How To Make Dandelion Tea And Health Benefits Of The Dandelion Plant

So many of the best teas and tinctures come from nature. In fact, dandelion roots and other parts of the dandelion plant could be of more use than you realize. Who knew a tiny botanical related to the daisy could pack such a wellness punch? There’s much more to some herbs and plants than meets the eye.

Read here for the benefits of dandelion plant parts like roots, leaves, and flowers, as well as the steps for making dandelion tea.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Dandelion Roots, Leaves, And Flowers?

Let’s start with one of the flower’s most popular benefits — it is a natural diuretic and has mild laxative properties.¹

The nutritional profile of the dandelion is interesting, as it contains the following:

Complex carbohydrates
Carotenoids
Fatty acids
Minerals
Pectin
Calcium
Iron
Potassium^2,3

And it’s because of the plant’s nutritional profile that it is said to potentially support—

Digestive Health
Weight loss
Bone health
Gall bladder health
Liver Health
Heart health
Healthy blood sugar levels^4,5,6

Furthermore, dandelion roots are chock full of antioxidants. Of course, this could mean major help for your body when it comes to fighting free radical damage — which is associated with premature aging.⁷

Note: Dandelion tea is a natural diuretic and for some may even have a mild laxative effect.⁸

What Is Dandelion Tea And What Does It Taste Like?

If you were to make a dandelion tea bag, what would you put in it? The answer is simple: you could use dandelion flowers, leaves, or even the roots. In fact, dandelion roots are a popular ingredient in dandelion tea blends.

If you allow dandelions to grow in your garden, you know the flowers pop in the spring — that’s the time to harvest the flower and the root. But, if you prefer dandelion leaf tea, fall’s your season. And if your thumb’s not so green, you can purchase dandelion extract. It is super easy to order dandelion extract online if you can’t find it in your local tea house.

Most folks think of dandelions as weeds. But if you’re aware of the health benefits of dandelion, you know it’s so much more than a weed. The flavor of dandelion tea is mild and sweet. You can deepen the flavor profile and aroma by roasting the leaves. Dandelion tea bags also go well when brewed with some of the more robust teas, like black tea or chai. A lemon slice could be the perfect addition to your tasty tea, too.

How To Make Dandelion Tea: Recipe, Ingredients, And Steps

Now that you know all of the great things dandelion tea may potentially do for you, it’s time to actually make the tea.

What You Need:

Dandelion roots
Dandelion flowers
Dandelion leaves
Water
Strainer
Sauce pot
Teapot

What To Do:

If you’re making dandelion flower tea…

Boil 3 cups of water in your sauce pot.
As you wait for your water to boil, select 30 dandelion flower heads. Remove all the stems and leaves and place flower heads in a colander. Rinse well with cool water.
Place the flower heads in your teapot.
Pour your boiling water into a covered teapot. Let the flower heads steep for 20 minutes.
Sweeten with honey or add a lemon slice and enjoy your tea hot or cold.

If you’re making nutritious dandelion root tea…

Cut the taproot of the dandelion and rinse well in frigid water. Let the roots dry completely.
Boil a quart of water in your saucepan. Chop your dandelion roots into smaller, quarter inch bits.
Add two dandelion root bits to your boiling water. (If you’re working with dandelion root powder, simply add two teaspoons to your boiled water).
Simmer for 20 minutes. Then, strain the root.
Enjoy.

If you’re making dandelion leaf tea…

Select your dandelion leaves(young, delicate dandelions have the best leaf flavor). Wash the leaves in cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
Boil at least 3 cups of water in your saucepot.
Select about 18 leaves. Place the leaves in your teapot and add boiling water.
Let the leaves steep for 10-12 minutes.
Strain the leaves. Sweeten with honey or add lemon and enjoy.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Drinking Dandelion Tea?

While the Food and Drug Administration has deemed dandelion tea safe to consume, there are a few possible side effects. These issues shouldn’t present themselves unless you drink the tea in great excess.

Furthermore, if you’re using your own dandelions, make sure they’ve not been grown roadside or under pesticides. Some side effects may include —

Mouth sores
Heartburn
Skin irritation
Hives

Finally, pregnant women and those breast-feeding should avoid dandelion tea. And those taking blood-thinners or blood pressure drugs should also avoid the tea.⁹ If you’re not sure if dandelion tea is right for you, talk to your doctor.

For many, dandelion tea can be a fun, delicious and caffeine-free way to support your overall health.

Learn More:
White Tea Vs Black Tea: Essential Comparisons
Time For Tea? How Green Tea Extract Can Help You Lose Weight
Soda, Alcohol, And Dieting: Are Drinks Sabotaging Your Weight Loss Goals?

Sources:
1 https://circulatingnow.nlm.nih.gov/2016/06/07/the-dandelion/
2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5553762/
3 https://circulatingnow.nlm.nih.gov/2016/06/07/the-dandelion/
4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5553762/
5 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5553762/
6 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314289194_The_Effect_of_Dandelion_Leaves
7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5341965/
8 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3155102/
9 http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productid=107&pid=33&gid=000236