Dandelion is a famous weed of the daisy family, with a bunch of leaves and more bright yellow flowers. The leaves and roots of dandelion are dried and utilized to prepare dandelion tea and can benefit your health in myriad ways. Dandelion tea is a rich source of vitamin A, C, and D. It provides high amounts of iron, zinc, and magnesium.
Here are the benefits of dandelion tea:
Highly Nutritious
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Regarding nutritional value, the dandelion grows in your backyard with another vegetable. From flower to root, dandelions are highly nutritious plants, containing plenty of fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Dandelion greens can be eaten raw or cooked and serve as an excellent source of vitamin A, K, and C. They also consist of vitamin E, some vitamins B, and folate.
Additionally, dandelion greens offer a substantial quantity of many minerals, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and ion. The dandelion root consists of rich carbohydrate inulin, which is a type of soluble fiber present in plants that help the maintenance and growth of healthy bacterial flora in the intestinal tract. Dandelion root is often dried and taken as tea but can also eat in the whole form.
Good for Digestion
Dandelion tea can provide positive effects on the digestive system. It enhances appetite and soothes digestive ailments. According to different studies, dandelions help the digestive system by controlling the proper bile flow. Dandelion tea helps in mineral absorption and soothes the stomach lining.
Detoxifies the Liver
The liver is responsible for the product bile, which helps enzymes in your body to break down fats into fatty acids and also detoxify and filter the blood.
The nutrients and vitamins present in dandelions help to maintain and cleanse the right functioning of the liver.
Acts as a Diuretic
Dandelion tea provides a natural diuretic effect as it benefits in eliminating extra fluid from the body and relieves bloating. It helps your life to remove toxins.
Reduces Water Weight
According to a study of 2009 in the Journal-of-Alternative-and-Complementary-Medicine, people showed a significant rise in urination frequency after the first 2 doses of dandelion tea. Water weight and bloating lowered.
Provide Plenty of Antioxidants
Dandelion tea consists of more antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that help to prevent cell damage. The body used antioxidants to combat the harm of free radicals, which is very harmful for tissues of the body and linked with premature aging and cancer.
Fortunately, drinking dandelion tea helps the body prevent cell damage from free radicals.
Fights Diabetes
Different research has shown that dandelion tea reduces blood sugar levels and can treat diabetes. It removes extra sugar that is stored in the body because of its diuretic properties. It also helps to stimulate the production o insulin from the pancreas. It is the best way to combat diabetes naturally.
Treats Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Dandelion tea can help to stop urinary tract infections. It is also a bladder disorder, kidney problems, and possibly cysts over reproductive organs.
A combination of dandelion leaf and root extracts of Uva Ursi herb can be taken orally helps to treat UTI in females. In this combination, Uva Ursi is used to destroy bacteria, and dandelion tea help to stimulate urine production and lower infection.
Fights Cancer
Dandelion tea consists of anti-cancerous properties. A study of 2011 from the Department-of-Chemistry-and-Biochemistry-at-the-University-of-Windsor in Canada discovered that dandelion root tea was good in killing various types of cancer because of its ability to free radicals.
May Help Fight Inflammation
Dandelion may help in lowering inflammation occurred by diseases because of the presence of different bioactive syntheses like polyphenols within the plants.
Inflammation is one of the natural responses of the body to illness and injury. More inflammation can lead to permanent damage to DNA and tissues of the body.
Some test-tube research has shown a significant decrease in inflammation creator in cells treated with dandelion compounds.
Research in mice with artificially triggered inflammatory lung problems shows a significant reduction of inflammation in lungs in those animals that get dandelion.
May Lower Cholesterol
Some of the bioactive synthesis in dandelion may decrease cholesterol, which may lower heart ailment risk.
One animal research has shown a dramatic decrease of triglyceride and cholesterol levels in mice that were treated with extract of dandelion.
May Lower Blood Pressure
Some people claim that dandelion may decrease blood pressure, but supporting proof is limited. Traditional herbal medicine practices tried diuretic effects based on the belief that this can detoxify some organs.
In Western medicine, diuretic medications are used to remove the body of extra fluid, which can reduce blood pressure. According to human research, dandelion is an effective diuretic. However, this research was performed over a short time and involved only 17 people.
Dandelion consists of potassium, a mineral linked with reduced blood pressure in those with previously increased levels. Thus, dandelion may offer an effect on blood pressure because of potassium content.
Useful Skincare Treatment
According to the test tube and animal research shows that dandelion may save against skin damage from aging, sunlight, and acne. In one study, dandelion flower and leaf extracts saved against skin damage when applied before or after exposure to UVB radiation. Interestingly, dandelion root was not effective in a similar way.
One of the features of aging skin is a lowered in the healthy production, new skin cells. One test-tube research showed that dandelion root extract raises the new skin cells generation, which slows the aging process.
Additionally, research shows that dandelion extract may lower skin irritation and inflammation while also boosting collagen and hydration production. It may help treat and prevent acne type.
May Support Healthy Bones
There is little research that has been performed on dandelions’ effect on bone health, though some of their nutritional elements lead to the care of healthy and strong bones. Dandelion greens are the best source of vitamin K and calcium both of which are linked with the prevention of bone loss.
Inulin, a fiber present in the dandelion root, may also help healthy bones from improved digestion and boost healthy gut bacteria.
Dosage and Supplement Forms
Dandelion leaves, flowers, and stems are often eaten in their natural state and can be consumed raw or cooked. The root is commonly ground, dried, and eaten as a tea or coffee substitute.
Dandelion is also present in supplement forms, such as extract, capsules, and tinctures. Presently, there are no clear dosage recommendations, as some human research has been conducted on the supplement of dandelion.
According to some data, recommended dosages for different forms of dandelion are:
- Dried leaves: 4–10 grams, (daily)
- Fresh leaves: 4–10 grams, (daily)
- Fresh leaf juice: 1 teaspoon ((5 ml), twice daily)
- Fresh roots: 2–8 grams, daily.
- Leaf tincture: 0.4–1 teaspoon (2–5 ml)(three times a day)
- Fluid extract: 1–2 teaspoon (5–10 ml), (daily)
- Dried powder: 250–1,000 mg, (four times a day)
Possible Side Effects
Dandelion is safe and does not cause toxicity for most people, especially when eaten as a food in its whole form. However, remember that research is still very limited and it is utilized is not 100% risk-free.
Dandelion can lead to allergic reactions, especially in people with allergies to similar plants like ragweed. Contact dermatitis can also happen in people with sensitive skin. Dandelion may interact unfavorably with a few medications, especially some diuretics and antibiotics. If you are on any prescription medications, always talk to your doctors before consuming dandelion.
Dandelions are not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle, and balanced diet, especially about ailment treatment and prevention. They are a nutritious and unique addition to the wellness routine.
Dandelion provides benefits to some therapeutic health benefits but does not count it. Research on particular applications for dandelion is lacking in human studies.
Dandelions are unlikely to cause harm, when you are not allergic to or consuming some medications. Always talk to a qualified healthcare professional before including a new herbal supplement in your diet.
Medication Interactions
Dandelions may reduce the absorption of some antibiotics and reduce the effectiveness of the medications. Take your physician’s advice before consuming dandelion if you are on antibiotics including norfloxacin and Cipro. People who are suffering from kidney problems or consume medications for kidney ailments should talk to a nutritionist or physician before using dandelion tea.
Tips To Make Tea with Dandelions
Dandelion tea can be prepared using dried or fresh parts of the dandelion plant. You can harvest the dandelions yourself or take pre-packed dandelion teas. If you wish to brew homemade dandelion tea, drying the plant part can prepare you to brew more efficiently or faster. The best way to dry the dandelion flowers or leaves is to dry them in direct sunlight or to use a dehydrator.
Store the fresh or dried dandelion in airtight jars to preserve the aroma and flavor. Do not use a clear glass jar as sunlight can impact the look and taste of the dandelion tea. Instead, use tea tin or glass jars. If you need help starting with the right tools.
Dandelion tea may have bitter flavors. To balance out the astringent notes, you can add sweeteners like raw honey or blend with the dandelion plant’s other part with herbal tea leaves.
Easy Dandelion Leaf Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon dandelion greens
- 8-10 ounces of water
- Sweetener – maple syrup, brown sugar, raw honey
Instructions:
Begin by harvesting fresh dandelion leaves. Pluck around 6-8 young leaves for good flavor.
Additionally, boil some water and add leaves to seep it for 5-10 minutes. Longer steeping times brew strong.
Remove the tea leaves and add desired sweetener or sugar.
Pumpkin Spice with Dandelion Coffee Recipe
This recipe honors the flavors of fall with pumpkin spice and blends it using the roasted notes of dandelion root. The resulting tea is aromatic and warm and perfect for cold afternoon days. You can buy prepacked pumpkin spice or prepare your own by adding nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
Ingredients:
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cup coconut milk or almond milk
- 1 teaspoon dandelion root (roasted & ground)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Instructions:
If you get fresh roots, keep them in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Roast the roots till they turn dark brown.
Boil the water in a medium saucepan.
Include the roasted dandelion root and pumpkin spice and lower heat. Simmer for 10-20 minutes.
Strain the tea into one teacup or sweeten it as desired. Include some cinnamon and a touch of whip cream for a treat.
Dandelion Flower and Rosehips Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon Cup
- 1 teaspoon dandelion flowers
- Leaf Organic Rosehip Tea
- 12 ounces of water
- Sweetener (OPTIONAL)
Instructions:
Using a small saucepan to boil water
Include the dandelion flower with rosehips in the hot water and steep it for 5-10 minutes.
Use a fine-mesh strainer to take out the flowers and rosehips.
Add some honey or cinnamon stick to sweeten.
Dandelion Root and Apple Spice Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon Leaf Apple Spice Tea
- 12 ounces of water
- 1 teaspoon dandelion root
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Sweetener
Instructions:
- Boil water in a small saucepan.
- Include the roasted cinnamon, dandelion, and apple spice in the boiling water.
- Steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Include another sweetener or stevia as desired.
Discover Dandelion Flavours
Nature lovers and different herbalists’ lovers use dandelions to make dandelion jelly, herbal teas, salads. You can do something similar by adding yellow flowers and dried roots to brew the tasty dandelion teas. Some herbal teas such as dandelion root tea can impact blood pressure, and lead to side effects. Talk to a medical expert before brewing this tea if you are consuming any medication.
Dandelion tea can be prepared by infusing the leaves, flowers, or roots in hot water.
With these all-fun recipes, ensure to brew up a tasty cup of dandelion tea that all will like. All of these recipes can be brewed as iced tea utilizing fresh plant parts or tea bags. Do not add cool water and brew depending on the hot tea guidance and then make the mixture to room temperature.
Serve using ice cubes and garnish as a perfect summertime beverage. Pour yourself one cup of tea and enjoy all the flavors with the benefits of dandelions.