Emma Miller
Dandelion is a healthy food. Dandelions are much more than just a weed in the backyard. These beautiful yellow flowers that appear in the spring have been used for centuries in medicine, in traditional Chinese medicine, in Europe, and by Native Americans on Mount Sinai.
The plant’s botanical name is Taraxacum officinale, according to PeaceHealth, and dandelion roots or leaves (or both) can be used to brew a tea that is potentially good for you.
What is dandelion tea?
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, dandelion tea has been traditionally used in alternative medicine.
Dandelion tea is made from the root and/or leaf. Typically, the root is used to treat liver and gallbladder problems, and the leaves are used as a diuretic.
Dandelion leaves are also often eaten as salad and cooked greens. Dandelion coffee, made from roasted dandelion root, is a superfood drink that is said to taste like coffee but has the same health benefits as dandelion tea.
While there is some research on the health benefits of dandelion, it is mostly conducted on animals, not humans. This means that while these studies point to the potential of dandelion, more research is needed to confirm its supposed benefits.
Relieves bloating
Dandelion tea has diuretic properties, so it helps relieve bloating.
According to a study, taking dandelion leaf extract led to increased urination. Water weight and bloating decreased.
Full of vitamins and minerals
For a plant that is often considered a nuisance, dandelion is a healthy food. According to the US Department of Agriculture, 30 grams of dandelion greens contain the following:
- Vitamin K: 184% of the daily value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 11% of the daily value
- Vitamin E: 7% of the daily value
- Vitamin A: 16% OF THE RDA
- Calcium: 4% CH
- Iron: 5% CH
- Potassium: 2% CH
- Magnesium: 2% CH
- Zinc: 1% CH
Lowers blood sugar levels
Laboratory studies have shown that dandelion lowers blood sugar, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
According to the review, dandelions contain a substance called fructooligosaccharides, which can stabilize blood sugar levels. Dandelion also has anti-inflammatory properties.
More research is needed to better understand whether dandelion (and especially dandelion tea) can help people with type 2 diabetes – with clinical trials involving humans.
Associated with improved liver function
Dandelion tea can help your liver perform one of its main tasks – better remove toxins from the body.
According to a study on animals, dandelion tea dramatically increases a detoxifying enzyme. And dandelions are listed as a plant with protective effects for the liver in a June 2015 article in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Full of antioxidants
Dandelion is a particularly rich source of beta-carotene, along with carrots, according to an August 2016 review in The Review of Diabetic Studies. Beta-carotene helps the body produce vitamin A, according to the University of Rochester Health – it is also an antioxidant.
The flowers of the plant are also a source of antioxidants. Antioxidants fight free radicals and help maintain cellular health.
Has potential anti-cancer properties
Dandelions may have anti-cancer properties.
For example, dandelion root extract blocked the penetration of breast cancer cells, and dandelion leaf extract blocked prostate cancer cells in a study. This indicates that dandelion root may play a role in preventing the growth of prostate or breast cancer cells.
But it’s important to note that these studies were not conducted on humans, and there is no scientific evidence that Dandelions can treat or prevent cancer, according to MSKCC. Again, this is an area that needs more research.
Can help digestion
Like other bitter herbs, dandelions can help digestion, according to PeaceHealth. Eating them encourages your body to produce more saliva, gastric juice, and digestive enzymes.
It can also act as a laxative, which is helpful for constipation.
Possibly reduces the incidence of UTIs
There is some potential that Dandelion may help reduce urinary tract infections (UTIs).
For example, there is limited evidence that taking Uva Ursi (a herbal product containing dandelion root) may help reduce recurrent UTIs, according to a study published in September 2017 in Trials.
Related to cholesterol regulation
Animal studies show that dandelions can help with cholesterol. In some studies, dandelion helped lower total cholesterol while increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
This is a positive sign, but without more research, we cannot know if we will see the same effect in humans.
Potentially fights inflammation
Inflammation isn’t all bad: it helps your body heal from an infection or cut, according to Harvard Health Publishing. But chronic inflammation, also known as persistent low-grade inflammation, is more problematic and has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, dementia, depression, cancer, and arthritis.
How to make dandelion tea
In his book Integrative Medicine, David Ruckel suggests a good ratio of dandelion to water. This tea can be drunk up to 3 times a day.
Add 1 to 2.5 teaspoons (4 to 10 grams) of dried dandelion leaves or 0.5 to 2 teaspoons (2 to 8 grams) of dandelion root to a cup. Pour 1/2 to 1 cup of water. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain the dandelion.
Side effects of dandelion tea
Allergies
According to the NCCIH, dandelion is generally safe to consume. But like any herbal supplement, it can potentially lead to side effects.
Some people are allergic to dandelion and may not be aware of it, so be especially careful if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, calendula, and chamomile, as you may have an allergic reaction to dandelion, according to the NCCIH.
Interaction with dandelion medications
According to Mount Sinai, dandelion can interact with some medications, including:
- Antacids
- lithium
- blood thinners
- Ciprofloxacin
- hypoglycemic drugs
According to the MSKCC, you should avoid dandelion if you have hormone-sensitive cancer, chronic kidney disease, or are taking immunosuppressants.
Talk to your healthcare provider before drinking dandelion tea as part of your regular routine. And keep in mind that this tea is not a substitute for any prescribed medications.
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