6 Remarkable Health Benefits of Dandelion Tea
Did you know that in some parts of Europe,
dandelion leaves are added to salads? Or that dandelion tea prepared
from the flowers, leaves, and toasted roots of this plant have been
traditionally used as a remedy for urinary tract infections, the common
cold, and toxin accumulation in the body for centuries? All this may
sound extremely surprising to many of us who consider the
yellow-flowered plant a persistent garden weed. But it’s true -
dandelions are good for more than just blowing off their seeds to make a
wish come true...
First of all, the low-calorie herbal tea is
an excellent source of many nutrients, such as beta-carotene and
vitamin A, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iron. In addition, scientists
have already verified many of the traditional health claims associated
with dandelion tea, and many more are to be authenticated soon.
An example of the latter is that only recently scientists have started
to explore the anti-cancer benefits of dandelions, and in-vitro studies
have already confirmed that a concentrated dandelion extract can
eradicate melanoma and pancreatic cancer cells in a petri dish.
Hopefully, further studies will likewise confirm that this so-called
“garden weed” is also capable of helping live cancer patients, too, so
stay tuned for updates.
While the cancer-fighting effect of dandelion tea has limited research
support, there are many other, verified benefits of the herbal tea - we
list 6 such benefits below.
1. Relieves bloating and improves digestion
When you feel like your tummy is bloated and your food is stuck in the
stomach heavy as a rock, try sipping on some dandelion tea. Dandelion
tea is a known diuretic, which means that it will make your body drain
of excess swelling and water weight, and it will increase your urine
output. Therefore, the tea may be beneficial for a bloated belly.
In fact, one study has shown a diuretic effect after participants drank
just 2 cups of dandelion leaf tea. In addition, dandelion root tea is
said to soothe an irritated digestive system and relieve constipation.
Historically, dandelion root tea is also often used to improve one’s
appetite.
2. Prevents urinary tract infections
Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) are surprisingly common and
the numbers of people affected by persistent UTIs are growing every year
according to The Guardian. The Harvard Medical School confirmed that
many bacteria that cause UTIs are becoming antibiotic-resistant these
days. According to Dr. Lisa Bebell, an infectious diseases specialist at
Massachusetts General Hospital, "Antimicrobial-resistant UTIs are on
the rise and have been since the early 2000s."
Therefore, being able to prevent recurring UTIs and avoid taking
excessive antibiotics is key. One promising preventative method is a
mixture of dandelion and bearberry (also known as uva-ursi) - a commonly
sold combination that has been shown to offer antibacterial and
preventative benefits for those at risk for UTIs - a list that includes
pregnant women, men over 50, and menopausal women, to name a few.
3. Aids in weight loss
A recently discovered benefit of dandelion tea is its ability to aid in
weight loss. Curiously, recent Korean research has noted that dandelion
is very similar to the weight loss drug Orlistat. This drug works by
blocking the synthesis of pancreatic lipase, a certain enzyme that
breaks down fat in the digestion process.
According to the study, the dandelion extract had very similar results
to the anti-obesity drug in an animal model, which means that dandelion
may have some weight loss benefits. Since the flower also has digestive
and diuretic benefits, as we mentioned earlier, dandelion tea may
actually be an excellent choice for those who seek to lose excess
weight.
4. Can serve as a coffee replacement
Those of you who already tried dandelion
tea may already know it as a natural coffee substitute. It’s true - when
roasted, the roots of the dandelion become caramelized and have a rich,
sweet, toasty flavor and a deep aroma when brewed into a herbal tea. In
fact, you can easily make your own dandelion “coffee” from fresh roots,
here's how:
First, keep in mind that it’s instrumental to only use pesticide-free
dandelions for this recipe. Also, remember that it’s best to harvest the
roots in the fall.
To harvest dandelion roots, simply pull out the plant, cut off the
leaves, wash the roots until completely clean with tepid water, chop
them up into smaller pieces, and roast them in the oven at 200°F (95°C)
for 2-3 hours until the roots harden and brown up. Simmer about 3
tablespoons of ground-up roasted roots with 250 ml (8.5 oz) water on low
heat for 15-20 minutes to prepare 1 cup of dandelion coffee.
5. Promotes liver health
In traditional medicine, dandelion root
extract has been used as a detoxifying liver tonic for centuries.
Naturopaths use dandelion root tea to cleanse the liver and relieve
symptoms of liver problems. There is finally some scientific evidence
that confirms that, in fact, dandelion root extract may boost the flow
of bile, which is why the herbal tea may be able to improve symptoms of
liver disease.
In addition, a 2017 study has concluded that dandelion may be beneficial
to liver function due to its naturally high concentration of
polysaccharides.
6. Can lower blood pressure
The last but definitely not the least
benefit dandelion tea may have is its ability to lower blood pressure.
Studies show that it may be due to a high concentration of potassium in
dandelions. As you may know, potassium is an electrolyte that has the
ability to stimulate the heartbeat and help the kidneys strain out
toxins better from the blood.
That said if you’re already taking diuretic medications to manage your
blood pressure, combining it with dandelion tea may be overkill, and
could lead to undesired dangerous consequences, so make sure to consult
your doctor before starting to drink it every day. In fact, if you’re on
any prescription medication, always make sure to talk to your physician
if you decide to take any natural remedy, including dandelion tea.