nesheiwat suggests adding dandelion tea to your treatment plan to alleviate UTI symptoms and prevent future infections. She explains that the enzyme found in dandelion tea can kill germs like E. coli, the leading cause of urinary tract infections. The diuretic effect aids the cleansing processes of the liver and kidneys. More research is needed, but a 2018 study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests that dandelion extracts could be employed in producing more effective treatments for UTIs.

Packs a Nutritional Punch

Andrews claims that weeds like dandelions can provide useful nutrients. Dandelion has "flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamins, and minerals," he says, all of which have far-reaching health impacts. A more substantial nutritional benefit may require more than just chugging a beverage. To acquire a significant amount of these nutrients from dandelion greens, they must be ingested whole.

The high soluble fiber content of the roots also helps maintain a healthy microbiome. Even though dandelions are full of beneficial vitamins and nutrients, not everyone can reap the same rewards from them, according to Robert Danoff, D.O., M.S., program director of The Family Practice Residency at Aria Health in Langhorne, PA.

Dandelion greens and tea, for instance, can set off an allergic reaction in those with ragweed pollen allergies and oral allergy syndrome. Vitamin K from dandelion greens and tea may counteract the effects of blood-thinning drugs like coumadin in some persons. Make sure it doesn't interact negatively with any other medications you're taking by having a conversation with your doctor.

Risks of Dandelion Tea

You should talk to your doctor before taking any kind of supplement, including dandelion tea, due to its powerful components. Before making or drinking dandelion tea, you should think about the following:

Daisy Allergies

Dandelion is a member of the daisy family, so anyone who is allergic to daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums will also be sensitive to dandelion.

Medication Interference

If you're already taking a diuretic, you shouldn't drink dandelion tea because the effects of the two drugs could be addictive. Lithium and other comparable medications may not work as well if used with dandelion, which is a diuretic.

Blood Pressure and Clotting

If you are on blood-thinning medication, you should avoid drinking dandelion tea since the potassium in the plant may affect blood flow and clotting. Dandelion tea is also not recommended for those who are currently using hypertension drugs.

Liver and Kidney Function

Dandelion or dandelion tea shouldn't be consumed by anyone undergoing treatment for liver or kidney problems. Those who already have kidney illness may be especially vulnerable to Dandelion's adverse effects.

Pregnancy Concerns

Concerns have been raised about the safety of drinking dandelion tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding, although the evidence is not convincing. You should hunt for an alternate solution if you are expecting or nursing a child.

Dandelion Root Tea Recipe

Dandelion tea isn't always easy to obtain in stores, but it's not hard to make at home. Before harvesting dandelion blooms for fresh dandelion tea, check sure the region has not been treated with any herbicides or pesticides.

  • Put six blossoms or leaves in a glass.
  • For best results, soak for 15 to 20 minutes in boiling water.
  • Enjoy

This Is Where It All Begins. Ignore the pretty blossoms and go right for the root if you prefer a stronger coffee-like beverage.

  • To begin, clean and dice the root.
  • Put in the oven and cook for 2 hours on the lowest setting.
  • Incorporate a single teaspoon into your beverage of choice.
  • Apply some hot water.
  • Ten minutes of steeping time is ideal.

Is Dandelion Tea Safe?

Drinking dandelion tea has no negative effects and may even have positive health advantages for most people. However, people who have had an allergic reaction to ragweed or are sensitive to it, as well as those who are already taking medicine (particularly for the kidneys or antibiotics), should either not drink the tea or consult with their doctor first.

Supports Healthy Bones

Although a number of the minerals in dandelion contribute to the preservation of strong, healthy bones, very little study has been undertaken on the effect of dandelion as a whole on bone health. Both calcium and vitamin K, which play important roles in bone health, can be found in high concentrations in dandelion greens.

Bone protein (osteocalcin) in the blood was shown to be lowered in one small study when participants ate more vitamin K-rich leafy green vegetables. This data suggests that consuming more leafy greens, such as dandelion greens, may aid in preventing bone loss.

Dandelion root's inulin fiber may also promote bone health by fostering efficient digestion and a robust gastrointestinal system. Dandelion and other greens' antioxidants may also play an important role in bone health and protect against bone loss by lowering oxidative stress, according to certain studies. While there is a dearth of data about the effects of dandelion on bone health, it is known that certain components of the plant aid in the development and maintenance of healthy bones.

Dosage and Supplement Forms

The entire dandelions, including the leaves, stems, and flowers, are edible and can be eaten either cooked or uncooked. Common usage for the root is as a coffee or tea additive after it has been dried and pulverized. You can get dandelion as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules, an extract, or a tincture. Due to a lack of studies involving humans, no definitive dosage guidelines can be established at this time. The following dandelion dosages, however, are suggested by the data that is currently available.

  • Leafy Greens: 4-10 grams daily

Four to ten grams of dried leaves each day

  • Take a tincture of the leaves, usually between 0.4 and 1 teaspoon (2 and 5 mL), three times a day.
  • One fresh teaspoon (5 mL) of leaf juice twice daily.
  • Every day, take 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 mL) of the fluid extract.
  • Roughly 2-8 grams of fresh roots once daily
  • Powdered form: 250-1,000 milligrams, four times daily

Because of this lack of data, there are currently no recommended dosages for dandelion supplements. Dosage for various dandelion varieties may vary.

Nutrients and Foods: The Facts

Ingredients in a single cup of raw dandelion:

  • Weight loss potential: 25 calories
  • 1.5 grams of protein
  • Total Fat: 0.4 g
  • Total carbohydrate content: 5.1 g
  • Weighing in around 1.9 grams
  • 0.4 grams of sugar

You can get a lot of these from dandelion:

  • Beta-carotene
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium
  • Iron and Zinc
  • Vitamin A is abundant in dandelion leaves, which makes them a great food source. Vitamin A has been linked in several studies to a decreased chance of developing diseases like cataracts, diarrhea, measles, and even breast cancer.

Can You Drink Dandelion Tea Every Day?

It's simple to reap the health advantages of dandelion greens by consuming a cupful daily.

Conclusion

Dandelion plants and pills, despite their numerous purported benefits, are not meant to take the place of a varied and healthy diet and active lifestyle. To be more precise, there is a dearth of application-oriented research, particularly in humans. Nonetheless, this root vegetable is a novel and healthy addition to your diet if consumed in its entirety, including the greens, roots, and blossoms, in dishes such as salads, baked goods, sides, and snacks.

You should talk to your doctor before starting a supplement regimen that includes dandelion.

Your own garden's version of a tea that's either incredibly mild or incredibly satisfying? Okay, that's OK. We won't look at dandelions as a bothersome nuisance now that we know they're chock full of useful nutrients and can be brewed into a tasty beverage. In addition to enjoying this exquisite tea on its own, you may also add turmeric to it, or strike a delicate balance by adding green tea or chamomile.


         

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